The Best Panda Express String Bean Chicken Copycat Recipe (2024)

Published: Nov 15, 2023 by Chahinez · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

This is one of my favorite Asian-inspired recipes on the Panda Express menu.No need to head to the store you can make this recipe at home!

It is my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep to take to work, or an easy Chinese potluck recipe.

You can pair your chicken with a side of white rice, fried rice, or lo mein. If you want a lower-carb meal, try adding cauliflower rice on the side.

If you love this Panda recipe, be sure to try Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon, Orange Chicken, and Bourbon Chicken.

What do I need to make Panda Express String Bean Chicken?

For the Chicken:

• Chicken:is the main protein in this recipe. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Hoisin Sauce:is both tangy and salty, kind of like BBQ sauce.
• Soy Sauce: brings a delicious umami flavor to your marinated chicken.
• Sesame Oil:has a neutral flavor, which is ideal for this chicken marinade.
• Cornstarch:helps crisp up your chicken nuggets to golden brown while they’re in the pan.
• Shaoxing Wine:has a dry and sweet flavor. You can also substitute this for chicken stock.
• Salt and Pepper:both enhance flavors and bring a hint of spice.
• Vegetable Oil:is placed into your skillet to keep your chicken from sticking.

Making the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce:is perfect for adding an umami flavor. You can use coconut aminos if you want to make this recipe gluten-free. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce.
• Chicken Broth:adds a chicken flavor to your sauce, which is perfect for this chicken sauce.
• Brown Sugar:gives your sauce a sticky texture and a sweet flavor.
• Sesame Oil:is a neutral flavored oil with a hint of a nutty sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes:will bring a little bit of a spicy flavor to your sauce.
• Corn Starch:this will help with thickening your sauce.

For the Vegetables:

• Vegetable Oil:is used to keep your veggies from sticking to your pan.
• Garlic:adds in a pungent, savory flavor.
• Ginger:brings a fresh, spicy flavor to your green beans.
• Green Beans:is your veggie for this recipe. Green beans both give your dish color, and string beans cook quickly, making this a quick meal.
• Onion:I prefer to use a white onion because they’re best in a stir fry and are mild and a bit sweet.

How to Make Panda Express String Bean Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the green beans and sliced white onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but are still crisp-tender. Pour the sauce over the vegetables then bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes or until it has slightly thickened.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
7. Serve your string bean chicken over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

See Also

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Recipe Tips:

Veggies:be sure to cut your veggies all around the same size. This will allow even cooking and will also make your dish’s presentation a little better.

Slurry:when using your cornstarch, be sure that you’ve stirred it up completely and that all of the lumps are out before putting it into your recipe.

Soy Sauce:I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce as regular soy sauce may cause your dish to become a little too salty. Ingredients like hoisin sauce and chicken broth will already give your marinade and sauce a salt taste.

String Bean Chicken Recipe Variations

Change the Meat:you can change up your chicken breasts for chicken thighs, beef, pork or even shrimp.

Change the Veggies:Add broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers.

Make it gluten-free:instead of using soy sauce, try using liquid or coconut aminos.

Make it Spicy:add in red chili flakes or hot chili oil.

Can I Use This Recipe for Meal Prep?

Yes. This is a great recipe to use as meal prep for the week. It is super easy to reheat and will last you the work week.

I recommend keeping everything separate and putting it together when you’re warming it up. I like to serve mine with a scoop of white rice.

Green Beans vs. String Green Beans?

There isn’t too much of a difference between the two. String beans are just skinnier than your regular green beans.

Is This String Bean Chicken Recipe Healthy?

Making this recipe from home makes it healthier than the restaurant version. Using high-quality ingredients, this delicious recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner meal prep.

How Do I Store String Bean Chicken Leftovers?

To store, let your leftovers cool to room temperature and then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four or five days. I recommend storing all of your ingredients in separate containers, as this will keep your dish a little fresh. It’s a perfect meal prep recipe.