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Spicy Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

This Spicy Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is what I make when I want something fast, flavorful, and better than takeout.

Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

This stir fry is loaded with garlicky heat, tender chicken, and crisp-tender green beans, all coated in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Pair it with steamed rice and maybe a few egg rolls, and you’ve got a full dinner that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you like spice, this one hits the mark. You can always pull it back if needed, but we like it with a little kick. Add some extra chili garlic if you’re about it.

Why You'll Love This Dish

  • Fast Weeknight Dinner – On the table in about 30 minutes.
  • Better Than Takeout – Bold, garlicky flavor and just the right amount of spice.
  • Great Leftovers – Holds up well in the fridge and reheats like a champ.
  • Flexible Heat Level – You control the spice, from mild to fire.
  • One Wok Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Recipe Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – Lean protein that cooks fast and soaks up the sauce. You can swap for thighs if you like it richer.
  • Green Beans – Brings crunch, color, and a fresh snap. Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch—just don’t overcook them.
  • Avocado Oil – High smoke point and neutral flavor. You can sub with canola or vegetable oil if needed.
  • Soy Sauce – Salty, umami-rich base for the sauce. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt levels.
  • Water – Helps balance the sauce and loosen the texture for proper thickening.
  • Mirin – A touch of sweetness and acidity that deepens flavor. Rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar is a decent substitute.
  • Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way. Adds that classic nutty finish common in stir-fry dishes.
  • Minced Garlic – Star of the show here. Fresh garlic gives the best punch.
  • Chili Garlic Sauce – Brings heat and flavor. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.
  • Sriracha – Layers in another type of spice—smooth and tangy.
  • Brown Sugar – Balances the heat and salt with a hint of sweetness. Light or dark both work.
  • Ground Ginger – Brings warmth and a bit of zing to the sauce. Fresh grated works too.
  • Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce just right.
  • Canola Oil – Used in small amounts for stir-frying.

How To Make This Recipe

This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

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  1. Make Sauce – Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken – Heat your wok with oil over high heat. Stir-fry chicken in small batches until no longer pink outside. Set aside.
  3. Cook Vegetables – Reheat the wok, add more oil, and stir-fry green beans in batches for about 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Combine & Sauce – Return chicken to the wok and pour sauce over the top.
  5. Let Sauce Thicken – Stir and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

Recipe FAQ

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes. You can prep the sauce and chop everything in advance. Cook when ready to serve for the best texture.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Absolutely. Try shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or tofu if you want a meatless option. Adjust cooking times as needed.

What If I Don’t Have A Wok?

A large nonstick skillet works just fine. Just avoid overcrowding so everything sears, not steams.

More Stir-Fry Recipes

Yield: 6 servings

Spicy Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

Spicy Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

Deliciously spicy garlic chicken and grean beans is one of my favorite ways to serve chicken. Make a big pot of steamed rice and some egg rolls with this easy dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Stir Fry

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into chunks
  • 4 cups green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-smoke-point oil)

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon canola oil

Instructions

  1. Mix together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
  2. Heat a wok over high heat with a small amount of oil inside. Quickly stir-fry the chicken in small batches (don't crowd the wok!) until it is no longer pink on the outside. Remove from wok and set aside.
  3. Reheat wok with a bit more oil. Stir-fry the vegetables in batches until bright and crisp, yet partially cooked. About 3 minutes.
  4. Add chicken back into the pan, and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 263Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 544mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 28g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!

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Karen

Tuesday 16th of February 2021

Hi am trying this tomorrow so I read comments. Your reply to Erin says you have amended the recipe to match the sauce amount to the photo, but a note under the recipe says to triple the ingredients. Could you let me know if I have to triple the ingredients to get the right amount of sauce?

Nicole Johnson

Tuesday 16th of February 2021

Hi Karen! Thanks for checking! The recipe as written is accurate. I noted there what to do if you want to make the dish REALLY saucy. I would triple it if you want to have a lot of extra sauce to spoon over your rice.

Erin

Sunday 10th of July 2016

I don't know why but mine was no where near as saucy as your pictures! Could have doubled out even tripled the sauce

Nicole Johnson

Sunday 10th of July 2016

That is a really great point. When I made and photographed this, I was cooking for my family so I made 3+ pounds of chicken, and tripled the sauce. Because not everyone cooks for an army, I reduced the proportions of this printed recipe to account for that. I meant to note in the recipe though, and totally forgot. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! The recipe is edited now! Happy Cooking!

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