Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Recipe

If you’ve ever tried Panda Express, odds are you’ve at least tried some of their Chicken and String Beans. It’s one of those menu items that appears less heavy than the orange chicken or the kung pao, yet still possesses a garlicky, salty zip. Delicate breast of chicken, crispy string beans and sweet onions are all held together with a glossy ginger soy sauce. It’s unassuming, comforting and a winner every time.

But the best part: because you get to make it at home, you don’t have to compromise with the toned-down restaurant style. You get to build from scratch and incorporate extra depth, deeper umami flavor, and a pinch of heat. And that’s what I did with this dish-taking a few lessons from real Chinese wok cooking and transforming this bland stir fry into an absolute winner.

Either you are seeking a spot-on Panda Express replica or a next-level homemade stir fry, this recipe has got you covered. When you realize how bright, bold, and flavorful it can be once you taste it, you might never order from the takeout line once more.Looking for more Panda Express classics? Don’t miss the Panda Express Green Bean Chicken Recipe These recipes bring the same bold flavors you love from the restaurant straight to your kitchen, so you can recreate the Panda Express experience anytime at home.

What Does Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Taste Like?

Panda Express chicken and string beans is mild and flavorful at its core. It’s a soy sauce-based sauce with a hint of ginger that doesn’t overpower and lets the natural flavor of the onions and the crunch of the beans shine through. It’s a clean, even stir fry.

My variation adds depth. Dark soy sauce contributes depth of flavor, black bean paste adds salty umami, and chili crisp and doubanjiang add just enough spiciness to wake up your palate while not overpowering the dish. It’s the kind of flavor that lingers-on the nicer end of the spectrum.

Tender and juicy chicken gets crispy and golden and the beans get done just right with a slight crunch. With the sauce, each bite gets a nice equilibrium of salty and sweet and heat that makes a good stir fry addictive.

Ingredients Required for Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Panda Express Chicken and String Beans

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced into thin strips
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp black bean paste
• 1 tbsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
• 1 tbsp Lao Gan Ma (chili crisp oil)
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Stir Fry:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• ½ sweet onion, sliced into strips
• 2 cups string beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Wok or large skillet
2. Cutting board and sharp knife
3. Mixing bowls
4. Measuring spoons and cups
5. Spatula or wok ladle

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

How to Make Panda Express Chicken and String Beans

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Panda Express Chicken and String Beans at home

1. Marinade the poultry
Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Add strips of chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Make the sauce
Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, dark soy, black bean paste, doubanjiang, chili crisp, and chicken stock. Set aside. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and make a slurry.

3. Seared the chicken
Heat a wok with peanut oil until it smokes. Place flat strips of the chicken in the wok and cook until crispy and cooked through, roughly 2–3 minutes each side. Remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the string beans
Add more oil if needed. Toss beans in wok and char until blisters form, about 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup of water, cover, and steam until tender, 3 minutes.

5. Add aromatics and onion
Bautor aside. Add ginger and garlic into the oil and stir-fry until fragrant and combine with beans. Add strips of onions and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Combine everything
Return the chicken to the wok and add sauces and stir until blended. Add the slurry of cornstarch and serve until thick and shiny. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Panda Express Chicken and String Beans

1. With Steamed Jasmine Rice
The classic move. We’ve found jasmine rice soaks up that garlicky, savory sauce beautifully. It keeps the meal light but still super satisfying.

2. Over Fried Rice
Sometimes we pair it with homemade fried rice when we’re craving something heartier. The crispy rice bits mixed with saucy chicken and beans? Unreal.

3. Next to Chow Mein
If you love the Panda Express combo plate, this one’s a no-brainer. Stir-fried noodles bring that chewy texture that complements the crisp beans perfectly.

4. With Egg Drop Soup
We’ve served this with a simple egg drop soup before, and it rounds out the meal really well. The soup’s silky texture balances the wok-seared chicken.

5. Alongside Dumplings
Potstickers or steamed dumplings on the side make this feel like a restaurant-style spread. The combo always disappears fast at our table.

6. Paired with Spicy Cucumber Salad
When we want something refreshing, a chilled cucumber salad with chili oil and vinegar is the perfect cool contrast. It cuts the richness of the sauce.

7. In Lettuce Wraps
This is a fun one. We’ll spoon the chicken and beans into crisp lettuce cups. It makes the dish lighter and perfect for sharing or a party appetizer.

8. Topped with a Fried Egg
On lazy nights, we’ll throw a fried egg over the top. The runny yolk mixes into the sauce and rice, and it takes the flavor up a notch.

9. Served with Pickled Vegetables
We like to add a little tang by pairing it with quick-pickled carrots or radish. That sour crunch is a great palate cleanser between bites.

10. Over Brown Rice or Quinoa
When we’re trying to eat lighter, we serve it with brown rice or even quinoa. The nutty flavors from the grains give the stir fry a wholesome twist.

Some Tips on This Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Recipe

1. Cut small pieces – Make your chicken and beans bite-sized so they cook fast and taste yummy in every bite.

2. Dry the beans – Shake off the water after washing beans. Wet beans make the pan messy and soggy.

3. Hot pan first – Always heat your wok or pan until it’s really hot before adding food. This makes a nice sear.

4. Don’t crowd the pan – Cook chicken in batches if needed. Too much food at once makes it steam instead of fry.

5. Use chicken thighs if you can – Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breast works fine too.

6. Mix the sauce ahead – Have your sauce ready in a bowl. Stir fry moves fast, so no time for measuring later!

7. Cook beans just right – If you like soft beans, steam them for a few minutes. If you like crunchy, skip the steam.

8. Add aromatics last – Garlic and ginger burn quick, so add them after beans and before the onion.

9. Thicken with slurry – Mix cornstarch with water first, then add. This makes the sauce glossy, not clumpy.

10. Eat right away – Stir fry tastes best hot and fresh. Don’t let it sit too long-it loses the crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Panda Express Chicken and String Beans

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot wok or skillet with a splash of oil to bring back the crispness. A quick 2 minutes over medium-high heat works best-avoid the microwave if you want to keep the beans from going limp.

Common Queries on This Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Panda Express Chicken and String Beans that people often ask.

1. What is Panda Express String Bean Chicken?

Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a popular dish featuring tender chicken breast, crisp green beans, and sweet white onions stir-fried in a savory ginger soy sauce. It’s a lighter option compared to some other menu items, offering a balance of flavors and textures.

2. Why is Panda Express rice so good?

Panda Express rice is known for its fluffy texture and subtle seasoning. The restaurant uses high-quality rice and cooks it to perfection, ensuring each grain is separate and flavorful. The addition of soy sauce and other seasonings enhances its taste, making it a perfect accompaniment to their dishes.

3. What is Panda Express’s most popular dish?

Orange Chicken stands out as Panda Express’s most popular dish. It’s a crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, offering a delightful combination of flavors. Many customers consider it a must-try when visiting the restaurant.

4. How many calories are in a serving?

A standard serving of Panda Express String Bean Chicken contains approximately 190 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for those seeking a healthier meal without compromising on taste.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses chicken breasts, substituting with chicken thighs can add more flavor and tenderness due to their higher fat content. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the desired texture.

6. What type of soy sauce should I use?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use low-sodium soy sauce. This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and lets the other flavors shine through. Regular soy sauce can be used, but be mindful of the salt content.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that the hoisin sauce and other condiments are labeled gluten-free.

8. How do I achieve crispy chicken?

To achieve crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry. Allow the chicken to sear without moving it for a few minutes to develop a crispy crust.

9. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value. Just ensure to adjust cooking times to ensure all vegetables are cooked properly.

10. How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover String Bean Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to retain the dish’s texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as this can make the chicken rubbery.

This Panda Express Chicken and String Beans Recipe is everything you love about the takeout favorite-but with extra depth, boldness, and heat. By adding dark soy, black bean paste, and chili crisp, you get a dish that tastes like true Chinese wok cooking while staying quick and weeknight-friendly. Try this recipe once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Grab your wok and get cooking-homemade takeout never tasted this good!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.