Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that won’t disappoint? Look no further than this delicious Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe! This flavorful dish is perfect for a family meal or even a dinner party and is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we’ll cover all the details needed to make this dish a success, including ingredients, preparation, tips, variations, nutritional information, serving suggestions and more.

Ingredients needed to make Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and straightforward. You’ll need:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste

This recipe is a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. Green beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, while chicken provides a good source of protein. Additionally, this recipe is low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight.

If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to this dish, consider adding some chopped ginger or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as broccoli or snow peas, to create your own unique version of this recipe.

Step-by-step instructions for making Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions, set aside and keep it warm.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.
5. Add the green beans to the pan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they are just tender but still slightly crisp.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken and green beans, stirring to coat everything evenly.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
9. Serve the stir-fry hot over the cooked rice.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some sliced red bell peppers or onions to the stir-fry. Simply add them to the pan with the green beans and cook until they are tender. This will add some color and texture to the dish, as well as some additional nutrients.

Tips for cooking the perfect rice for your stir-fry

Cooking rice can be tricky, but these tips will ensure that your rice turns out perfect every time:

• Wash your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Bring the water and rice to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 18-20 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking. This can release steam and disrupt the cooking process, resulting in unevenly cooked rice. Additionally, if you want to add some extra flavor to your rice, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. This will give your rice a delicious, savory taste that pairs perfectly with stir-fry dishes.

How to properly prepare green beans for stir-fry

Green beans are a staple ingredient in this dish, and proper preparation is key. Follow the below guidelines for best results:

• Wash the beans and trim off any stem ends.
• For bite-sized pieces, cut each bean crosswise into 1- or 2-inch pieces.
• For long, thin beans, slice them diagonally into 1-inch lengths.
• Blanch the beans briefly in boiling water before stir-frying to ensure they’re cooked but still slightly crisp.

It’s important to note that the quality of the green beans can greatly affect the outcome of your stir-fry. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and free of blemishes or wrinkles. If possible, choose beans that are all similar in size for even cooking.

Another tip for a successful stir-fry is to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes measuring out your sauces and spices, chopping your vegetables, and having your protein cooked and sliced. Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so having everything ready beforehand will ensure that your green beans are perfectly cooked and not overdone.

The best type of chicken to use in a stir-fry dish

For this recipe, we recommended using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. However, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

When selecting chicken for a stir-fry dish, it’s important to choose a lean cut of meat that will cook quickly and evenly. Chicken breasts are a great option because they are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Another important factor to consider when making a stir-fry dish is the marinade. A simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic can add a lot of flavor to the chicken and help to tenderize the meat. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Variations on the classic chicken and green bean stir-fry recipe

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to switch things up:

• Swap out the green beans for carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas.
• Try using shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
• Add in some sliced mushrooms or chopped onions for extra flavor.
• Make it spicy with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also try using tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Additionally, you can experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki, hoisin, or peanut sauce to give your stir-fry a unique flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations to find your perfect stir-fry recipe!

Cooking hacks for making the perfect stir-fry every time

Follow these tips to ensure that your stir-fry always turns out delicious and perfectly cooked:

• Cut all your ingredients into even-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Cook over high heat to ensure that everything is cooked quickly and evenly.
• Make sure your pan is hot before adding any ingredients to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the ingredients will steam instead of fry.
• Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking for fast and efficient stir-frying.

Another important tip for making the perfect stir-fry is to use the right oil. It’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil, to prevent the oil from burning and smoking. Additionally, adding a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce can add depth of flavor to your stir-fry. Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your favorite combination!

How to add more flavor to your stir-fry using spices and seasonings

Stir-fries are versatile, and you can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Try adding any of these spices and seasonings for extra flavor:

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Chili paste
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Green onions/scallions
• Cilantro

Another great way to add more flavor to your stir-fry is by using different types of oils. For example, you can use peanut oil for a nutty flavor, or coconut oil for a slightly sweet taste. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of protein, such as tofu, shrimp, or beef, to add more depth to your dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations of spices, seasonings, oils, and proteins to make your stir-fry truly unique and delicious!

Nutritional information for Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

One serving (1/4 of recipe) contains approximately:

• 417 calories
• 17g protein
• 54g carbohydrates
• 14g fat
• 5g fiber
• 11g sugar

This recipe is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One serving provides 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 20% of the recommended daily intake of iron. It also contains vitamin A, calcium, and potassium.

For those who are watching their sodium intake, this recipe may not be the best option. One serving contains 980mg of sodium, which is 42% of the recommended daily intake. To reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe.

How to make this dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or your preferred meat substitute. To make it vegan-friendly, replace the hoisin sauce with a vegan alternative, or substitute with additional soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Another option to make this dish vegan-friendly is to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli to make it more nutritious and flavorful.

Pairing ideas for serving your Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are a few recommendations:

• Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy
• Miso soup
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Sake or green tea

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving this stir-fry over quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice. The nutty flavor of these grains pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish. Additionally, if you want to add a bit of heat to the dish, consider serving it with a side of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

How to store leftovers of this delicious dish

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Simple substitutions you can make in this recipe depending on what ingredients you have on hand

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Don’t worry – there are plenty of easy substitutions you can make:

• Use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice.
• Swap out the green beans for another vegetable.
• Use chicken thighs or tofu instead of chicken breasts.
• Use beef or shrimp instead of chicken.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

The history of stir-fry cuisine, and how it became a popular dish in Western countries

Stir-fry is a popular cooking technique that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet, and it is traditionally served with rice or noodles. In recent years, stir-fry has become a popular dish in Western countries due to its quick cooking time, versatility, and ease of preparation. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals that can be customized to suit individual preferences.