String beans — also known as green beans — may look simple, but they are packed with nutrients and natural crunch. They cook quickly, pair well with a variety of flavours, and make an easy addition to everyday meals.

But sometimes, simple needs a little spark.

This Garlic Stir-Fried String Beans with Chicken recipe brings bold flavour, tender protein, and vibrant colour together in one satisfying dish. The garlic adds depth and aroma, while the chicken provides a hearty, protein-rich base that transforms these humble beans into a complete and comforting meal.

Served alongside soft white rice dumplings, this dish delivers texture, flavour, and just the right amount of “buzz” to keep things exciting — without complicated ingredients or long cooking times.

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious dinner that feels elevated yet effortless, this recipe is one to keep on rotation. Try it nuh!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. string beans.
• 1 lb. (16 oz.) chicken breast.
• 4 tbsp oil (a little more if needed). I also used coconut oil.
• 2 tbsp wine vinegar.
• 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch.
• 2 ½ tbsp oyster sauce.
• 4 tbsp soy sauce.
• 4 – 5 cloves of garlic.
• Pepper to taste.
• Pinch of salt to taste (Soy sauce already has salt).
• 1 tsp sugar (honey/maple syrup). This can be optional.
• ½ tsp sesame seed oil (optional).

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cut off the ends of string beans and cut them in half.
• Rinse string beans and set aside.
• Strip and cut garlic finely and set aside.
• Rinse chicken (in water and vinegar) and cut it up into small strips, and place in a bowl. Dry excess water from the chicken.
• Add soy sauce (2 tbsp) and cornstarch to the chicken and mix well, and then set aside.
• Add the following ingredients to a bowl, stir and set aside.
  • Soy sauce (remaining).
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Wine vinegar
  • Pepper
• Set the Frying pot on the stove with oil on medium heat.
• Add chicken breast and cook until golden (2-5 minutes, etc.).
• Remove chicken when done and set aside.
• Add chopped garlic and let it fry for a little while.
• Add string beans and let them fry a bit (2 – 3 minutes).
• Add cooked chicken and mix well.
• Add the sauce mixture and stir.
• Cover and let cook for about 3-5 minutes (more, if you want the string beans to be very soft).
• Remove from the stove.
• Serve and Enjoy!

Notes:

You can add other seasonings if desired, such as chilli pepper, which will give it a little kick, especially if you love spicy food. This was really good. Chicken tender and the string beans firm and not mushy.  I enjoyed mine with some parsley rice (white rice with parsley flakes). I felt like I was at a five-star restaurant 😊.

You can enjoy your string beans with some simple white rice or try these rice recipes:

• Turmeric Rice – White Rice with a Nutritious Punch!
• String Beans and Cucumber Juice!

Ingredient Spotlight!

~ String Beans~

String beans or green beans are the unripe fibrous beans of various common beans. These beans are very easy to prepare and taste great, even with minimal ingredients.  Also, they are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid and of course, fiber.

These beans also have the minerals – potassium and manganese, as well as great antioxidant properties.  As such, they can support the immune system.

They are also great for skin health (collagen production), strengthening of the bones, and heart health, as well as being a great source of fiber.

To good health!