Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express String Bean Chicken

As a busy parent juggling work and family commitments, Panda Express was our Friday night tradition. The String Bean Chicken was always the family favorite, but when takeout prices suddenly jumped, our budget couldn’t keep up. Determined to continue our tradition without the expense, I experimented in the kitchen until my family declared my version “even better than the real thing.” This recipe brings us together in the kitchen, rather than the drive-thru line, saving us money while creating new memories.

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Why This Copycat Recipe Beats Takeout

• One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with this efficient cooking method.
• Budget-Friendly – Make a complete meal for four at a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Healthier Option – Control the sodium, oil, and other ingredients for a more nutritious version.
• Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels and vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.
• Quick Preparation – Ready in just 30 minutes, often faster than ordering and picking up takeout.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and readily available items from any grocery store.

Panda Express String Bean Chicken Ingredients 

For the Sauce

• Chicken Broth – Creates the savory base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce – Provides the signature umami flavor and saltiness.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Adds brightness and subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Ginger – Contributes a warm, spicy note essential to Chinese cooking.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating.
• Water – Dilutes the cornstarch to create a slurry for smooth thickening.

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• Chicken Breast – Provides a lean protein base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown and retain moisture.
• Sesame Oil – Adds a distinctive nutty flavor that defines Chinese cuisine.
• Green Onions – Contributes a mild onion flavor and fresh color contrast.
• Green Beans – Delivers a crisp texture and earthy flavor to complement the tender chicken.

Ingredient Notes

• Feel free to use prepared bouillon instead of chicken broth.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce if you have gluten intolerance.
• If you don’t cook with ginger often, try frozen ginger cubes or jarred ginger in this recipe. Both last a long time, come pre-grated, and taste great. 
• Apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar is an excellent one-to-one substitute for seasoned rice wine vinegar.
• You can use fresh or frozen green beans in this recipe.

How to Make Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast

To cook the sauce:

1. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic. Set aside.
2. Mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, and seasoned rice vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. 
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger. 
4. Whisk together the water and cornstarch. 
5. Pour the slurry into the ginger sauce while whisking. 
6. Increase the heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir continuously and don’t reduce too much. The sauce will thicken as it cools. 
7. Set aside.

To finish the dish:

1. Trim the ends of the green beans and thinly slice the white onion. Set aside.
2. Remove any skin and fat from the boneless chicken breast and cut into large dice, about 3/4 to one-inch pieces.
3. Dry the chicken pieces and toss them in a bowl with the cornstarch. Shake off any excess.
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
5. Add sesame oil, and when hot, saute the chicken pieces until they develop a nice browned crust and cook through.
6. Drain the chicken on a paper towel.
7. Wipe out the pan and put it back on the stove.
8. Add more sesame oil.

9. Cook the onions and green beans until the onions are translucent. The green beans should bend slightly but still break if bent too much.
10. Return the chicken to the pan to warm.
11. Turn off the heat and toss the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.

12. Serve with white rice. 

Possible Recipe Variations

You can use this basic recipe to make a bunch of different dishes.

• Try using boneless chicken thighs if you prefer the taste.
• Substitute snow peas or sugar snap peas for the string beans.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra spice.
• Replace the green beans with other fresh ingredients such as bell peppers, Japanese eggplant, carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for variety.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper Storage

• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Do not freeze, as the texture of the green beans will suffer

Reheating Methods

Microwave Method (Quick)

1. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl
2. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel
3. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat in additional 30-second intervals until warmed through

Stovetop Method (Best Results)

• Stir frequently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes
• Add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium heat
• Add leftovers plus 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water

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Check out my easy chicken dinner recipes and the best Chinese food recipes on CopyKat!