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.

copycat Panda Express string bean chicken and rice in a bowl.

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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.
Panda Express string bean chicken ingredients.

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.
collage of recipe steps for Panda Express string bean chicken sauce and chicken.
  1. Cook the onions and green beans until the onions are translucent. The green beans should bend slightly but still break if bent too much.
  2. Return the chicken to the pan to warm.
  3. Turn off the heat and toss the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.
collage of recipe steps for Panda Express string bean chicken beans and sauce.
  1. Serve with white rice. 
copycat Panda Express string bean chicken and white rice in a bowl.
copycat Panda Express string bean chicken and rice in a bowl.

Copycat Panda Express String Bean Chicken

Recreate the popular Panda Express dish at home with this simple recipe featuring tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory ginger-garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.
5 from 4 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Green Bean Chicken, Panda Express Recipes, String Bean Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 271kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

For the chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into ¾ – 1-inch chunks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup sesame oil divided
  • 6-8 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 12-ounce package frozen green beans or 2 cups fresh, washed and trimmed

Instructions

For the sauce:

  • Whisk sauce ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Cook until the sauce has thickened and begins to bubble.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

For the chicken:

  • Place cubed chicken and cornstarch in a bowl and toss to completely coat chicken with cornstarch.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet.
  • Saute chicken until brown on one side, flip, and brown on second side until completely cooked through.
  • Remove chicken from the skillet.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the skillet.
  • Add green beans and onions to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender.
  • Add the chicken back to skillet and stir.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Serve over rice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 408IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

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
copycat Panda Express string bean chicken and rice in a bowl.

Love Panda Express? Try These Copycat Recipes!

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

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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