Quick & Easy Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans: Your Healthy Weeknight Meal Prep Solution
Seeking a lightning-fast yet incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and efficient meal prep? Look no further! This easy ground chicken stir fry with green beans comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for those hectic days. It’s essentially a quicker, one-pan adaptation of our wildly popular Asian Chicken Meatballs recipe, but without the fuss of rolling individual meatballs. Its simplicity and delicious taste make it a staple in our kitchen, especially when paired with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you’ve been a long-time reader of our blog, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the legendary status of our Asian Chicken Meatballs. They’re adored for their incredible flavor profile and have garnered a dedicated following over the years, with countless readers making them a regular part of their healthy eating routine. While those meatballs are genuinely straightforward to prepare and not overly time-consuming, life can sometimes throw you a curveball. That’s exactly what happened one particularly busy evening in December.
I had initially planned to whip up a double batch of the meatballs for meal prep, but as the evening unfolded, it became clear I needed a faster solution. Inspiration struck! Instead of meticulously shaping meatballs, I simply tossed lean ground chicken breast and crisp green beans into a skillet along with all the same incredible Asian-inspired ingredients. The result was an instant hit! My husband and kids devoured it, declaring it a total win. This unexpected pivot led to the creation of what quickly became a cherished, healthy chicken stir fry, gracing our dinner table many times throughout the holiday season. Now, I’m thrilled to finally share this fantastic dinnertime survival recipe with all of you!
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ToggleWhy this recipe will be your new favorite
This Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly efficient meal. Here’s why it’s destined to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire:
- It’s SO fast – under 30 minutes from stove to plate! We all have those crazy-busy days when cooking feels like an impossible task. This healthy weeknight dinner eliminates that stress entirely. With minimal cook time, you can have a fresh, homemade meal on the table faster than ordering takeout, allowing you to reclaim your precious evening hours. The one-pan nature of this dish also means fewer dishes to wash, further simplifying your routine.
- Almost no chopping needed! Say goodbye to extensive prep work. This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. You’ll only need to quickly mince garlic and ginger, but even that can be skipped in a pinch! For those truly pressed for time, simply swap fresh ginger and garlic for garlic powder and ground ginger. This flexibility ensures you can always make this delicious meal, no matter how packed your schedule is.
- So much flavor using just a few pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – this stir fry bursts with a dynamic sweet, savory, and umami flavor. The magic happens with a blend of coconut aminos (or soy sauce), honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, and aromatics like garlic and ginger. These humble ingredients combine to create a deeply satisfying sauce that coats every bite of chicken and green bean, transforming everyday staples into an extraordinary dish.
- It’s naturally Gluten and dairy free. For those with dietary restrictions or who prefer to eat clean, this recipe is a dream come true. By using coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce, it naturally bypasses common allergens while still delivering authentic Asian-inspired flavors. This makes it a fantastic option for a wider audience, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal without compromise.
- It’s a great option for meal prep, as it heats up very well and would be a perfect lunch bowl. Preparing healthy meals in advance is a cornerstone of a balanced lifestyle, and this ground chicken stir fry excels in this area. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking. Portion it out into meal prep containers with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for convenient, satisfying lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The flavors even seem to deepen overnight!
Ingredients
To create this incredibly simple and delicious ground chicken stir fry, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, cleaned and ends removed: Crisp green beans add a delightful texture and vibrant color to the stir fry. To save even more time and effort, look for bags of pre-washed, steam-in-the-bag fresh green beans in your grocery store’s produce section. This eliminates the need for any trimming or cleaning.
- Avocado oil: A fantastic choice for stir-fries due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which won’t overpower the other ingredients. You can easily substitute this with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil if you prefer or have them on hand.
- 1 lb lean ground chicken: This is the star protein of our dish. Using lean ground chicken keeps the meal light and healthy. This recipe is also wonderfully versatile; feel free to swap it with ground turkey, lean ground beef, or any other ground meat you happen to have in your fridge or freezer.
- Tomato paste: A secret weapon for adding a deep, umami-rich flavor and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. You’ll only need a tablespoon or so for this recipe, so here’s a handy tip: freeze the remaining tomato paste in tablespoon-sized dollops on parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use!
- Coconut aminos: Our preferred choice for a gluten-free, soy-free, and lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce. We particularly love the Coconut Secret brand. If dietary restrictions aren’t a concern, low sodium soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic provides an essential aromatic base for the stir fry. While fresh is always best for maximum flavor, if you’re truly in a rush, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a wonderful zesty and warming note that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. Here’s a brilliant tip to make grating ginger a breeze and extend its shelf life: freeze your ginger root! It’s much easier to grate when frozen directly into your recipes, and you won’t have to worry about it spoiling. Can be substituted with ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.
- Honey or maple syrup: Provides the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory and umami notes in the stir fry sauce. We use these interchangeably depending on what we have available in the pantry. Both work beautifully to create that delicious sweet and savory dynamic.
- Salt: Since coconut aminos inherently have a salty flavor, it’s best to be cautious with added salt. We recommend holding off on adding too much until the very end, once the dish has been combined. Taste it, and then adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick. For an even more intense kick, you could also drizzle on some sriracha or chili paste. In the past, we often used sambal oelek, but it has become increasingly difficult to find!
- Optional garnish: Green onions – While not essential for the flavor, thinly sliced green onions not only add a beautiful pop of color as a garnish but also contribute a fresh, mild oniony flavor that brightens the entire dish. I regrettably forgot them for my pictures, but they are highly recommended!
For an added layer of authentic Asian flavor, consider drizzling a teaspoon of sesame oil over the finished dish just before serving, or sprinkle with a handful of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch.
Instructions
This delicious and healthy dinner recipe comes together effortlessly in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for even your busiest weeknights.
Step one: Prepare the homemade, gluten-free stir fry sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and coconut aminos. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful foundation for your stir fry. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the other components.
Step two: Steam the green beans. Place your cleaned and trimmed green beans in a large frying pan or skillet. Add a light sprinkle of salt over the beans for seasoning, then pour in ⅓ cup of water. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. As soon as the water begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and allow the green beans to steam for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender-crisp – still having a slight bite but no longer raw. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften slightly after being removed from the heat and when combined with the chicken. Once tender, carefully remove the green beans from the pan and set them aside.
Step three: Cook the ground chicken and combine the stir fry. If necessary, quickly wipe out any excess water from the skillet used for the green beans. Add 2 teaspoons of avocado oil (or your chosen oil) to the same skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet and break it apart with a spatula or spoon. Sauté the ground chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed, though with lean ground chicken, this is often minimal. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared stir fry sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in the delicious sauce. Finally, return the steamed green beans to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for another minute or two. Taste the stir fry and adjust seasonings as desired – this is where you can add that dash of extra salt, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or any other enhancements to suit your palate.
What to serve with this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
This versatile ground chicken stir fry is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when served alongside a complementary base that soaks up all that delicious sauce. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Brown Rice: A classic pairing, brown rice offers a hearty and wholesome foundation. We love using our go-to Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe for batch cooking and freezing portions, ensuring we always have it ready to go. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, pick up some frozen brown rice from stores like Trader Joe’s – it cooks up in minutes!
- Cauliflower Rice: For a delicious low-carb and vegetable-packed option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. Its neutral flavor allows the stir fry to be the star, and it adds a boost of nutrients. You can easily make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor, or try our flavorful Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice for an extra kick.
- Quinoa: If you’re looking to boost the protein content even further, quinoa is a fantastic, complete protein grain. Its slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it a wonderful and nutritious alternative to rice.
- Noodles: For a more traditional stir fry experience, serve this over a bed of whole wheat or gluten-free ramen noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
- Lettuce Wraps: Turn this stir fry into a fun, low-carb meal by spooning it into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or iceberg). It makes for a refreshing and interactive dining experience!
Recipe FAQs
The beauty of stir-fries is their adaptability! You can truly use any quick-cooking, non-starchy vegetable that you enjoy. Excellent alternatives include crisp broccoli florets, colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), crunchy snap peas, tender asparagus spears, or even pre-cut frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes for ultimate convenience. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Finding coconut aminos can sometimes be a treasure hunt! In many larger grocery stores, it’s located in the “health food” or gluten-free section, often near other specialty cooking oils and sauces. In other stores, it might be found alongside traditional Asian stir-fry sauces, soy sauce, and noodles. If you’re unfamiliar with this ingredient, we have a comprehensive post dedicated to explaining What is Coconut Aminos – it’s a fantastic, healthier alternative to soy sauce!
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw your ground chicken before cooking. If you try to cook it from frozen, it will release a lot of water and prevent proper browning, leading to a less flavorful result. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as directed.
Customizing the spice level is easy! For a mild stir fry, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. If you like a moderate kick, start with a dash of red pepper flakes and add more to taste at the end. For those who love extra heat, consider adding a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce directly to the stir fry sauce, or serve extra on the side for individual preference.
Meal Prep and Storage
This ground chicken stir fry is an excellent candidate for meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy and delicious meals ready to go throughout your busy week. Here’s how to maximize its meal prep potential and store it effectively:
To prep ahead: The inherent speed of this stir fry means extensive prep-ahead isn’t always necessary, but there are still ways to get a head start. You can make the homemade stir fry sauce up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You could also wash and trim your green beans, keeping them fresh in the fridge until cook time. If you prefer, the entire dish can be cooked ahead of time, as it reheats exceptionally well.
To store: Once cooked, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, keep it separate from any rice or cauliflower rice until serving, or store them together if you plan to reheat the entire portion.
To freeze: While the chicken and sauce freeze beautifully, green beans don’t always hold their texture perfectly after freezing and thawing, sometimes becoming a bit mushy. If you’re planning this as a freezer meal, we recommend cooking and freezing just the ground chicken and sauce mixture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken mixture, then quickly steam fresh green beans and add them to the skillet during reheating. This ensures your green beans retain their crisp-tender bite.
To reheat: This stir fry reheats wonderfully! For stovetop reheating, place the stir fry in a warm skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. Alternatively, for a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
More healthy Asian inspired recipes you might like
If you’ve enjoyed this delicious Asian-inspired stir fry, you’ll love these other healthy and flavorful recipes from our collection:
Easy Bourbon Chicken – Tastes just like the beloved food court favorite, but healthier and made easily in one pan!
Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Another delicious ground chicken recipe that’s light, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
Asian Pork Tenderloin – My gosh, we can eat this recipe weekly! It’s incredibly flavorful, tender, and super satisfying!
Egg Roll in a Bowl | Evolving Table – An incredibly easy and deconstructed take on egg rolls, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh green beans cleaned and ends removed; or use steam-in-the-bag for convenience
- 2 tsp Avocado oil or olive oil / coconut oil
- 1 lb Lean ground chicken
- 1 Tbsp Tomato paste
- ⅓ cup Coconut aminos can substitute low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 cloves Garlic minced or grated, or ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Ginger grated, or 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup Honey or maple syrup
- 1 dash Salt to taste
- 1 dash Crushed red pepper optional, for heat
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and coconut aminos until smooth. Set this delicious stir fry sauce aside.
- Place the cleaned green beans and a sprinkle of salt in a large skillet. Pour in ⅓ cup water.
- Bring the green beans to a boil over high heat. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beans are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as they will continue to soften slightly.
- Remove the green beans from the skillet and set them aside. If necessary, quickly wipe out any remaining water from the pan.
- Add 2 teaspoons of avocado oil to the same skillet, then add the ground chicken. Sauté over medium-low heat, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Stir in the prepared sauce, then add the steamed green beans back to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (we often add a dash of salt and crushed red pepper).
- Serve your delicious ground chicken stir fry immediately with a side of brown rice, cauliflower rice, or your preferred base.