Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast (Copycat)

This Panda Express takeout meal is yet again one for the books. It is a blockbuster combination of tender chicken, crunchy string beans, and the mild yet rich taste of Asian ginger and garlic sauce.

In this post, we will give you all the things that you should know about this well-loved dish. An easy whip recipe for this dish is also featured at the end of this post. 

What is Panda Express string bean chicken breast?

This light yet satisfying meal from Panda Express is a wok-cooked dish with chicken breast, fresh string beans and coated with light, brown, Asian style garlic, and ginger sauce. It shares popularity with orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, and mushroom chicken, among others. 

Ingredients & substitute

Panda Express string bean chicken breast is prepared and cooked using the following ingredients:

• Filleted chicken breast
• Green string beans
• Sesame oil
• Onion
• Cornstarch

For the sauce: 

• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• White cooking wine
• Rice vinegar
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic and ginger

Here are some substitutes that you can incorporate for healthier choices and if one of the ingredients is not available: 

• Mirin or Shaoxing wine instead of regular white cooking wine
• Hoisin sauce or gluten-free soy sauce 

Panda Express string bean chicken breast calories & nutrition

Following the website of Panda Express, string bean chicken breast contains 190kcal and 80 calories from fat. It also has 2g of saturated fat, 34mg of cholesterol, 590mg of sodium, protein at 14g, carbs at 13g, sugar at 4g and fiber at 4g. 

Tools used in the recipe

In making your own Panda Express string bean chicken breast, the following tools must be prepared: 

• Wok or non-stick skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Mixing spoons
• Flipper

How to make Panda Express string bean chicken breast

The first thing to do is to marinate the chicken for it to become tender. After this, sear the chicken until brown. Cook the veggies and then prepare the sauce. Stir fry the chicken with the veggies and spices and then pour in the sauce. 

1. In a mixing bowl, add rice wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, black bean sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and evenly coat it with the mixture. Marinate for 15mins.
2. Prepare the wok. Put the canola oil and turn the stove on high heat.
3. Sear the chicken in the wok for 3mins each side. Remove when cooked and set aside.
4. Add the onion and green beans in the wok and cook for 3mins. Stir in the ginger and garlic and stir fry for 30secs. 
5. Add the chicken in the wok, pour the leftover marinade, add cornstarch to thicken. Cook until everything is coated with the sauce. 
6. Plate and serve warm. 

More Panda Express copycat recipes

• Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
• Panda Express kung pao chicken
• Panda Express super greens
• Panda Express broccoli beef
• Panda Express black pepper chicken
• Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
• Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon
• Panda Express string bean chicken breast (you’re here)
• Panda Express eggplant tofu
• Panda Express Beijing beef
• Panda Express orange chicken
• Panda Express fried rice
• Panda Express chow mein
• Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
• Panda Express honey walnut shrimp
• Panda Express sweet and sour sauce

Variations on Panda Express string bean chicken breast

To notch up the recipe a bit or for those on strict diet, here are some variations to string bean chicken which you can incorporate: 

• Proteins: chicken thighs, pork, or beef
• Vegan: use fried tofu or cauliflower florets
• Gluten-free: use liquid aminos, hoisin sauce, or tamari
• Vegetables: carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli
• Flavor: make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or sambal 

How to store Panda Express string bean chicken breast

As how leftover food is stored, Panda Express string bean chicken breast must be cooled first before it is transferred to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to five days. As long as it is sealed well, the string beans will retain its crunch as well as the tenderness of the chicken. 

Can you freeze Panda Express string bean chicken breast?

Yes. Just seal it properly and it could last in the freezer for up to 2months. 

What does Panda Express string bean chicken breast taste like?

Panda Express string bean chicken is a flavorful dish. Aside from its signature umami taste, it is also a fusion of salty, garlicky, and sweet flavors. The fresh string beans not only add sweetness to it but also a crunchy texture that everybody cannot get enough of. 

What to serve with Panda Express string bean chicken breast?

Of course, the default pair of string bean chicken breast would be white, plain rice. But for an all-in experience, you can also prepare the following alongside this dish: 

• Cauliflower rice
• Ham/sausage rice
• Egg rolls
• Steamed bok choy
• Egg drop soup
• Lo mein
• Chinese coleslaw
• Black beans

Is Panda Express string bean chicken breast healthy?

Yes, Panda Express string bean chicken breast is a relatively healthy meal. It contains low carbohydrates, a good amount of Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and fiber.

It can also be made healthier by substitute ingredients that are low in sodium and are gluten-free. With all things considered, it is fairly a healthy food choice. 

Is Panda Express string bean chicken breast keto-friendly?

If you are on dirty keto, yes, this light dish is good for you. You have a steady source of lean protein which you can add any time depending on what you want. Other than that, it also has good fat in it and fiber from the veggies. 

Is Panda Express string bean chicken breast gluten-free?

No. But you can always make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free soy sauce such as Kikkoman and opting for a gluten-free chicken broth. You can also use arrowroot instead of cornstarch as a thickening agent for the sauce. 

Is Panda Express string bean chicken breast dairy-free?

Yes. Fortunately, none of the dishes in Panda Express including the string bean chicken breast has dairy content. As such, it can be enjoyed by people with dairy allergies and those with lactose intolerance. 

Continue to Content

Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast (Copycat Recipe)

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

The string bean chicken breast from Panda Express is a favorite takeout meal for many reasons. It is refreshing, flavorful, crunchy, and healthy. For a healthier version of Panda Express string bean chicken breast, here is an easy whip recipe

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Ingredients

• 1lb finely sliced chicken breasts
• 2tbsp soy sauce
• 1tbsp rice wine
• 1tsp sesame oil
• 1tbsp black bean sauce
• 2tbsp canola oil
• 2tsps cornstarch
• 1tsp sugar
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2tsp minced ginger
• 1lb string beans (trimmed)
• 1cup onion

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add rice wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, black bean sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and evenly coat it with the mixture. Marinate for 15mins.
2. Prepare the wok. Put the canola oil and turn the stove on high heat.
3. Sear the chicken in the wok for 3mins each side. Remove when cooked and set aside.
4. Add the onion and green beans in the wok and cook for 3mins. Stir in the ginger and garlic and stir fry for 30secs. 
5. Add the chicken in the wok, pour the leftover marinade, add cornstarch to thicken. Cook until everything is coated with the sauce. 
6. Plate and serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 279Total Fat 11gCholesterol 72mgSodium 779mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 4gSugar Alcohols 7gProtein 28g

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Conclusion

The string bean chicken breast from Panda Express is a favorite takeout meal for many reasons. It is refreshing, flavorful, crunchy, and healthy. Recreating this dish is also very easy. You can find a lot of healthier substitutes for some of the spices, and it will not take you a lot of time to prepare and cook it. 

You can also go for some variations that will suit your taste. You can make it more flavorful, gluten-free, and vegan friendly. There is no getting enough of this dish though, however it may be cooked.