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**Panda Express String Bean Chicken: A Delicious, Healthy Takeout Favorite**
Panda Express has become a staple of fast, casual Chinese-American dining. Known for its delicious, often indulgent menu items like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef, it offers a variety of dishes that cater to a range of taste preferences. One standout, often favored by those looking for a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative, is the **String Bean Chicken**.
Panda Express’s String Bean Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender pieces of chicken breast, crisp, fresh string beans, and a savory sauce made with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It is not only a healthier option compared to some of the heavier, fried dishes on the menu but also bursting with flavor and easy to make at home. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to prepare a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is an excellent choice. The dish is colorful, packed with lean protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal meal for busy individuals.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the ingredients that make up Panda Express’s String Bean Chicken, break down the recipe in step-by-step detail, and offer tips on customizing it to suit various dietary needs. We’ll also dive into its nutritional benefits and variations to make sure this dish fits perfectly into your meal plan.
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### **Understanding Panda Express String Bean Chicken**
Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a stir-fry dish that combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Unlike many of the deep-fried options on the Panda Express menu, String Bean Chicken is a lighter dish with fresh vegetables and lean protein. This dish is often favored by those who are looking for something flavorful but not too heavy.
The dish’s main components include:
– **Chicken Breast**: This is the primary protein source in the dish. Chicken breast is lean, low in fat, and a great source of high-quality protein. It is a perfect choice for a healthier stir-fry.
– **String Beans**: The string beans provide a crispy texture and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They balance the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce while contributing a satisfying crunch.
– **Ginger-Garlic Sauce**: The sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s made from a combination of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings that add umami, sweetness, and tang to the dish. The ginger and garlic give the dish its distinct, aromatic flavor.
This combination of ingredients is not only tasty but also nutrient-dense. The chicken breast provides lean protein, the string beans are rich in fiber, and the sauce is packed with flavor without adding unnecessary calories or fat.
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### **Health Benefits of String Bean Chicken**
Many people are drawn to Panda Express String Bean Chicken because it is a lighter, healthier option when compared to some other fast-food Chinese dishes. Here’s why this dish is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing their health goals:
– **Lean Protein**: Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth, immune function, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. As a low-fat protein source, chicken breast provides all the essential amino acids without excess calories or fat.
– **Fiber-Rich Vegetables**: The string beans used in the dish are not only crunchy and flavorful but also high in fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. It’s also known to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
– **Low in Calories**: String Bean Chicken is a relatively low-calorie option, especially when compared to some of the heavier fried dishes available at Panda Express. By using lean chicken breast and fresh vegetables, this dish allows you to enjoy a filling meal without the guilt.
– **Packed with Antioxidants**: Ginger and garlic, key ingredients in the sauce, both provide antioxidant benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic has been shown to support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and improve immune function.
This combination of protein, fiber, and antioxidants makes Panda Express String Bean Chicken a well-rounded and healthful choice for anyone looking to eat clean without compromising on flavor.
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### **Essential Ingredients for Panda Express String Bean Chicken**
To recreate Panda Express’s String Bean Chicken at home, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
#### **1. Chicken Breast**
Chicken breast is the star protein in this dish. It’s lean, low in fat, and high in protein, making it perfect for a stir-fry. You’ll need about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Cut it into thin, bite-sized strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
#### **2. String Beans**
String beans, also known as green beans, are the vegetable element of this dish. They are crisp and slightly sweet, providing a perfect balance to the savory chicken and sauce. For the best texture, be sure to trim the ends of the beans before cooking. Fresh string beans are preferable, but frozen ones can also be used in a pinch.
#### **3. Garlic and Ginger**
Garlic and ginger form the aromatic backbone of the dish’s sauce. Fresh garlic cloves and freshly grated ginger work best, but you can use pre-minced garlic or ginger paste if that’s what you have on hand. The combination of garlic’s savory flavor and ginger’s zingy heat elevates the overall taste of the dish.
#### **4. Soy Sauce**
Soy sauce adds a deep, salty umami flavor to the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt content in check while still maintaining the rich flavor of the sauce.
#### **5. Oyster Sauce**
Oyster sauce contributes a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. While you can omit it in a pinch, it is a key ingredient that helps bring the dish together. It’s available at most grocery stores and adds that signature savory-sweet element to the sauce.
#### **6. Rice Vinegar**
Rice vinegar helps balance the richness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce. It provides the perfect tanginess to brighten up the dish and round out the flavors.
#### **7. Cornstarch**
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sauce. It helps to give the sauce the right consistency, ensuring it coats the chicken and vegetables evenly without being too watery. Mix it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the pan.
#### **8. Olive Oil**
Olive oil is used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. It’s a healthier alternative to some other oils and adds a mild flavor to the dish.
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