Ingredients

• 150g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil (for marinade)
• 150g fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp cooking oil (e.g., canola, vegetable)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes (or 1 small dried chili, deseeded and chopped)
• 1/4 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine the diced chicken with cornstarch, 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Trim the ends off the green beans. For smaller beans, leave whole; for longer ones, snap or cut them in half.
3. Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, water or chicken broth, and optional sugar until combined.
4. Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
6. If needed, add another teaspoon of oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, dried chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Add the trimmed green beans to the wok. Stir-fry for 4-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender-crisp and have a slight char.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the green beans.
9. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
10. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients.
11. Serve immediately, perhaps over a small portion of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.