Chicken Chop Suey
Tender sliced chicken and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables tossed in a classic savory sauce. This American-Chinese takeout favorite is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner served over fluffy rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate Chicken & Prepare Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken, 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- c.While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and the remaining 1 tbsp of cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Heat 1.5 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- d.Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1.5 tbsp of oil to the hot wok.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onion, celery, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
- e.Add the mushrooms, chopped bok choy stems, and sliced water chestnuts. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the fresh bean sprouts and the chopped bok choy leaves.
- c.Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch is not settled at the bottom, then pour it into the wok.
- d.Stir everything together continuously. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens and coats all the ingredients.
- e.Remove from the heat immediately to prevent the vegetables from overcooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Chicken Chop Suey hot, traditionally over steamed white rice or crispy chow mein noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, have all your ingredients chopped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. If your wok or skillet is not large enough, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure they stir-fry rather than steam.
- 3Slice vegetables into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking.
- 4The key to great chop suey is crisp-tender vegetables, so be careful not to overcook them. Remove from heat as soon as the sauce thickens.
- 5For a deeper flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- 6If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or even Japanese mirin.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute chicken with thinly sliced pork loin, beef flank steak, shrimp, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
VegetablesVegetables
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or bamboo shoots.
SpicySpicy
For a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.
SauceSauce
For a richer, darker sauce, add a teaspoon of dark soy sauce along with the regular soy sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The wide array of vegetables like carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms provides essential vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (potassium, selenium) that support immune function and overall health.
High in Dietary Fiber
With ingredients like celery, carrots, and bean sprouts, this dish is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicken Chop Suey can be very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken and a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce and broth helps control the sodium content.