Easy & Delicious Chicken Chop Suey: A Quick Weeknight Recipe

Chicken Chop Suey is a classic comfort food dish that’s both flavorful and incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to guide you through creating a restaurant-quality Chicken Chop Suey in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in under an hour!

What is Chicken Chop Suey?

Chicken Chop Suey is a stir-fried dish consisting of meat (typically chicken, pork, or beef), vegetables, and a savory sauce. While often associated with Chinese cuisine, its origins are debated, with some believing it to be an American-Chinese invention designed to appeal to Western palates. Regardless of its origin, it has become a beloved dish worldwide, known for its versatility and customizable nature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to substitute or add your favorites.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of savory sauce and crisp vegetables creates a delightful flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken Chop Suey is a relatively inexpensive meal to make, especially if you utilize leftover vegetables.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup sliced celery
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1 cup bean sprouts
* 1 cup shredded cabbage
* 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)
* 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots (optional)
* 1/2 cup snow peas (optional)
* **Sauce:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
* **Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
* **Optional Garnishes:**
* Chopped green onions
* Toasted sesame seeds
* Crispy fried noodles

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the perfect Chicken Chop Suey:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
* Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.

**2. Marinate the Chicken (Optional):**

* For extra flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour. This step is optional, but it does enhance the overall taste and texture.
* To make a simple marinade, combine the following ingredients in the bowl with the chicken:
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* A pinch of white pepper
* Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while you prepare the vegetables.

**3. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
* Slice the onion into thin slices.
* Mince the garlic. Use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
* Slice the celery and carrots into thin, diagonal slices.
* Slice the mushrooms. If using larger mushrooms, quarter them first.
* If using water chestnuts and bamboo shoots, drain them from the can and slice them if necessary.
* Shred the cabbage. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer for this.
* Have all the prepared vegetables ready to go, as the stir-frying process is quick.

**4. Prepare the Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (if using)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
* Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

**5. Stir-Fry the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
* If you marinated the chicken, remove it from the refrigerator and drain any excess marinade.
* Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of stir-fry. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Stir-fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

**6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Heat over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
* Add the celery and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly tender.
* Add the mushrooms, water chestnuts (if using), and bamboo shoots (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
* Add the bean sprouts and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until they are slightly wilted.
* If using snow peas, add them to the skillet during the last minute of stir-frying.

**7. Combine and Simmer:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
* Give the sauce a quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled to the bottom.
* Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**8. Serve:**

* Remove the Chicken Chop Suey from the heat.
* Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
* Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy fried noodles (if desired).

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chop Suey

* **Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:** The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat to preserve their texture and flavor.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, or other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** Chop all the vegetables and prepare the sauce before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and faster.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Hot Wok or Skillet:** A hot wok or skillet is essential for achieving the proper stir-fry texture and flavor. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the oil and ingredients.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a nice balance to the dish.
* **Oyster Sauce Substitute:** If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or simply omit it and add a bit more soy sauce for flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Protein:** Instead of chicken, you can use pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as black bean sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or sriracha for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the chicken and oyster sauce, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use tofu or tempeh for protein.
* **Low-Sodium:** Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chop Suey is typically served over cooked rice or noodles. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve over lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Appetizers:** Serve with spring rolls, egg rolls, or potstickers.
* **Sides:** Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Chicken Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Chicken Chop Suey in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Heat until warmed through.
* **Freezing:** Chicken Chop Suey can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Enjoy!

This Chicken Chop Suey recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish at home. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Chicken Chop Suey recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes:

* [Link to another chicken recipe blog post] * [Link to another chicken recipe blog post] * [Link to another chicken recipe blog post]

Happy cooking!