Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash, Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is about to become your new go-to. This dish is a beautiful medley of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that brings everything together in a single wok. It’s a classic Asian-American favorite that’s endlessly customizable, perfect for using up whatever’s in your fridge, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each element plays its role: the chicken brings protein, the vegetables add crunch and color, and the sauces tie everything together with bold, irresistible flavor.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and stays juicy for the perfect protein base.
- Soy sauce: Divided for both marinating the chicken and flavoring the sauce for savory depth throughout.
- Cornstarch: Helps the chicken stay tender and gives the sauce a silky finish.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the stir fry.
- Garlic: Essential for that classic stir-fry aroma and flavor punch.
- Celery: Brings a lovely crunch and a pop of green color to the mix.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage softens quickly and soaks up all the savory sauce.
- Bean sprouts: Light and refreshing, these add extra crunch at the end.
- Carrots: Bright orange slices add color, sweetness, and texture.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, mushrooms round out the flavors beautifully.
- Water chestnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a touch of subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Oyster sauce: Adds rich, savory complexity to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (optional): Gives a hint of sweetness and depth; use if you like a slightly sweeter finish.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for nutty aroma and classic Asian flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; add just enough to bring everything into balance.
- Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): The perfect finishing touch for color and flavor.
How to Make Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Toss your thinly sliced chicken breast with one tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes—this little bath keeps the chicken tender and helps it get that gorgeous golden sear while locking in all the flavor.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about four to five minutes. You want the pieces cooked through and lightly browned. Scoop them out and set aside for now—they’ll get their moment to shine soon!
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic, and stir-fry for just 30 seconds until everything smells irresistible. Next, add celery, carrots, mushrooms, and cabbage. Stir-fry for three to four minutes, just until the veggies are bright and tender-crisp—you want them to keep their bite!
Step 4: Add Bean Sprouts, Water Chestnuts, and Chicken
Now, stir in the bean sprouts and water chestnuts (if you’re using them) for that signature crunch. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together so all those flavors can mingle.
Step 5: Whisk and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce if you’re using it, and sesame oil. Pour this savory blend into the skillet, and toss everything so the sauce coats every bite. Let it cook for another two to three minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is piping hot.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Spoon your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or slippery noodles. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if you like, and dive in while it’s steaming and fresh!
How to Serve Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry with a flourish of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These little touches not only make the dish pop on the plate but also add extra flavor and a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few cilantro leaves work beautifully, too.
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar all on its own, but it also plays well with others! Serve it alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice, sticky rice, or your favorite noodles. A crisp Asian slaw or a bowl of miso soup makes a lovely starter, while some crispy spring rolls round out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal. You can also pile it onto cooked ramen noodles or spoon it over quinoa for a modern, protein-packed bowl. For the ultimate family-style dinner, serve everything in the wok right at the table so everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, just toss the stir fry in a hot skillet or wok for a few minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce and restore that just-cooked texture. Microwaving works, too, but the stovetop keeps the veggies crispier.
FAQs
Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile. Try shrimp, sliced beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust your cooking time based on the protein you use.
What’s the best way to keep the vegetables crisp?
Keep your heat high and don’t overcook the veggies. Stir-frying quickly ensures they stay tender-crisp and colorful. Add the more delicate ingredients, like bean sprouts, at the very end for the best crunch.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. Everything else in Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to skip the oyster or hoisin sauce?
Definitely. Oyster sauce adds savory depth, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, just add a little more soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce. Hoisin sauce is optional for a touch of sweetness, so feel free to leave it out or replace it with a pinch of brown sugar.
What other vegetables can I add?
This is the perfect “use what you have” recipe. Try snap peas, bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, or baby corn. The beauty of Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is its endless flexibility—just aim for a mix of colors and textures!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about creating a colorful, crave-worthy Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry at home. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor—plus, you can tweak it to suit whatever you’ve got in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and see just how easy and delicious homemade takeout can be!
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Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Chop Suey Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast and a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies for a satisfying meal served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts (optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add celery, carrots, mushrooms, and cabbage, stirring frequently for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp. Then incorporate the bean sprouts and water chestnuts (if using).
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, hoisin sauce if using, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the stir-fry and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the Chop Suey hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or firm tofu to suit your preference.
- Use any crisp vegetables you have on hand such as bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas for variety.
- Adjust the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce to make the dish sweeter or saltier according to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
