There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sound of sizzling chicken mingling with fresh vegetables in a hot pan. When I first concocted this Chicken Chop Suey, the kitchen was filled with bright colors and irresistible smells that drew my family right to the table. Packed with protein and a variety of vibrant veggies, this dish transforms the mundane into something truly special, all without spending hours in the kitchen.
Imagine a quick weeknight dinner that not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body! With the rich umami flavor of the stir-fry sauce perfectly complementing the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, this easy-to-make recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to bland takeout and hello to a home-cooked meal that uplifts your spirits and brings everyone together around the table.
Get ready to whip up this luscious Chicken Chop Suey that requires minimal prep and cooks in no time—because homemade food should always feel easy and rewarding!
Why is Chicken Chop Suey so beloved?
Quick to make: This recipe can be on your table in just about 30 minutes.
Vibrant ingredients: A medley of colorful veggies like snow peas and baby corn elevate both the look and healthiness of the meal.
Flavor-packed sauce: The easy stir-fry sauce is rich in umami, making each bite a delight.
Family-friendly: It’s a perfect way to involve everyone in meal prep, keeping mealtime fun and engaging.
For more easy weeknight meals, check out our quick dinner ideas.
Chicken Chop Suey Ingredients
• Create your delicious Chicken Chop Suey with this vibrant ingredient list!
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast – about 180g/6.3oz, provides lean protein for a hearty meal.
- Tapioca starch or cornstarch – ½ tablespoon, helps create a crispy coating on the chicken.
- Salt – 1 pinch, enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Water – 1 tablespoon, used to hydrate and bind the coating ingredients.
- Cooking oil – 1 drop, prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
For the Sauce
- Light soy sauce – 1 tablespoon, adds a savory depth to the stir-fry.
- Dark soy sauce – ½ tablespoon, contributes to a richer color and flavor.
- Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons, offers a unique umami taste that enhances the dish.
- Sesame oil – ½ teaspoon, a subtle nutty taste that elevates the sauce.
- Tapioca starch or cornstarch – 1 tablespoon, thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Salt – 1 pinch, balances the flavors in the sauce.
- Ground white pepper – ¼ teaspoon, adds warmth with a gentle kick.
- Water – 4 tablespoons, helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
For the Vegetables
- Onion – ½, sliced, brings sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, sliced, infuses the dish with aroma and flavor.
- Carrot – 1 small, thinly sliced, adds a pop of color and crunch.
- Snow peas – 1 handful, a fresh and sweet addition to the mix.
- Baby corn – 3 pieces, diagonally sliced, adds texture and visual appeal.
- Button mushrooms – 3, sliced, for an earthy taste and chewy texture.
- Mung bean sprouts – 1 handful, offers a crisp element to the dish.
For Cooking
- Neutral cooking oil – 1½ tablespoons, divided, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering Chicken Chop Suey and delight your taste buds!
How to Make Chicken Chop Suey
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Coat the Chicken: Begin by evenly coating your chicken breast with ½ tablespoon of tapioca starch, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of water, and a drop of cooking oil. This step gives the chicken a beautiful crispiness once cooked.
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Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch, a pinch of salt, ground white pepper, and 4 tablespoons of water. This savory mix will elevate your dish with its rich flavor.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of cooking oil. Toss in the sliced onion, garlic, carrot, snow peas, baby corn, button mushrooms, and mung bean sprouts. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are bright and tender.
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Combine and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the vegetables and add the cooked chicken back in. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Chop Suey hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken Chop Suey Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own, turning every meal into a delightful adventure!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch to avoid gluten while still enjoying the great flavor.
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Add Spice: For a kick, toss in a teaspoon of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce, igniting your taste buds with warmth.
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Vegetarian-Friendly: Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, creating a delicious plant-based dish that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
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More Veggies: Mix it up by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy for added color, flavor, and nutrition. Each bite becomes a rainbow!
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Coconut Twist: Replace water with coconut milk in the sauce for a creamy, tropical flavor enhancement that complements the veggies beautifully.
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Noodle Addition: Serve your Chicken Chop Suey over cooked rice noodles instead of rice, turning it into a comforting noodle dish that’s satisfying and exciting.
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Asian Flair: Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra layer of crunch and flavor, making every plate visually appealing.
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Fruity Note: Add diced pineapple or mandarin oranges to the stir-fry for a sweet burst that balances the savory elements remarkably.
Expert Tips for Chicken Chop Suey
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Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. Undercooked chicken can be harmful.
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Crispy Texture: Don’t skip coating the chicken with tapioca starch or cornstarch; this step ensures a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender veggies.
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Prep Veggies First: Have all your vegetables sliced and ready before cooking. Stir-frying is quick, and you don’t want to risk overcooking your chicken while prepping.
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Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute any vegetables based on what you have at home. Just keep the colors vibrant for that beautiful Chicken Chop Suey!
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Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer an extra minute after adding it to the pan. Just don’t walk away, to avoid burning!
What to Serve with Chicken Chop Suey?
Creating a full meal around this flavorful dish can turn dinner into a celebration of tastes and textures!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Soft and fluffy, it soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight. A great option for those who crave something wholesome.
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Crispy Egg Rolls: These crunchy delights provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and veggies. They add a fun, party-like atmosphere to your meal!
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Garlic Noodles: Perfectly buttery and garlicky, they add a comforting element that pairs wonderfully with the zingy flavors of Chop Suey. A family favorite that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Sautéed Bok Choy: This tender green adds a fresh, peppery flavor that balances the richness of the dish. It effortlessly incorporates healthiness into your meal.
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Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: The crisp cucumbers tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing elevate the meal by adding a refreshing contrast. A great palate cleanser!
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this dessert’s creamy coconut flavor beautifully complements the umami of the main course, making a lovely Asian-inspired meal.
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Chrysanthemum Tea: The light floral notes in this refreshing drink enhance the flavors of the dish, making it a perfect pairing. Sip it while you enjoy your meal!
Let your table be a canvas of flavors when serving Chicken Chop Suey!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Chop Suey components are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken by coating it with tapioca starch, salt, water, and cooking oil, up to 24 hours in advance—this helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor. Additionally, you can chop all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Chicken Chop Suey, simply cook the chicken until golden brown, stir-fry the prepared vegetables, and combine them with the sauce you can whisk together in advance. This ensures a delicious meal that’s just as fresh and flavorful, saving you time on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Chop Suey
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Chop Suey in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw frozen Chicken Chop Suey overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Storage Tips: When storing, separate the chicken and vegetables if possible to maintain texture. The stir-fry sauce will keep everything delightfully tasty!
Chicken Chop Suey Recipe FAQs
How should I select the chicken breast?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken breasts, look for pieces that are firm, pink, and free of dark spots. It should feel moist but not slimy. This ensures a fresher-tasting dish that will shine in your Chicken Chop Suey.
How can I store leftover Chicken Chop Suey?
Leftover Chicken Chop Suey can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the veggies soggy.
Can I freeze Chicken Chop Suey?
Very! To freeze Chicken Chop Suey, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over medium heat.
What if my vegetables turn soggy during cooking?
If you find that your vegetables are becoming mushy, ensure you’re stir-frying them just until tender (about 4-5 minutes). It’s best to keep the heat on medium-high, and always prepare your veggies ahead of time. A quick toss in the pan gives them a delightful crunch!
Can I adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For those with allergies, double-check the labels on the oyster sauce or swap it with a vegan alternative. This recipe is versatile and can accommodate various dietary needs, so feel free to get creative!
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up too much, simply add a tablespoon of water, stirring it in until you reach your desired consistency. Aim for a sauce that lightly coats the chicken and vegetables without being overly sticky. Enjoy finding that perfect balance for your Chicken Chop Suey!
Delicious Chicken Chop Suey with Easy Stir-Fry Sauce Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat the Chicken: Begin by evenly coating your chicken breast with ½ tablespoon of tapioca starch, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of water, and a drop of cooking oil. This step gives the chicken a beautiful crispiness once cooked.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch, a pinch of salt, ground white pepper, and 4 tablespoons of water.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of cooking oil. Toss in the sliced onion, garlic, carrot, snow peas, baby corn, button mushrooms, and mung bean sprouts. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are bright and tender.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the vegetables and add the cooked chicken back in. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Chop Suey hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.