If you’re on the hunt for a delightful and vibrant dish that brings the perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, look no further than this Moo Shu Chicken Recipe. It combines tender slices of chicken with crisp vegetables, wrapped in soft Mandarin-style pancakes, making each bite a deliciously satisfying experience. This recipe is not only quick to whip up but also offers a colorful and fun way to enjoy dinner with family or friends, truly capturing the essence of classic Chinese-American cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating that authentic, balanced taste and texture in this Moo Shu Chicken Recipe. Each component not only adds flavor but also keeps the dish vibrant and satisfying from the first bite to the last.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced): The star protein, ensuring tender and juicy bites.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth to the chicken marinade.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the savory flavors with a rich, slightly briny note.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to brighten the overall dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that ties the flavors together.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying, keeping ingredients crisp.
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten): Adds fluffy texture and mild richness to the mix.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: Offers crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup sliced shiitake or white mushrooms: Adds earthiness and depth.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and bright color.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Fresh and slightly pungent to finish the stir-fry.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides aromatic punch and warmth.
- 8 Mandarin-style pancakes or small flour tortillas: The perfect soft vessel for wrapping your delicious filling.
- Extra hoisin sauce for serving: For dipping or drizzling, to amp up flavor.
How to Make Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing the thinly sliced chicken breasts with soy sauce, one teaspoon of cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Letting the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes allows the flavors to soak in deeply while tenderizing the meat, which is essential for that juicy, flavorful bite you’re craving.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and the remaining cornstarch in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as your dish’s signature sauce, bringing a beautiful balance of sweetness, acidity, and silkiness that will coat every ingredient.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—this keeps it tender and prevents overcooking.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs and Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently, cooking them until just set but still soft. Immediately add the minced garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly but retain a crisp, fresh texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture, and toss everything together. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables, making the flavors meld into one irresistible filling for your wrappers.
Step 6: Warm the Wrappers and Serve
Warm your Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas just before serving to make them pliable and inviting. Spoon the hot Moo Shu Chicken filling onto each wrapper, roll them up tightly, and serve with extra hoisin sauce on the side. This final touch lets everyone customize their wraps with an extra boost of sweet and savory flavor.
How to Serve Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few thinly sliced green onions on top once plated to add freshness and a slight bite, lifting the dish even further. For an optional crunch and a pop of color, toasted sesame seeds make a perfect garnish that complements the nutty tones from the sesame oil.
Side Dishes
Moo Shu Chicken feels complete alongside steamed jasmine rice or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley, which balances the richness of the wraps. Light Asian-style cucumber salad or pickled radishes can also provide a refreshing, palate-cleansing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Moo Shu Chicken Recipe family-style with all the components laid out buffet-style—warm pancakes, the aromatic filling, hoisin sauce, and garnishes—allowing everyone to assemble their own wraps. This interactive presentation is fun and makes dinner feel like a communal celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Moo Shu Chicken filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the pancakes from drying out, store them wrapped in foil or in a sealed bag separately and warm them gently before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. To prevent sogginess after thawing, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to revive the fresh texture.
Reheating
Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout. Warm the pancakes separately to soften them back to the perfect pliable state. Avoid reheating wrapped pancakes in the microwave to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken with another protein in this Moo Shu Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Pork or tofu make excellent alternatives, offering slightly different textures and flavors while still pairing beautifully with the sauce and vegetables. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is perfectly cooked.
Are Mandarin pancakes necessary, or can I use something else?
Mandarin pancakes are traditional for this dish, but small flour tortillas are a convenient and tasty substitute if you want a quicker prep or don’t have pancakes on hand. Both work wonderfully for wrapping the filling.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To adapt this Moo Shu Chicken Recipe for a gluten-free diet, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are certified gluten-free. Alternatively, you can make homemade versions or find gluten-free Asian sauces at specialty stores.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded vegetables?
Certainly! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix can save you time and still provide that satisfying crunch and color. Just make sure to check the packaging to avoid added dressings or seasonings that might alter the flavor profile.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I make it spicier?
The Moo Shu Chicken Recipe as presented is mild and family-friendly. To add heat, feel free to mix in some chili garlic sauce, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of red pepper flakes during cooking or right at serving for a spicy kick that suits your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Moo Shu Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to introduce a burst of flavor and color to your dinner table with ease and joy. It’s a dish that invites creativity, deliciously balances textures, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll love how it makes a simple weeknight meal feel so special and full of delight.
Print
Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
Moo Shu Chicken is a delicious Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in soft Mandarin-style pancakes or small flour tortillas. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that balances savory sauces with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup sliced shiitake or white mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 Mandarin-style pancakes or small flour tortillas
- Extra hoisin sauce for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let this mixture marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and the remaining teaspoon of cornstarch until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Scramble Eggs and Cook Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Then add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Warm and Serve: Warm the Mandarin-style pancakes or small flour tortillas according to package instructions. Serve the Moo Shu Chicken filling alongside extra hoisin sauce. Spoon the filling onto each pancake, roll it up, and enjoy your flavorful Moo Shu Chicken wraps.
Notes
- You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time and effort on prepping the vegetables.
- For variation, swap the chicken with pork or tofu to suit different dietary preferences.
- Mandarin-style pancakes are traditional, but small flour tortillas make a convenient and tasty substitute.
