If you’re craving something vibrant, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors, this Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner to have up your sleeve. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that beautifully comes together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s not just easy to whip up but also offers a nourishing, colorful plate that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned cook, this recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe is the first step to a delicious meal. Each item is straightforward and essential, contributing unique textures, colors, and layers of flavor that make this dish so inviting.
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- 1 egg white: Helps to marinate and tenderize the chicken, creating a smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used in the marinade for a light, velvety coating on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory depth to the marinade and the stir-fry sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear without burning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic and flavorful notes that brighten the entire dish.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked.
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips: Provides vibrant color and a fresh, crisp bite.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, snow peas, broccoli, baby corn): A colorful variety that boosts both taste and nutrients.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtle sweetness to the stir-fry.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Enhances the natural flavors and rounds out the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Fine-tunes seasoning for your personal preference.
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water: Used to thicken the sauce to that perfect clingy consistency.
How to Make Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the egg white, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a bowl. This simple marinade does wonders for tenderizing the chicken and giving it a delicate, silky texture when cooked. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken breast, making sure each piece is well coated, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This little bit of prep makes a huge difference in the final dish’s juiciness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook it just until it turns opaque, which means it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the moment. Cooking it separately ensures it doesn’t overcook while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables
With the remaining vegetable oil heated in your pan, toss in the minced garlic and thinly sliced onion first. Stir-fry these until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which creates a wonderful flavor base. Next, add the bell pepper strips and the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry everything until the vegetables are crisp-tender — this means they’re cooked through but still have a delightful crunch, preserving their bright colors and fresh taste.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and add the teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry, a little at a time, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the ingredients. This step ties the whole dish together with a glossy, flavorful finish.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of color, extra texture, and a little aromatic pop that wakes up your senses.
Side Dishes
Serve this Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, freshly cooked quinoa or even cauliflower rice pair nicely and add a subtle nutty flavor to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little fancy? Serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for a fresh crunch that contrasts with the warm dish. Alternatively, wrap it in warm tortillas or add it over freshly cooked noodles for a colorful bowl that’s both fun and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more after sitting for a few hours, making it a perfect ready-to-eat meal the next day. Consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Cool it completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Avoid freezing more than once to maintain quality, especially for the vegetables.
Reheating
Reheat the Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe carefully on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating can help revive the sauce’s consistency and keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights chicken breast, feel free to substitute with pork, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to keep vegetables crisp in stir-fry?
Cook vegetables over high heat for a short time and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they stay crisp-tender and retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This swaps out proteins but keeps the flavor profile delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and chop your vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking. However, it’s best to cook and combine everything fresh for the ideal texture and taste.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you’re allergic or prefer not to use oyster sauce, you can substitute with mushroom sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a similar umami richness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe truly hits the spot when you want a quick, wholesome meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or freshness. Its wonderfully balanced sauce, colorful vegetables, and tender chicken make it a comforting classic you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion!
Print
Easy Chicken Chop Suey Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
A classic Chop Suey recipe featuring tender marinated chicken and crisp stir-fried vegetables in a savory soy-oyster sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect served hot over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Chop Suey:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, snow peas, broccoli, baby corn), bite-sized
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together egg white, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Add the thinly sliced chicken and coat well. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the meat turns opaque and is cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and thinly sliced onion; stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the bell pepper strips and mixed vegetables. Continue stir-frying until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the hot Chop Suey over cooked rice or your choice of side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Adjust the mixed vegetables based on seasonal availability or preference.
- Ensure to stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding to avoid lumps.
- Marinating the chicken helps keep it tender and juicy during cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
