Chicken Chop Suey is a tasty and flexible Chinese-American classic, featuring succulent chicken and a mix of fresh vegetables cooked in a delicious savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and fulfilling meal, here’s how to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thigh or breast, thinly sliced against the grain
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinkiang vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or use dry sherry as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced on the bias (yield 1/3 cup)
- 1 carrot, sliced (yield 1/3 cup)
- 5 stalks broccoli rabe, or other green veggies, stems sliced on the bias and tops/leaves sliced into thick strips (yield 2 loosely packed cups)
- 1/3 cup sliced baby corn (from a 5-ounce can)
- 1/3 cup sliced bamboo shoots (from a 5-ounce can)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken slices with Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch. Combine thoroughly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the celery and carrot slices, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the broccoli rabe, baby corn, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Finish:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir the prepared sauce and pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir well to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Chicken Chop Suey to a serving dish.
- Serve warm alongside steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion:
Chicken Chop Suey is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce creates a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Enjoy this classic dish with your family and friends!