Classic Chicken Chop Suey: A Delicious and Versatile Stir-Fry

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Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that features a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. This versatile stir-fry is quick to prepare and packed with flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The combination of chicken marinated in oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine, along with a variety of vegetables and a rich sauce, creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious Chicken Chop Suey.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

  • 12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick strips
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 1/4 teaspoon of granulated sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

For the Rest of the Dish

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 4 white button mushrooms (or baby bella mushrooms), sliced
  • 1/2 small carrot, thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces bok choy, cut into ¾ x 2-inch (2 x 5 cm) pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 3/4 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken slices, water, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, and cornstarch.
  2. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, granulated sugar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and white pepper.
  2. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Add the sliced celery and bok choy, and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the Shaoxing wine and stir to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

  1. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Add the mung bean sprouts and snow peas to the wok, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are just tender.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and stir to coat everything evenly.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture.
  4. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Transfer the Chicken Chop Suey to a serving platter.
  2. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion

Chicken Chop Suey is a delicious and versatile dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful sauce. This stir-fry is perfect for any occasion, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly and easily. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this classic Chicken Chop Suey, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.