This Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey combines tender chicken with colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The sauce brings a beautiful balance of salty and tangy, giving each bite a satisfying punch. It’s not only quick to prepare but also a wonderfully flavorful and healthy dish for any occasion.
The beauty of this stir fry is how easily it can be customized. You can switch out the vegetables depending on what you have on hand or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. It’s a perfect dish to serve when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss, and the flavors will surely impress your family or guests.
Full Recipe:
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 carrot, julienned
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
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2 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
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Add the garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
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Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir well to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey: A Flavorful and Versatile Meal
Introduction to Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is a delicious and quick dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce. This dish is a perfect choice for those who want a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. The beauty of Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the fact that it uses basic pantry ingredients, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
The Origins of Stir Fry Dishes
Stir fry dishes have their origins in Chinese cuisine, where they are known as “chao” or “chao fan” in Mandarin. The technique involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok with a small amount of oil, allowing them to retain their nutrients, color, and texture. The stir fry method has been used in Chinese cooking for centuries and has been adapted around the world due to its efficiency and the great flavor it produces.
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is a variation of the traditional stir fry, combining chicken and a variety of vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Although the name “Chop Suey” is often associated with American Chinese cuisine, it is a term that originated in the United States. It was created to appeal to Western tastes and is now popular worldwide. It is a flexible recipe, which can include many types of proteins and vegetables, depending on what you have available.
Why Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey Is a Healthy Choice
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The quick stir-frying technique helps to preserve the nutrients in the ingredients, making this dish a nutrient-packed meal.
Additionally, the use of low-sodium soy sauce and other healthy ingredients like sesame oil and rice vinegar ensures that the dish is flavorful without being overly greasy or high in sodium. By preparing this dish at home, you can control the amount of oil and seasoning, making it a healthier alternative to takeout options.
Customizing Your Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey
One of the best aspects of Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is how easily it can be customized. The recipe calls for a variety of vegetables, but you can easily switch them out based on what you have in your fridge. Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions are commonly used, but feel free to add or substitute with broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or even baby corn.
The protein in this dish is typically chicken breast, but it can easily be swapped for other meats such as beef, pork, or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, tofu is a great alternative to chicken, offering a similar texture and the ability to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
The sauce itself is simple, with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, but you can adjust the flavor profile based on your preferences. For a sweeter dish, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, include some chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. The options are endless, and that’s part of the reason why this dish is so loved.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stir Fry
To achieve the perfect stir fry, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir frying is a fast process, and having everything ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother. Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Second, make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding any ingredients. High heat is essential for stir frying, as it allows the food to cook quickly, searing the ingredients and locking in the flavor. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the ingredients will release too much moisture and steam instead of stir-frying, which can result in a soggy dish.
Third, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you are cooking a large batch, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables in batches. This will ensure that each piece of chicken and vegetable gets a nice sear, rather than steaming in its own juices.
Finally, keep stirring! Stir frying is all about constantly moving the ingredients around the pan to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir constantly, and don’t be afraid to scrape up any bits of chicken or vegetables that may stick to the pan.
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey as a Meal Prep Option
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is a fantastic dish for meal prepping. The recipe makes enough for several servings, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan over low heat.
Because the dish includes both protein and vegetables, it makes a well-rounded meal on its own. For a complete meal prep, serve the stir fry over brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. You can portion the rice and stir fry into individual containers, and you’ll have a healthy and tasty lunch or dinner ready to go throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
While Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can enhance the meal with additional sides or accompaniments. Serving it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is a popular choice, as the rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. You could also try pairing the dish with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a more complete meal.
If you’re looking to add a little crunch, garnish the stir fry with roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions also adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy lean protein and fresh vegetables. With its customizable ingredients and simple cooking process, it’s a perfect choice for any home cook, regardless of skill level. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why stir fry dishes like this one are beloved around the world.
By experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and sauces, you can make this dish your own, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, consider making Chicken Stir Fry Chop Suey—it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.