Easy & Delicious Chicken Chop Suey Recipe

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super tasty and easy-to-make dish: Chicken Chop Suey! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, loaded with veggies, and super satisfying. So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

What is Chicken Chop Suey?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk a bit about what Chicken Chop Suey actually is. Chop Suey, which literally means "assorted leftovers," is a dish believed to have originated in the United States, created by Chinese American cooks. It's a stir-fried dish consisting of meat (in our case, chicken) and vegetables, served in a delicious sauce. While it's often associated with Chinese cuisine, it’s more of an American-Chinese creation. This makes it incredibly adaptable, and there are countless variations depending on regional tastes and available ingredients. The beauty of Chicken Chop Suey lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with your favorite veggies. Some popular additions include bean sprouts, celery, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots. The sauce is usually a blend of soy sauce, broth, and a thickening agent like cornstarch, creating a savory and slightly sweet glaze that coats all the ingredients perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to tweak to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, add a bit of heat with chili flakes, or throw in some extra veggies you have lying around. The goal is to create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying for you and your family. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover cooked chicken or vegetables you might have in the fridge, making it a resourceful and budget-friendly meal option. So, are you ready to master this classic dish? Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step guide to make your very own Chicken Chop Suey!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this yummy Chicken Chop Suey:

  • Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 cup of sliced celery
    • 1 cup of sliced onions
    • 1 cup of sliced bell peppers (any color)
    • 1 cup of bean sprouts
    • 1/2 cup of sliced water chestnuts
    • 1/2 cup of sliced bamboo shoots
    • 1 cup of shredded carrots
  • Sauce:
    • 1 cup of chicken broth
    • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon of sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
    • 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
  • Aromatics:
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for stir-frying
  • Optional:
    • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
    • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts of vegetables based on your personal preference. If you love celery, add a bit more! If you're not a fan of bean sprouts, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with something else you enjoy. The key to a great Chicken Chop Suey is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a huge difference in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. If you're using frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the stir-fry. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy. For the chicken, you can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs will be more flavorful and tender, while chicken breasts are leaner and cook more quickly. Remember to cut the chicken into uniform sizes so that it cooks evenly. This will ensure that every piece is perfectly cooked and delicious. Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking process. Get your wok or skillet hot, and let’s start stir-frying!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get down to the cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken Chop Suey.

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help tenderize the chicken and give it a nice coating.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Set aside.
  3. Stir-fry Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it's cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
  5. Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the celery, onions, and bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.
  6. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the bean sprouts, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and shredded carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
  7. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
  8. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  9. Serve: Serve the Chicken Chop Suey hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Remember to keep the heat high while stir-frying to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and the chicken cooks quickly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar. If you want it saltier, add a splash of soy sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Serving this dish over rice is classic, but you can also try it with noodles for a different twist. Egg noodles or even crispy fried noodles work really well. And for a bit of extra crunch, consider adding some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top. Now that you've mastered the art of making Chicken Chop Suey, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. So, go ahead and give it a try. I guarantee you'll love it!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your Chicken Chop Suey to the next level? Here are some tips and variations to try out:

  • Add Some Heat: Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
  • Use Different Proteins: Not a fan of chicken? Try using shrimp, beef, or tofu instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables for your favorites. Broccoli, snow peas, and mushrooms all work great.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken altogether and use a variety of vegetables and tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Add a Splash of Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang to the sauce.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness.

Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors is part of the fun of cooking. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. Maybe you want to add some pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist, or perhaps you want to throw in some peanuts for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless! Another great tip is to prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. This is especially important for stir-frying, as the cooking process is very quick. Having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go will make the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable. You can even prep the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook. And if you have any leftovers, don't worry! Chicken Chop Suey tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to eat. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even in the oven. So, there you have it – a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe for Chicken Chop Suey. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, you've made your amazing Chicken Chop Suey, but what should you serve it with? Here are a few ideas:

  • Rice: A classic pairing! Serve your Chop Suey over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
  • Noodles: For a different twist, try serving it over egg noodles or crispy fried noodles.
  • Spring Rolls: Start your meal with some crispy spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
  • Soup: A light and refreshing soup, like wonton soup or egg drop soup, makes a great appetizer.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the Chop Suey.

When it comes to serving, presentation is key. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds can add a pop of color and visual appeal. You can also serve the Chop Suey in individual bowls or platters for a more elegant presentation. And don’t forget the condiments! Soy sauce, chili sauce, and sweet and sour sauce are all great options for adding extra flavor. If you're serving a crowd, consider setting up a buffet-style spread with all the fixings. This allows your guests to customize their meal and create their own perfect plate. You can also offer a variety of different side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, fried rice, or pot stickers. And for dessert, why not serve some fortune cookies or mango sticky rice? These are both classic Asian desserts that are sure to please. So, there you have it – some delicious serving suggestions to complete your Chicken Chop Suey meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking for your family, these ideas will help you create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A super easy and incredibly delicious Chicken Chop Suey recipe that you can whip up anytime. It's versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and give it a try. Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chop Suey! I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, and that you'll continue to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Cooking should be fun and creative, so don't be afraid to try new things and make it your own. And remember, the most important ingredient is love! So, cook with passion, and your food will always taste amazing. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today, and I'll see you next time with another delicious recipe. Bye for now!