Homemade Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey Stir-Fry
If you're craving a delicious, wholesome meal that's quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, Homemade Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey Stir-Fry is a fantastic choice.
This classic dish is a colorful mix of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, making it perfect for a family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. Let’s dive into what makes this stir-fry so special and how you can master it at home.
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What Is Chop Suey?
Chop Suey is a traditional Chinese-American dish that translates to "mixed pieces."
It originated from Chinese immigrants who adapted their cooking using locally available ingredients in the United States.
This stir-fry typically includes a variety of vegetables and meats, all cooked quickly in a savory sauce. The result is a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for those who love a balance of textures and flavors.
Why Make Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey at Home?
Making this dish at home allows you to control the freshness and quality of every ingredient.
Unlike takeout, your homemade version can be tailored to your taste preferences, whether you prefer it more saucy, spicy, or loaded with extra veggies.
Plus, it's a great way to sneak in more vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Here are some key benefits of cooking this stir-fry yourself:
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients: You pick the best chicken and freshest vegetables.
- Control over seasoning: Adjust salt, sweetness, and spice to your liking.
- No preservatives or additives: A clean, healthy meal for your family.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its simple yet versatile ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic chicken and vegetable Chop Suey:
- Chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced – provides tender, juicy protein.
- Vegetables: Typically, a mix of crunchy and colorful options works best. Popular choices include:
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Carrots, julienned
- Snow peas or snap peas
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Celery, thinly sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Bean sprouts (optional)
- Garlic and ginger, minced – add aromatic depth and warmth.
- Soy sauce – the savory backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (optional) – for richness and umami flavor.
- Chicken broth or water – to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) – thickens the sauce.
- Vegetable oil or sesame oil – for stir-frying.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Preparing the Chicken & Vegetables
Before you start cooking, proper prep is key. Thinly slice the chicken so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Wash and cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for easy eating and quick cooking. Keep garlic and ginger minced finely to release their full flavor.
If you want to keep the vegetables crisp, consider stir-frying them separately or in stages, starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like carrots and celery.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Here’s how to bring your homemade Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey Stir-Fry to life:
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, marinate it for 10-15 minutes with:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
This simple marinade helps seal in juices and gives a slight coating for a better stir-fry texture.
2. Heat the Pan
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, you’re ready to cook.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken slices to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
5. Cook the Vegetables
Add the vegetables in order of firmness — start with carrots and celery, then add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and peas. Stir-fry for 4-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything evenly.
7. Make the Sauce
Pour in:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if using)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Mix cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) separately, then pour it into the pan while stirring. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
8. Simmer and Finish
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve Hot
Serve your delicious Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method; high heat locks in flavors and keeps vegetables crisp.
- Prep all ingredients first: Cooking goes fast, so have everything ready before heating the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Customize your veggies: Add broccoli, bok choy, water chestnuts, or baby corn for more variety.
- Try different proteins: Swap chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork for different tastes.
Nutritional Benefits
This homemade chop suey stir-fry offers a balanced combination of lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables.
Chicken provides essential amino acids, while vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Using minimal oil and fresh ingredients means it’s a healthy and satisfying option compared to fried takeout meals.
Unlock the Flavors
Making Homemade Chicken & Vegetable Chop Suey Stir-Fry is not only easy but also a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal.
With just a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can bring a restaurant favorite to your kitchen table. Experiment with different vegetables and sauces to make this dish your own.
Give this recipe a try tonight, and enjoy the vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and comforting warmth that only a homemade stir-fry can provide!
Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe
Source: TheWolfePit
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