Easy Chicken Chop Suey Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Easy Chicken Chop Suey Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners Looking for a satisfying dinner that delivers tons of flavor in under 30 minutes? This *easy chicken chop suey recipe* might just be your new weeknight hero! Full of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, chicken chop suey is the perfect balance of comfort…
Easy Chicken Chop Suey Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Looking for a satisfying dinner that delivers tons of flavor in under 30 minutes? This *easy chicken chop suey recipe* might just be your new weeknight hero! Full of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, chicken chop suey is the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for busy weekdays, this Chinese-American classic delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
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### A Quick Note on Chop Suey: My Weeknight Savior
I’ll admit it—I first learned about chop suey as a college student looking for takeout that wouldn’t break the bank. Years later, it’s become one of my favorite homemade dinners: endlessly customizable, loaded with veggies, and ready in a flash. This chicken chop suey recipe is especially close to my heart because it’s fuss-free, budget-friendly, and always gets rave reviews from my family. If you have leftover chicken or a bunch of fresh veggies in the fridge, you’re already halfway there!
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**Image: A colorful bowl of chicken chop suey overflowing with tender-crisp vegetables and juicy chicken, garnished with green onions, served over steaming rice in a cozy kitchen setting.**
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What Exactly Is Chicken Chop Suey?
Chicken chop suey is a celebrated dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Traditionally, it’s made up of stir-fried chicken, a medley of crisp vegetables like bean sprouts, celery, and snap peas, and a light, savory sauce. Served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s both comforting and nutritious.
Why do people love chicken chop suey?
– **Quick to prepare:** Ready in about 30 minutes.
– **Customizable:** Use your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
– **Healthy:** Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
– **Affordable:** Uses pantry staples and easily found ingredients.
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Ingredients: What You’ll Need (And Easy Swaps!)
Chop suey thrives on flexibility! Here’s what you’ll typically need (with chef-approved swaps to save time or suit dietary needs):
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | Chicken thigh, tofu, or leftover roast chicken |
| Snow peas | Green beans, sugar snap peas, or broccoli florets |
| Bean sprouts | Cabbage (thinly sliced), water chestnuts |
| Bell pepper | Carrots, baby corn, or zucchini |
| Onion | Scallions or shallots |
| Soy sauce | Tamari or coconut aminos (gluten-free) |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or water |
**Pro tip:** Shop your crisper drawer before heading to the store—this recipe is perfect for using up leftover veggies!
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Tips for the Best Chicken Chop Suey
– **Prep Ahead:** Chop all your vegetables and meat before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast!
– **Hot Wok is Key:** Use the highest heat your pan allows; this keeps veggies crisp and chicken juicy.
– **Don’t Overcrowd:** Cook chicken and veggies in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
– **Sauce It Last:** Toss the sauce in at the end so everything stays crisp-tender and glossy.
– **Garnish Generously:** Finish with fresh sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for flavor and crunch.
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Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Chop Suey (Fast & Flawless!)
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you can have a fresh, nourishing dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Marinate the chicken. A quick toss in soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch keeps the meat juicy.
- Sear the chicken. Use high heat for deep golden color—remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the veggies. Always start with the ones that take longest (like carrots), and add quick-cooking veggies (like snow peas) near the end.
- Add the sauce. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce or sesame oil. Let everything bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.
- Combine & Serve. Return chicken to the pan, mix well, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
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**Image: a colorful skillet filled with chicken, vibrant bell peppers, snow peas, and bean sprouts, tossed in a glossy sauce, with steam rising.**
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Nutrition at a Glance
Wondering how this weeknight meal fits into your healthy eating plan? Here’s why chicken chop suey is a nutritious choice:
| Per Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Chop Suey* | 290 | 16g | 7g | 36g |
*Nutrition info is an estimate for one serving without rice. Actual values will vary based on ingredient brands and swaps.
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Quick Variation Ideas
- Vegetarian chop suey: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or seitan. Use veggie broth.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
- Keto-friendly: Skip cornstarch or use a keto thickener like xanthan gum.
- Extra spicy: Add a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh sliced chilies to the sauce.
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Kitchen Do’s and Don’ts for Perfect Chop Suey
- Do use fresh vegetables for best texture and color.
- Do taste and adjust seasoning—soy sauces vary in saltiness.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Work in batches if needed.
- Don’t overcook the veggies—a little crunch is ideal!
- Do serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.
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Chicken Chop Suey FAQ
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Easy Chicken Chop Suey Recipe
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Total time:** 25 minutes
**Yield:** 4 servings
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced thinly)
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided)
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
– 1 onion (sliced)
– 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
– 1 cup snow peas (trimmed)
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 celery stalks (sliced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
– Sliced scallions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate Chicken:** In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Set aside while you prep veggies.
2. **Prep Veggies:** Slice all vegetables so they’re ready to go. Mix chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
3. **Sear Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer; stir-fry until just cooked (3–4 mins). Remove to a plate.
4. **Stir-Fry Veggies:** Add remaining oil. Stir-fry onion and celery for 2 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, and snow peas; stir-fry 2 minutes more.
5. **Add Sauce:** Return chicken to pan. Pour in sauce. Stir quickly; allow to bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.
6. **Finish & Serve:** Toss in bean sprouts and cook 30 seconds until warmed. Serve immediately atop rice or noodles, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
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| Per Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Chop Suey* | 290 | 16g | 7g | 36g |
*Estimate; does not include rice or noodles.
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Let’s Get Cooking! Share the Love
There you have it—a foolproof *chicken chop suey recipe* that’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners and easy enough for total beginners. If you give this dish a try, I’d *love* to see your creations! Save this recipe on Pinterest, send it to your cooking group, or share with friends on WhatsApp. Your kitchen adventures inspire others, so be sure to tag me if you share your chop suey masterpiece!
Ready for an easy, flavor-packed dinner? Grab those veggies and let’s get sizzling!
