Easy Chicken Chop Suey Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a supremely comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, Easy Chicken Chop Suey is about to become your new go-to recipe. This beloved takeout classic comes together in a single pan with juicy marinated chicken, an array of crisp-tender veggies, and an irresistibly savory sauce. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, making it the ultimate dish for busy weeknights or relaxed dinner parties alike. Best of all, you get to control the freshness and quality of every ingredient, ensuring your homemade chop suey tastes even better than your favorite restaurant’s version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Easy Chicken Chop Suey is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. From the delicate slices of tender chicken to the crisp veggies and aromatic seasonings, each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect, well-balanced stir-fry.

• Chicken breast (250g): Slicing it thin ensures every piece cooks quickly and soaks up the savory marinade.
• Vegetable or canola oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral oils like these help keep the stir-fry light and allow the ingredients’ natural flavors to shine.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings bold flavor and aroma, creating the signature stir-fry base.
• Ginger (2 teaspoons, minced): Lends a gentle heat and zesty punch to balance the rich sauce.
• Bean sprouts (1 cup): Add a refreshing crunch and mild, nutty flavor.
• Carrot (1, julienned): Bright color and subtle sweetness make each bite more vibrant.
• Baby corn (4 to 5, sliced): Offers bite-sized tenderness and a whimsical touch.
• Snow peas (8 to 10): Bring a satisfyingly snappy texture plus a pop of green.
• Spring onions (2, chopped): Their mild onion flavor and fresh finish tie everything together.
• Soy sauce (1 teaspoon, for marinade): Seasons the chicken at the base, infusing it with umami from the start.
• Sesame oil (½ teaspoon, for marinade): Adds rich, toasty aroma to the chicken.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, for marinade): Gives the chicken that silky-smooth stir-fry finish.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon, for marinade): Tenderizes the chicken to perfection.
• Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The key to the stir-fry sauce’s salty-sweet complexity.
• Dark soy sauce (2 teaspoons): Delivers depth of color and a more robust, caramelly note.
• Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings luscious, savory richness and signature Asian-style flavor.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the saltiness and enhances every vegetable.
• Water (2 tablespoons, for sauce): Helps meld all the sauce flavors together smoothly.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon, finishing): The final flourish for irresistible aroma.
• Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite.

How to Make Easy Chicken Chop Suey

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, cornstarch, and just a pinch of baking soda. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this mini-marinade not only infuses the meat with savory, nutty flavor but also keeps it wonderfully tender as it cooks. Don’t skip this step: it’s the secret to extra-juicy chicken in your Easy Chicken Chop Suey.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

While the chicken marinates, quickly whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This savory-sweet mixture will become the soul of your Easy Chicken Chop Suey, ensuring every bite is packed with layered, restaurant-style flavor. Set it aside within arm’s reach—you’ll add it in just a moment.

Step 3: Sear Aromatics and Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high. As soon as it’s shimmering, toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds to bloom those incredible aromas. Slide in the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the pieces are nearly cooked through and ever-so-slightly golden at the edges.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Vegetables

Next, boost the stir-fry with carrots, baby corn, and snow peas. Keep things lively in the pan and toss constantly. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re vivid in color and still brightly crisp. This swift cooking keeps every veggie at its absolute best—crisp, not mushy.

Step 5: Fold in Bean Sprouts and Spring Onions

Add the bean sprouts and chopped spring onions right at the end—these quick-cooking veggies only need a minute or two. They’ll absorb the flavor of the pan while maintaining their freshness and crunch, which is a signature hallmark of great Easy Chicken Chop Suey.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Thicken

Pour that fragrant stir-fry sauce over everything in the pan. As you stir, the aroma is pure heaven! After a quick toss, add the cornstarch slurry. In another minute or two, the sauce will thicken to a shiny glaze that envelops every piece of chicken and vegetable, tying everything together into a beautiful chop suey harmony.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and drizzle the final teaspoon of sesame oil across the top for that irresistible, nutty aroma. Serve your Easy Chicken Chop Suey hot over fluffy steamed rice or slurpable noodles. Every forkful is bursting with fresh, vibrant taste!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Chop Suey

Garnishes

For that professional finish, a sprinkle of extra chopped spring onions or a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds makes your Easy Chicken Chop Suey stunning to look at and even more flavorful. Some like to top it with a hint of crushed red chili for subtle heat or a drizzle of soy for extra savoriness—don’t be shy to make it your own.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or plain white rice is always a dependable partner, soaking up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve Easy Chicken Chop Suey over soft lo mein noodles for a heartier meal. Looking for a lighter touch? Try pairing it with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to complement the vibrant, saucy stir-fry.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a festive stir-fry bowl night—set out bowls of rice or noodles, ladle on Easy Chicken Chop Suey, and let everyone top their own creations with fresh herbs, chilies, or even a fried egg. Serve in a big, colorful platter for family-style dining, or pack leftovers into meal prep containers for a crave-worthy lunch at work the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Chicken Chop Suey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite just as tasty—and sometimes even better—on the second day. Be sure to cool the stir-fry to room temperature before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

Easy Chicken Chop Suey can be frozen, although the veggies may lose some of their signature crunch. Place cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Use within one month for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

For the freshest flavor and texture, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or wok, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened in the fridge. You can also use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Just don’t overcook, as the veggies won’t stay crisp if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Easy Chicken Chop Suey is wonderfully versatile—you can try thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just keep the marinade steps the same, and adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.

What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is easily adaptable! Along with the classic mix, bok choy, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even water chestnuts add fun textures and flavors. Use what’s in season or clear out your crisper—this dish is forgiving and fantastic either way.

Is oyster sauce necessary for the flavor?

Oyster sauce gives Easy Chicken Chop Suey its classic savory depth, but if you can’t find it or prefer not to use it, a mix of extra soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar or vegetarian mushroom sauce will do in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!

How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?

The combination of a cornstarch and baking soda marinade works magic here. The cornstarch lightly coats and protects each slice, while baking soda breaks down proteins for that ever-so-tender result we all crave in a great stir-fry.

Can I prepare Easy Chicken Chop Suey ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can prep the veggies and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. The actual stir-fry comes together super quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or prepping a few servings for the days ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, endlessly customizable dish that never disappoints, Easy Chicken Chop Suey is your ticket to a satisfying homemade meal. With just a few steps and lots of flavor, it’s a recipe worth adding to your weekly repertoire. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—your taste buds (and your family) will absolutely thank you!

Print