Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner: Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry! Juicy slices of chicken meld with crisp, fresh veggies in a glossy, savory sauce, hitting that sweet spot between healthy and utterly satisfying. Ready in little more than half an hour, this vibrant stir-fry is a feast for the eyes and the palate, with every ingredient playing its part — and that signature stir-fry aroma? Pure magic. Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen, with loads of vegetables and tender chicken in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is in its simplicity: a handful of fresh ingredients, a dash of pantry staples, and you’re on your way to dinner bliss. Each piece in this lineup brings something special — from colorful crunch to savory depth.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced, it cooks up succulent and soaks in maximum flavor from the marinade.
- Soy sauce: Divided for marinating the chicken and building a rich, umami-packed sauce.
- Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken for that signature silken texture and helps the sauce hug every ingredient.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral and perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and irresistible savoriness as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, but they’ll perfume the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
- Celery: Brings a fresh crunch and bright color to each bite.
- Carrots: Julienned for visual appeal and sweet, earthy flavor.
- Bean sprouts: Tossed in at the end, these keep things ultra-refreshing and light.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced for an extra hit of color and juicy, gentle sweetness.
- Napa cabbage: Tender and mild, it melds seamlessly into the dish while adding lovely body.
- Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the savory stir-fry sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Infuses deep, complex flavor (don’t skip it — it makes the sauce sing!).
- Sesame oil: A drizzle for nutty aroma and flavor; a little goes a long way.
- Ground white pepper (optional): Offers subtle warmth and traditional seasoning.
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Totally optional, but they add a gorgeous finishing touch and a whisper of crunch.
How to Make Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken breast a quick bath in flavor: toss the thin slices with a tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch in a bowl, working it in so each piece is evenly coated. This marinade only takes 10 to 15 minutes — just enough time to prep the veggies — and guarantees deliciously moist, savory chicken in your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Grab your wok or largest skillet and heat up a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes. Each piece should take on a delectable golden color and cook right through. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside for later — don’t worry, it’ll be back!
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the same pan, then toss in the onion and garlic. Stir-fry for just a minute to release all that mouthwatering aroma, then pile in the celery, carrots, bell pepper, and Napa cabbage. Sizzle and toss for another couple of minutes — you want the veggies just kissed by the heat so they stay bright and crunchy.
Step 4: Combine and Add Bean Sprouts
Time for the chicken to reunite with its veggie friends. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the bean sprouts. Give everything a hearty stir so those flavors start mingling as the heat brings it all together.
Step 5: Bring It All Together with Sauce
In a small bowl, whip up the flavor-packed stir-fry sauce by whisking together the chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper if you like. Pour this savory mixture over your chicken and veggies, and toss to coat every morsel. Keep everything moving in the pan for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and wrap every bite in glossy, umami goodness. Your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is now ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes
Finish your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry with a flurry of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final pop of color and flavor. That extra little crunch from the seeds and the fresh zip from the onions elevate every bowl — it’s the small things that make this dish totally restaurant-worthy at home.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry absolutely shines atop a bed of steaming white rice, but don’t stop there! It’s equally delicious spooned over fluffy jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles. Even quinoa or cauliflower rice will soak up all those luscious, saucy flavors from the Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the stir-fry into lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer, or pile everything into a shallow serving platter for family-style dining. If you’re feeling festive, serve with a side of crispy wonton chips to scoop up extra sauce. Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is as versatile to serve as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The medley of chicken and veggies stays tender, and the flavors meld deliciously together overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best texture when reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, as some veggies may soften further after freezing. Still, the sauce and chicken remain as tasty as ever!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Either way, your Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry will perk right back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for sliced pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just follow the same marinade and cooking steps for whichever protein you choose.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand (or need a vegetarian option), use a combination of extra soy sauce, a splash of hoisin, or a little mushroom stir-fry sauce to capture similar depth and savoriness.
How do I keep the vegetables crunchy?
The key is to stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat and not to overcrowd the pan. This way, they cook through while retaining their color and crunch. Add more delicate veggies like bean sprouts right at the end for best results.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free. All the vegetables and chicken in Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry are naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to skip the marinating step?
While you could stir-fry the chicken straight away, marinating for even 10 minutes makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor. It’s a small step that really pays off!
Final Thoughts
Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry is the kind of comforting, colorful meal that never disappoints. It’s quick enough for any busy night yet special enough to share with friends or family. Give it a try, make it your own, and let this classic stir-fry bring a little joy (and a lot of flavor!) to your dinner table. Happy cooking!
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Chop Suey – Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that features a delightful mix of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. This Chicken Stir Fry version is quick to make and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup chopped Napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Cook marinated chicken until browned. Remove and set aside. Stir-fry onions and garlic. Add remaining vegetables and cook until tender. Return chicken, add bean sprouts. Combine sauce ingredients, pour over stir-fry. Cook until heated through. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute protein or add extra vegetables for variety.
- Adjust soy and oyster sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg