Introduction

Chicken Chop Suey is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish made with thinly sliced chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful savory sauce. It’s a dish that embodies the fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, originating from Chinese immigrants in the United States in the late 19th century.

The term “Chop Suey” means “assorted pieces”, referring to its mix of crisp-tender vegetables, succulent chicken, and a thick, glossy sauce. This dish is commonly served with steamed or boiled rice, making it a well-balanced, protein-rich meal.

In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to making authentic Chicken Chop Suey, covering ingredients, cooking instructions, health benefits, interesting facts, and FAQs.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (boneless), cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or lard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup cooked ham (sliced thinly, optional for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced diagonally
• 1 cup bean sprouts (fresh or canned, rinsed well)
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup green bell peppers, sliced (optional)
• ½ cup carrots, julienned (optional for extra crunch)
• ½ cup snow peas or bok choy (optional for a more authentic Chinese flavor)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken stock or broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or authentic Chinese sauce like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cream (for richness, optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance flavors)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for authentic aroma)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced, optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated, optional for an aromatic touch)

For Serving:

• Boiled rice or steamed jasmine rice
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional for extra flavor and crunch)

Steps – How to Cook Chicken Chop Suey

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice boneless chicken into thin strips for quick cooking.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice onions, celery, mushrooms, and bell peppers into thin strips for even cooking.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix chicken stock, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to dissolve.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or lard in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken strips and season with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
3. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown.
4. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add onions, celery, mushrooms, green peppers, and bean sprouts.
3. Stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

1. Add the fried chicken strips back into the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well.
3. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

1. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream for added richness.
2. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top.
3. Serve hot on a platter with boiled rice.

Benefits of Chicken Chop Suey

1. High in Protein

• Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping muscle growth and repair.

2. Rich in Fiber and Nutrients

• Vegetables like bean sprouts, celery, and mushrooms provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

3. Low in Calories

• This dish is low in calories compared to deep-fried Chinese dishes, making it a healthier option.

4. Aids Digestion

• Ginger and garlic in the dish help boost digestion and support gut health.

5. Perfect for Weight Management

• Since it’s stir-fried with minimal oil, it fits well into low-carb and high-protein diets.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Chop Suey

1. Origin is Debated

• Some say Chop Suey was invented in China, while others claim it was created by Chinese immigrants in America.

2. “Chop Suey” Means “Assorted Pieces”

• The name refers to the mixed vegetables and meats stir-fried together.

3. Popular Around the World

• Versions of Chop Suey are found in America, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

4. Can Be Made with Any Protein

• Chop Suey can be made with pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, or even duck.

5. A Classic Takeout Dish

• It became one of the first popular Chinese-American takeout meals in the 1900s.