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## **Ingredients for Chicken Chop Suey**
To make a flavorful Chicken Chop Suey at home, you will need a variety of fresh ingredients. While you can always adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences, here’s a general list of what you’ll need for this recipe:
### **For the Chicken:**
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to coat the chicken for tenderness)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating the chicken)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for marinating)
### **For the Vegetables:**
– 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
– 1/2 cup baby corn (optional)
– 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
– 1/2 onion, sliced thinly
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
### **For the Sauce:**
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
– 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
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## **Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Chop Suey**
Making Chicken Chop Suey at home is relatively simple and quick. With a few basic steps, you’ll have a flavorful, nutritious meal that your family will love. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. To ensure the chicken stays tender and moist, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for about 10-15 minutes. This step will add flavor and help the chicken retain its juiciness while cooking.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
While the chicken is marinating, prep the vegetables. Slice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and trim the snow peas. Slice the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. If you’re using baby corn or water chestnuts, make sure they’re drained and sliced.
### **Step 3: Make the Sauce**
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth or water. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set aside both the sauce and slurry for later.
### **Step 4: Cook the Chicken**
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
### **Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**
In the same wok or skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the remaining vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, water chestnuts, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
### **Step 6: Combine Everything**
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Stir everything together. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables.
### **Step 7: Serve**
Serve the Chicken Chop Suey hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
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## **Variations of Chicken Chop Suey**
One of the best things about Chicken Chop Suey is its flexibility. Here are some variations you can try to customize the dish to suit your taste:
1. **Vegetarian Chop Suey:** Substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a plant-based version of this dish. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or bok choy.
2. **Spicy Chicken Chop Suey:** Add chili flakes, chili paste, or fresh sliced chilies to the sauce to bring in some heat.
3. **Low-Carb Chop Suey:** For a low-carb option, serve the Chicken Chop Suey over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
4. **With Noodles:** For a heartier dish, toss the chicken and vegetable mixture with cooked noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or lo mein.
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## **Conclusion**
Chicken Chop Suey is a delightful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. With its versatility, you can adapt it to suit any dietary preferences, making it a go-to meal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Chicken Chop Suey is a dish worth trying. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Chicken Chop Suey today!
