This Chicken Chop Suey has few ingredients and is simple to make for a quick, easy weeknight meal.
Did you all survive the fireworks of the 4th of July? 🙂
Here, it was a hottttt 92 degrees, which is crazy, blazing hot for us.
All our local towns had big banners of burn warnings, encouraging people to leave the fireworks to the professional, commercial displays. And, for the most part – everyone did. Which we were entirely grateful for, because we live near a heavily wooded area. Fireworks and woods? They don’t mix.
Thankfully, I’m happy to say, our 4th of July holiday was uneventful. Just like we like it. 🙂
Now that the holiday’s over, let’s talk Chop Suey, shall we? Chicken Chop Suey lovers, anyone?
I know I am. I’m a huge fan of a simple, easy, one skillet Chop Suey of simple ingredients like onions, celery, garlic and bean sprouts. That’s it! Tossed with chicken, sprinkled with salt and pepper, then splashed with salty soy sauce. Major yummo in the tummo. 🙂
I’m sure there are dozens of Chicken Chop Suey recipes you can make by including additional vegetables like carrots, snap peas or even cabbage. But this recipe keeps it simple, and is just like a restaurant version I grew up with.
What I love about it is, the few ingredients let the ingredients shine by themselves when doused with just a few dashes of salty soy sauce. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Around here, it’s hard to find an Asian restaurant that has a simple Chicken Chop Suey dish on the menu. Of course, you can order it off-menu, but it’s always with an incredulous look of surprise from the waiter like “You want Chicken Chop Suey…?”
That’s when I just nod my head eagerly YES and he better not get in the way of my chop sticks, because they’re going to be humming around in that bowl of piping hot goodness. 🙂
One of my fondest memories of getting to visit my grandparents is when my grandpa wanted Chicken Chop Suey. The Chinese take-out restaurant was less than a mile from my grandparent’s house, and by today’s standards, was what would be known as a dive. But arguably, they had the best Chicken Chop Suey in town. One taste of their Chop Suey, and it wasn’t long before you were overlooking the rough exterior, because their Chop Suey was clearly made with love on the inside.
It was this memory that hit me early one Saturday morning. And, the next thing I knew, I was making Chop Suey for breakfast.
That’s kind of how it happens around here – the body wants what the body wants 🙂 and early this Saturday morning, I wanted Chicken Chop Suey like I remembered it.
Trust me, I was not disappointed. This bowl of yummy was just what the body wanted.
IMO, the key to a flavorful Chop Suey lies in the freshest ingredients tossed with the soy sauce, salt and pepper of this veggie filled dish. The texture is soft, supple and incredibly wonderful with a salty undertone of flavor.
Try it, I think you’ll love it like we did!
Enjoy!
Chicken Chop Suey
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup canola oil
- 1 pound chicken diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups sliced yellow onion
- 1 and 1/2 cups diced celery
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh garlic
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 14-ounce cans bean sprouts, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons corn startch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Turn down to medium, add chicken, salt and pepper and sear 5 minutes. Add onion, celery and garlic and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add water and bean sprouts, then cover and cook an additional 5 minutes.
- In a small cup or bowl, combine cold water, corn starch, soy sauce and sugar. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add to skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve while hot.
marcie says
I haven’t had chop suey in AGES, and I don’t care how hot it gets, I love warm, comforting dishes like this! Our 4th was uneventful too, which is the way we wanted it as well! Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Marcie! Glad to hear that the house and kids were safe. And, I’m with you – comforting food are the best when you need them!
Mary Frances says
Sometimes simple is the way to go. The chop suey looks delicious!
Kristi says
I’m with you Mary Frances – sometimes simple is the only way to go. I hope you had a happy 4th of July!
Harriet Emily says
Beautiful recipe, Kristi! Seriously love the photo at the top showing the steam rising from the dish, it looks soooo good! Your description is so mouthwatering too. I will have to try this 🙂
Kristi says
I love Chop Suey Harriet Emily. It’s a simple dish, but sometimes those are the ones that hit the spot. I hope you love it when you do get a chance to try it.
Monica says
So glad you were inspired to make chop suey! I have to admit that I’m not too familiar with it but even this Chinese girl loves Chinese take-out so make at-home recipes are awesome. This looks easy and very tasty and so much better for you than the versions you would order, I’m sure. Glad you had an uneventful 4th! The rain cleared by late afternoon for us to watch fireworks in town. : )
Kristi says
Oh wow! You had rain on the 4th! I think everyone around here would’ve loved that since we were in such fire danger this year. Yes, this Chop Suey is a simple version, but it’s tasty with the vegetables and I love lots of soy sauce with it!
Gina | Running to the Kitchen says
You know, I kind of didn’t realize chop suey was an actual dish (and not just a saying) until recently. That’s slightly embarrassing being that I lived 33 years without figuring that out. You make it look and sound delicious though and now I need to try it!
Kristi says
Haha! Thanks Gina. It hasn’t been on menus for years, but it was a very real thing. 🙂 I hope you like it and love it.
CakeSpy says
I’ve never had chop suey!! It looks amazing, though – especially that steamy first picture. I can practically taste it!
Kristi says
I’m so glad Jessie! It’s one of my favorite comfort foods, with a great memory!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Lovely soup, Krsiti! Sometimes, simplest things are the best! And that capture of steam in first photo is just mind-blowing. Mouth-watering photos and delish recipe! Thanks for lovely share!
Kristi says
Gah! I’m so glad you love the recipe Anu. The steam shots are some of my favorites. They always bring the food to life. 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Oh man! It was 102 here, so I’d gladly take 92!! That sounds like heaven. 😉 I survived the fireworks, but my dog barely did. He was not a fan! This Chop Suey looks delish! I love making Chinese at home because takeout is just SO full of junk. I’ll have to try this one!!
Kristi says
OMGosh Jess – I feel so bad for your dog. Dogs always take it the hardest, and they are such sensitive souls. So sorry for him. And your weather. OMGosh…I would be dying. You don’t need Chop Suey right now – girl you need ice-cold ice cream! Hahaha! xoxoxoxo
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Love this and all the fresh ingredients! Looks so good!
Kristi says
Thank you Ashley! It’s simple, but delicious and a good comfort food. I hope you had a great 4th!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
Hey Kristi, I don’t remember the last time I had Chop Suey, I need to remedy that! And great photos, I love how you have the steam coming off the first shot 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Sheena. Piping hot is the best way to have it. 🙂
Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk) says
Love that first picture with all the steam rising up!! Yummm.
Kristi says
Thanks Becky! I love the steam shots, but you have to be fast, because it cools so quickly. 🙂
MyCookingSerects.com Krystallia Giamouridou says
Looks healthy and craving. I will definitely try your recipe…
Kristi says
Thank you! We love this old favorite! 🙂
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
Looks delicious. Simple and healthy.
Kristi says
Thanks Peter! I’m so glad you like it. It’s simple, easy, but brings great flavor! Have a great weekend!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
I love chop suey. This recipe sounds delicious.
Kristi says
Thanks Dawn! I love Chop Suey too – that’s why I had to re-create it. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Donna says
Ooh I haven’t had chop suey in ages, I used to absolutely love it. LOVE that steam shot btw 🙂
Kristi says
Hahaha! Thanks Donna! I love Chop Suey too! And, I haven’t found it anywhere, so I resorted to making my own. 🙂 Now I can have it all the time.
Shivani saxena says
The pics are so inviting.
Kristi says
Thank you Shivani! I’m so glad you like them. 🙂
Brian Jones says
I have eaten chop suey more times than I can care to remember but never cooked it and to be honest I don1t think I have ever seen a recipe, sounds delicious 🙂
Kristi says
I’m so glad Brian! Now you can make it at home. 🙂 Switch it up!