Chicken Chop Suey I

Chicken Chop Suey I Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Chop Suey is a popular Chinese-American dish that is a delicious and healthy option for a quick and easy meal. This dish is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

History

Chop Suey originated in the United States in the late 19th century, created by Chinese immigrants who adapted their traditional recipes to suit American tastes. Chicken Chop Suey is a variation of the original dish, using chicken as the main protein instead of pork or beef.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) skinned and boned chicken breasts
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 cup diagonally sliced celery
2 cup sliced onions
2 cup coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can fancy mixed chinese vegetables, drained
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
1.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup soy sauce
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into thin strips.
Heat the butter in a large skillet.
Add the chicken and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes.
Add the celery, onions, spinach, and Chinese vegetables; cook until they are tender-crisp.
Mix the cornstarch with the chicken broth and add it to the chicken mixture.
Cook, stirring, until the mixture becomes clear and thickened.
Stir in the soy sauce.
Season to taste.
Serve the mixture over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Use a large skillet to cook the vegetables and chicken to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less soy sauce and black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Chop Suey over hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the ingredients in a hot skillet helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the vegetables and chicken.

- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch creates a glossy and flavorful coating for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Use any combination of your favorite vegetables in place of the Chinese vegetables.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will help save time during meal preparation.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Chop Suey with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Chop Suey with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Chop Suey contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Chop Suey contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Chop Suey contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Chop Suey contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Chop Suey is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron due to the variety of vegetables used in the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy as an allergen.

Summary

Chicken Chop Suey is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Chop Suey is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her cozy kitchen. As we chatted over cups of tea, she suddenly got up and started rummaging through her pantry.

"Have you ever tried Chicken Chop Suey?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar name. Lily then proceeded to pull out an array of colorful vegetables, a few chicken breasts, and a bottle of soy sauce. She explained that Chicken Chop Suey was a Chinese-American dish that she had learned to make from her own grandmother.

As she chopped and sautéed the ingredients, the aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, making my mouth water. I watched in fascination as Lily expertly combined the flavors and textures, creating a delicious and fragrant dish that seemed to embody a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy it together. The first bite was a revelation – the tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce all melded together in a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't get enough of it.

After we finished our meal, I begged Lily to teach me how to make Chicken Chop Suey. She laughed and agreed, passing on the recipe that had been handed down through generations of her family. I took notes as she explained the steps, the ingredients, and the secret techniques that made the dish truly special.

From that day on, Chicken Chop Suey became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Lily and her grandmother, as if I were carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me with love and care.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own touch to make it truly my own. I've experimented with different vegetables, spices, and cooking methods, always striving to perfect the dish and bring out its full potential.

But no matter how many times I make it or how many variations I try, the essence of Chicken Chop Suey remains the same – a comforting and satisfying meal that never fails to bring joy to those who taste it. It's a dish that reminds me of friendship, tradition, and the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.

And as I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Lily's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor into my life. Chicken Chop Suey may have originated in another time and place, but for me, it will always be a cherished part of my own culinary journey.