Simple Moo Goo Gai Pan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Simple Moo Goo Gai Pan because it’s so versatile and easy to make, yet full of flavor. The chicken is tender, and the vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and snow peas add both texture and freshness. The savory sauce ties everything together perfectly, and it’s light enough to feel healthy without sacrificing taste. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1/2 cup snow peas

• 1/2 cup sliced carrots

• 1/4 cup water chestnuts (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, mushrooms, snow peas, and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. From start to finish, it takes about 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option.

Variations

• More Veggies: I can add more vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or baby corn for extra color and nutrition.

• Add Tofu: For a vegetarian version, I can swap the chicken for tofu. Just press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden before adding the sauce.

• Spicy Kick: If I like a little heat, I can add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry.

• Different Protein: This dish also works well with shrimp or thinly sliced beef if I want to mix it up.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend warming it in a skillet over low heat. I can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! If I don’t have fresh vegetables on hand, I can use a frozen vegetable mix. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, I can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, I just stir-fry everything and add the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To make it gluten-free, I can use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free or skip it entirely.

What kind of rice is best to serve with this dish?

I typically serve this dish with steamed white rice or brown rice, but jasmine rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for a different texture or to keep it lower carb.

Is Moo Goo Gai Pan spicy?

Traditionally, Moo Goo Gai Pan is not spicy. However, if I prefer some heat, I can add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili peppers to the dish.

Conclusion

This Simple Moo Goo Gai Pan is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings all the best elements of Chinese-American cuisine to the table. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce make it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s light, packed with nutrients, and endlessly customizable, so I can easily make it my own. Whether I stick to the original recipe or switch up the veggies or protein, it’s always a hit!

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