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Moo Goo Gai Pan

Moo Goo Gai Pan

A quick and easy Chinese stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that delivers authentic flavors. Moo Goo Gai Pan is a healthy, light dish perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

Other

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and slice the chicken and vegetables: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Wash and evenly slice mushrooms, carrots, peas, and water chestnuts to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
  2. Stir-fry the chicken: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside to retain juices.
  3. Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add minced ginger and garlic first and stir-fry until fragrant. Then add mushrooms, carrots, peas, and water chestnuts. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture (soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, and cornstarch slurry). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients with a glossy finish.
  5. Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish. Toss gently to combine, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use high heat for quick cooking, keeping vegetables crisp and chicken juicy.
  • Prep all ingredients and sauce before starting to make cooking smoother.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry or broth according to preference.
  • Use fresh mushrooms rather than canned for better flavor and texture.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free sauce alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chinese stir-fry, chicken stir-fry, gluten free Chinese recipe, quick Chinese dinner, healthy Chinese food