Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan (Wok Chicken)
A quick and flavorful wok chicken dish featuring tender pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. oil
- 1/4 lb. snow peas or 1 bag frozen petit peas ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 4 green onions with tops, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 3 chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Set heat control to 350°F; add 1 tablespoon oil when light goes out.
- Add peas, mushrooms, and green onions and stir-fry for 2 minutes; remove to a mixing bowl.
- In a small cup, mix together cornstarch, salt, ground ginger, and white pepper; set aside.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the wok.
- Add chicken pieces and the cornstarch mixture to the wok.
- Stir-fry until the chicken turns white.
- Stir in the mushroom mixture and soy sauce; stir-fry until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting tofu for chicken or using a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. If snow peas are unavailable, frozen petit peas work well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; for more spice, add red pepper flakes. Ensure the wok is hot before adding the oil to achieve a good stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Cantonese With Rice for a delightful spread. For added freshness, garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro. A side of hot and sour soup can complement the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the dish's texture, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan (Wok Chicken) contains roughly 658 calories, with 23g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, it's best to stir-fry just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and chicken tender. This dish is quick to cook, making it a great option for weeknight meals.
What vegetables can I add to Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan?
Feel free to add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to the dish. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure everything is cooked evenly.
Is Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan gluten-free?
To make Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan gluten-free, you can replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. Always check labels to avoid hidden gluten in sauces and seasonings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).