Moo Goo Gai Pan(Chicken With Mushrooms And Pea Pods)
Moo Goo Gai Pan is a light, flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender chicken, fresh mushrooms, crunchy pea pods, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cut bite size ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine or vermouth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 scallions or green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, cut bite size ⓘ
- 1 package frozen pea pods ⓘ
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in cold water ⓘ
- Slivered almonds (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in white wine or vermouth.
- Using a wok or large skillet, stir-fry the sliced onion, celery, frozen pea pods, sliced mushrooms, and sliced water chestnuts in cooking oil.
- Stir constantly and cook for a couple of minutes until vegetables reach a bright color and are still crisp.
- Remove the cooked vegetables from the wok or skillet and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms. If you can't find pea pods, snap peas or green beans are great substitutes. To save time, pre-slice your vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance. This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Moo Goo Gai Pan over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken And Broccoli for a colorful dinner spread. Garnish with slivered almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor. Enjoy with a side of hot tea for a refreshing finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moo Goo Gai Pan(Chicken With Mushrooms And Pea Pods) contains roughly 818 calories, with 25g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% 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 use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as shrimp cooks quickly and tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture for better texture.
What can I do if I don't have white wine?
If you don't have white wine or vermouth, you can use chicken broth with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This will help replicate the flavor profile without altering the dish significantly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Moo Goo Gai Pan is perfect for meal prep. Just store the stir-fry and rice separately to maintain texture. Reheat portions as needed for a quick and delicious meal throughout the week.
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).