Shanghai Chicken
Shanghai Chicken combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and savory mushroom sauce, served over rice with crunchy noodles—perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 cups diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 can bean sprouts, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup green onions and tops, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento strips ⓘ
- cooked rice (for 6 servings) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup chow mein noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Skin and bone the chicken breasts; cut into small cubes.
- Saute the chicken in oil until it is firm and white.
- Stir in the sliced celery and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes or until crisp and tender.
- Add the drained bean sprouts, water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute longer; then stir in the pimento strips and sliced green onions.
- Heat through but do not overcook.
- Serve spooned over cooked rice and topped with chow mein noodles and additional soy sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor. If you don’t have chow mein noodles, crispy fried onions or toasted sesame seeds can add a nice crunch. Adjust the soy sauce to taste, especially if you prefer a less salty dish. Don't overcook the vegetables to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shanghai Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, which complements the flavors well. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a fresh contrast. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it alongside Ten Ingredients Fried Rice or other Chinese recipes to create a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shanghai Chicken contains roughly 630 calories, with 24g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value) and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1803mg per serving (78% 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 vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can work wonderfully in place of celery or in addition to it. Feel free to get creative with your favorite stir-fry vegetables!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce into the mixture when you add the soy sauce. You can also serve the dish with chili oil on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Shanghai Chicken is great for meal prep! Prepare a larger batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to keep the chow mein noodles separate until serving to maintain their crispiness.
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).