🥢 Simple Moo Goo Gai Pan
A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring tender chicken, fresh mushrooms, and crisp carrots in a savory garlic-ginger sauce.
Moo Goo Gai Pan is the ultimate weeknight dinner — fast, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s a Cantonese-style stir-fry made with chicken and vegetables in a light, silky sauce. This simplified version brings all the savory goodness with just a handful of pantry staples.
🍗 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 large carrots, thinly sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Optional: sliced green onions or snow peas
🔪 Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until browned and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve
Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions if desired.
💡 Tips & Variations:
Veggie swap: Try bell peppers, baby corn, snow peas, or broccoli.
Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
🍽 Why You’ll Love It:
Ready in under 30 minutes
Mild and kid-friendly, yet flavorful
A healthier alternative to takeout
Easily customizable
Craving takeout but want something lighter and homemade? This Simple Moo Goo Gai Pan is just what you need — a quick stir-fry that’s fresh, satisfying, and sure to be on repeat.