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This better-than-takeout Moo Shu Chicken is a sizzling hot stir fry prepared with thinly sliced chicken, cooked egg, and veggies all coated in a delightfully savory, slightly sweet sauce. Forget Chinese takeout! Make it at home.
Easy Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
I love getting inspired by Chinese takeaway classics like kung pao beef, chicken lo mein, and Szechuan chicken and figuring out how to make them in my kitchen. It allows me to skip many unknown additives, extra sugars, oils, and what-have-you found in most takeout food. The best part is I get to share it with you! ❤️
Moo shu chicken is made with thinly sliced chicken marinated in a delicious sauce and cooked to golden brown deliciousness. It is sauteed with chicken and veggies, including a colorful slaw, crunchy mung bean sprouts, umami shiitake mushrooms, and a smattering of chopped scrambled eggs. The sauce that ties the whole dish together perfectly combines the wonderful flavor of sweet and savory.
This moo shu chicken was so fun to make, and it only took 15 minutes of active time. 🙌 I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do!
What Is Moo Shu Chicken?
Moo shu chicken – also known as mu shu chicken, moo-shu chicken, or mushu chicken – is a traditional Chinese entree comprised of a protein (most often pork), eggs, and veggies stir-fried together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s won the heart of many American Chinese-food lovers and might be one of the most popular dishes ordered for Chinese takeaway here in the States.
Recipe Ingredients
You need a fair number of ingredients to make moo shu chicken. Don’t be daunted, though. You can easily find all of these at your local market. Here’s a list of what you will need to make this Chinese takeaway recipe. Make sure to scroll to the recipe card below for detailed measurements.
For the sauce/marinade
- Hoisin sauce – Adds a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. Substitute with a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey.
- Rice wine vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the flavors. White wine vinegar will also work in a pinch.
- Orange juice – For a hint of citrusy sweetness.
- Soy sauce – If soy doesn’t agree with you, use coconut aminos instead.
- Toasted sesame oil – Contributes a rich, nutty flavor, and you can use regular sesame oil, too.
- Grated ginger – Freshly grated ginger gives the dish a fresh, spicy kick. 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger will also work.
- Garlic – I always use fresh garlic, but you can use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove).
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Feel free to use boneless chicken thighs or an entirely different protein. Mushu is commonly made with pork, but chicken, beef, or turkey are good alternatives. Vegetarian? Try tempeh or firm tofu.
To Cook the Moo Shu Chicken
- Avocado oil – You can use vegetable oil, refined coconut oil, or light sesame oil if you prefer. Do not use olive oil.
- Eggs – The eggs add texture and protein. You’ll fry them and then chop them up before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients.
- Shiitake mushrooms – Sliced crimini or baby bellas will work here, too.
- Slaw mix – Try to find one that contains only carrots and cabbage. If you can’t find a slaw mix, grab some carrots and some cabbage and shred them yourself. You can use a cheese grater or a sharp knife to achieve the desired texture.
- Sauce/marinade – The same you used to marinate the chicken. Reserve it. It will be the sauce for this dish.
- Mung bean sprouts – The bean sprouts add a fresh and crunchy texture.
- Scallions – I love the mild onion flavor and freshness that green onions add. You can also use chives.
- Sea salt and ground black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
How to Make Moo Shu Chicken
You might need several ingredients to make this delicious Chinese takeaway recipe, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy to put together. Here’s a basic rundown of how to make mu shu chicken. Remember to scroll to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
For the sauce/marinade
- Make the marinade. Mix together the ingredients for the sauce.
- Marinate the chicken. Coat the chicken in the marinade and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Cook the Moo Shu Chicken
- Cook the eggs. Heat avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and cook until they are no longer runny. Chop them up and set aside.
- Brown the chicken. Heat the oil in the pan, add just the chicken pieces, and saute until browned. Make sure to reserve the marinade.
- Saute the veggies. Add the mushrooms and sauté until brown before adding half of the slaw mix.
- Add the sauce/marinade and stir until it boils.
- Finish it off. Stirring continuously, add the bean sprouts and the white parts of the scallions followed by the rest of the slaw mix, the cooked eggs, and the green parts of the scallions.
- Season the moo shu chicken with salt and pepper, and serve.
Recipe Tips & Variations
This is an easy moo shu chicken recipe to make once you have all the ingredients. As usual, I have some tips and tricks to set you up for success. Plus some fantastic ideas to play with if you want to divert from the norm.
- Prep everything ahead of time. Because you are cooking at high temperatures, you will find that everything will move very quickly once you start tossing things in the pan. Having all of your ingredients sliced, diced, and ready to go before turning up the heat is beneficial.
- Cook over high heat. High temperatures allow the ingredients to cook rapidly and maintain their natural, bright flavors. When it comes to meat, too low of temperatures will (a) inhibit the chicken from browning properly and (b) cause the chicken to release its juices, ending you with a tough, dry finished product. So don’t be afraid to turn the heat up!
- Don’t crowd the pan. When browning the chicken, don’t crowd the pan. The meat will not only fail to brown properly, but it will also release its juices, ending you with boiled but dry meat. If your pan is too small to fit all of the chicken pieces comfortably (with a little room to breathe), take an extra moment and brown it in batches.
- Try a different protein. It is acceptable to use a different protein here. I suggest using thinly sliced pork, beef, or turkey. You can even use ground chicken, beef, pork, or turkey. If you are vegetarian, I suggest using tempeh. Firm tofu would work, too, but it might fall apart.
- Add extra veggies. The slaw and the mushrooms give a pretty hefty dose of vegetable matter but feel free to throw in some thinly sliced bell pepper, broccoli, or another veggie of your choosing.
- Spice it up. Are you a spice person? This mu shu chicken dish is not spicy by nature, but you can easily add a splash or two of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. I like Sriracha.
Serving Suggestions
While you can certainly enjoy this moo-shu chicken on its own with a sizzling rice soup, I highly suggest serving it with a yummy side or wrapped up in something tasty. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this Chinese classic.
- A light, refreshing vegetable side. I love serving my moo shu chicken with this spicy Asian cucumber salad but you could go with blanched or roasted green beans or even asparagus.
- Steamed white rice. Spoon some of this delightfully savory dish over a bowl of steamed white rice. You’ll think you ordered Chinese takeout. You could also serve it over my easy chicken fried rice. Just leave out the chicken in the fried rice recipe!
- Lettuce cups. Treat your body to a light, refreshing meal by scooping this moo shu chicken up with some crispy leaves of romaine or butter lettuce.
- With scallion pancakes. This might be my favorite way to do it. Serve this stir-fry in scallion pancakes—taco style. You can find them in most Asian markets. Flour tortillas would make a fine substitute here.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge: Moo shu chicken makes for great leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Heat a bit of avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, add the mu shu chicken, and saute until heated through.
More Chinese Takeaway Recipes
Had your fill of moo-shu chicken and still craving Chinese takeout? You’re in luck. I have a few other delicious recipes for you to try: 👇
- Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Easy Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
- Pork Chop Suey
- Salt and Pepper Chicken
- Easy Chinese Hot Pot Recipe
ENJOY!
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Moo Shu Chicken
Ingredients
For The Marinade
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, or use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into 1½ inch strips
To Cook
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cups carrots and cabbage coleslaw mix
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 6 scallions, sliced, whites and greens separated
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
For The Marinade
- In a large bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, orange juice, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, ginger, and garlic; mix until well combined.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover and let marinade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
To Cook
- Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the eggs, cover, and cook until they are no longer runny, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the cooked eggs to a cutting board, roughly chop, and set aside.
- Add the remaining avocado oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and add them to the pan, stirring continuously to brown evenly. Reserve the marinade.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until they begin to brown and shrink down a bit, about 3 minutes.
- Add half of the coleslaw, mix, and stir.
- Add the reserved marinade and stir until the sauce comes to a boil.
- Add the bean sprouts and the white parts of the scallions; stir.
- Add the rest of the coleslaw mix, the cooked eggs, and the green parts of the scallions and stir.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Spoon into bowls and serve.
Equipment
Notes
- Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or a different protein, like pork, beef, or turkey.
- Mushrooms: If you can’t find or don’t have shiitake mushrooms, sliced crimini or baby bella mushrooms are also okay to use.
- Vegetables: Besides the coleslaw and the mushrooms, feel free to stir in thinly sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or another veggie of your choice.
- Mise En Place, aka, have all your ingredients ready to go. Prep your ingredients beforehand because when cooking at high temperatures, having all your ingredients sliced and diced is a must.
- Serving Moo Shu Chicken: Serve with scallion pancakes, over cooked rice, on its own, or in lettuce cups.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Love this recipe! Works fantastic in a gluten free household. I will be making this again regularly.
Wonderful to hear it works well gluten-free! So glad it’s a new favorite for you. Thank YOU! 😊
This will be delicious, thank you so much for your recipes. Your helpful instructions can’t be beat. I am 89 and copy recipes by hand, and if more people would copy your way it would be fantastic. I always have to rewrite them so will be able to read them after my scribble.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes and find the instructions helpful. It’s wonderful that you take the time to copy them by hand. Happy cooking! 🙂
Loved this recipe! Had to reduce the amount of marinade due to sugar content and it still very delicious 🙂 !
So glad you loved it! Reducing the marinade sounds like a great adjustment. Thank YOU! 🙂
Can the chicken be marinated longer than 30 minutes? Thinking of marinading overnight.
Hi! Yes, marinating the chicken for 6 to 24 hours is fine. You can marinate longer, but it might make the meat mushy because the marinade can break down its fibers.
I am wanting to make this but had a question about the bean sprouts. Do you use fresh bean sprouts or the ones in the can? All the local grocery stores by me only sell the canned bean sprouts. Thanks!
Hi!
I used fresh bean sprouts. If you can’t find fresh ones, use the canned bean sprouts, but drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the skillet.
Reminds me of the ginger chicken we get at our Thai restaurant. Very good combination. Left out the orange juice and used rice wine (mirin) instead of the rice wine vinegar and a splash of rice vinegar. Don’t know the difference. But it was delicious! Will make again!
Tasty but the sauce was watery.
I’m glad to hear you found the recipe tasty! If the sauce turns out a bit watery, a great tip is to continue cooking it down just a little longer to achieve the desired consistency.
Delicious! I went to the Chinese takeout and ordered Mu Shu pancakes to go. “I’m trying Mu Shu at home,” I explained. He laughed, like “yeah, right.” We laughed too…this recipe is as good as the Chinese takeout! It’s also good with rice. Thank you for another wonderful recipe! We love them all.
That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
This came out delicious! I served it with Chinese pancakes from the local take-out. They had no problem selling them to me without the moo shu, he thought it was hilarious that I was going to try making it on my own. Little did he know this recipe was as good or better than his!
Haven’t made this yet but sounds wonderful and will get ingredients when I’m next shopping. The coleslaw mix I’m confused about. Do you mean normal coleslaw, veg in mayo?
Hi!
No, not prepared coleslaw. It’s a coleslaw mix, and they sell it in a bag. It’s always located near all the salads at the grocery store.
If you go down to the recipe card, look at the ingredients and click on “carrots and cabbage coleslaw mix”, that link will direct you to Amazon, so you can see exactly what it is. I hope this helps.
The dry coleslaw mix, no mayo!!! It comes in packages in the refrigerated veggie section.