Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken Recipe (Copycat)

Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken is one of those dishes that looks simple on the menu but delivers big, comforting flavor when it hits the table. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that glossy, savory-sweet sauce are what keep people ordering it again and again.

When I first tried making this at home, I underestimated how important timing and sauce balance were. My early attempts had soggy vegetables or sauce that tasted flat. What finally made it click was treating it like a true stir-fry: high heat, quick cooking, and a sauce that’s bold but not overpowering. This version captures that familiar Pick Up Stix taste while being totally doable in a home kitchen.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup snow peas
• 3 green onions, sliced

Sauce

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Aromatics and Oil

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

• Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces
• Toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper
• Set aside while preparing vegetables

Lightly coating the chicken helps it stay juicy and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Mix the Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch
• Set aside

Mixing the sauce ahead prevents scrambling to measure once the pan is hot.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat
• Add chicken in a single layer
• Cook until lightly browned and just cooked through
• Remove from the pan and set aside

Avoid overcrowding the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Add the remaining oil to the pan
• Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 20–30 seconds
• Add broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas
• Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender

The vegetables should still have a little bite, just like at the restaurant.

Combine Everything

• Return chicken to the pan
• Pour in the prepared sauce
• Stir constantly as the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes

The sauce should turn glossy and coat everything evenly.

Finish and Serve

• Stir in green onions
• Remove from heat immediately
• Serve hot

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Tips for Getting That Pick Up Stix Flavor

• Use high heat and cook quickly
• Prep everything before turning on the stove
• Don’t overcook the vegetables
• Taste the sauce before adding and adjust the sweetness or salt
• Serve immediately for the best texture

Serving Suggestions

This House Special Chicken is best served with:

• Steamed white rice
• Brown rice
• Fried rice
• Chow mein noodles

You can also spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat
• Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens
• Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent rubbery chicken

Variations

Spicy Version

Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Extra Veggie Version

Add mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts.

Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce slightly.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

FAQs

Is this the exact Pick Up Stix recipe?

No, the official recipe is proprietary, but this copycat closely matches the flavor, texture, and overall experience.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Thighs are juicier and very forgiving in stir-fry cooking.

Why did my sauce turn watery?

The pan wasn’t hot enough, or the cornstarch wasn’t mixed evenly into the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but it can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables lose texture when thawed.

What oil works best?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for stir-frying.

This Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken is one of those reliable recipes that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to get restaurant-style results. Once you get the timing right and learn to trust high heat, this dish comes together fast and delivers that familiar takeout flavor right at home.