Chicken Chow Mein brings together crispy golden noodles, juicy chicken, and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that packs bold flavors into every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a touch of Asian cuisine at home, this recipe is easy and quick to prepare. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, making Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful journey into the world of stir-fry. Let’s dive in and explore why this dish has become a favorite around the globe.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This Chicken Chow Mein is a weeknight hero for several reasons. First, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner. Second, it’s packed with protein, thanks to the chicken, and filled with colorful veggies like cabbage and carrots, promoting a healthy diet. Third, the versatility is unmatched—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it easily customizable. Moreover, the savory sauce enhances the noodles, giving you that authentic takeout flavor. You’ll also enjoy its affordability, as it utilizes pantry staples. Lastly, it’s a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for lunch. This recipe truly checks all the boxes for busy families and individuals alike.
Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
Gather these items:
- 200g egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 300g boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 stalks green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Rinse under cold water and toss with oil.
- Step 2: Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, wine, sugar, water, and cornstarch.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 5: Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots, cabbage, and white part of green onions for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 6: Return chicken to the pan. Add noodles and pour sauce over. Toss to combine.
- Step 7: Add bean sprouts and green onion tops. Stir-fry another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 8: Serve hot with optional garnishes like sesame seeds or chili oil.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want bold Asian flavors.
- Feel free to add other vegetables based on your preference for a colorful twist.
- Adjust the sauces to taste for more or less saltiness, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.
- For a spicy kick, try adding chili oil or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Chow Mein
There are several delicious ways to enjoy your Chicken Chow Mein. First, serve it as a standalone dish, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine. You can also pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls or dumplings to make a complete meal. Another option is to enjoy it alongside a light soup, such as hot and sour soup, to balance the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider mixing it with Chicken Chow Fun for an exciting twist!
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Chow Mein
To store your leftover Chicken Chow Mein, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to keep the noodles moist while reheating. This method is also great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this dish throughout the week with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Chow Mein
What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Chow Mein?
The secret lies in cooking the ingredients quickly over high heat. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy while the vegetables retain their crunch, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components in advance, such as marinating the chicken and chopping the vegetables. Just assemble and cook when ready for a fresh meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Chow Mein?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your wok is hot before adding ingredients. This helps with even cooking and prevents sticking. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan for the best results.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein You Can Try
There are many exciting variations to explore with Chicken Chow Mein. You can substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. For a vegetarian version, consider using only vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas for a delightful Chicken Chow Mein with Vegetables. If you love spice, try a Spicy Chicken Chow Mein variation by adding sriracha or chili flakes. Each of these variations allows you to enjoy the dish while aligning with different dietary preferences or cravings.
For more information on the health benefits of stir-fry, you can visit Healthline. If you’re interested in learning more about Asian cuisine, check out The Spruce Eats. For tips on meal prepping, visit EatingWell.
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PrintChicken Chow Mein: 7 Flavorful Secrets to Satisfy You
Crispy golden noodles, juicy chicken, and a medley of vegetables tossed in a glossy, savory sauce—this Chicken Chow Mein is a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 200g egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 300g boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 stalks green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Rinse under cold water and toss with oil.
- Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, wine, sugar, water, and cornstarch.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to pan. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots, cabbage, and white part of green onions for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to pan. Add noodles and pour sauce over. Toss to combine.
- Add bean sprouts and green onion tops. Stir-fry another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like sesame seeds or chili oil.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when craving bold Asian flavors.
- Feel free to add other vegetables based on your preference.
- Adjust the sauces to taste for more or less saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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