Chicken Chow Mein

Every time I make Chicken Chow Mein, I’m transported back to my favorite Chinese restaurant. The tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen, and I can almost hear the sizzling of the ingredients coming together in a perfect harmony. It’s remarkable how such a simple dish can evoke such warm memories and feelings of comfort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, I love whipping up this quick and satisfying meal that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and delightful noodles. Plus, it’s always a hit with family and friends, making it a staple in my home. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, Chicken Chow Mein is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dining table.

Shopping List for Chicken Chow Mein

The ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein come together in a beautiful balance that creates a vibrant and tasty dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the chicken providing protein to the noodles offering that comforting base. The mix of fresh vegetables not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional profile, making this a well-rounded meal.

• 8oz (230g) Fresh Chow Mein Egg Noodles: These are the star of the dish, providing a chewy texture that soaks up flavors beautifully.
• 4oz (120g) Chicken Breast: Cut into pieces, this lean protein adds heartiness to the meal.
• 3 Tablespoons Oil: Essential for stir-frying, it adds richness and helps achieve that coveted wok hei flavor.
• 3 Cloves Garlic: Finely minced, garlic provides aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• 2oz (30g) Cabbage: Finely sliced, it adds crunch and sweetness, balancing the savory notes well.
• 1/2 Small Carrot: Peeled and cut into thin strips, it adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness.
• 1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce: This savory sauce enriches the overall taste, giving it an authentic touch.
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce: A must-have for seasoning, it adds saltiness and depth of flavor.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce: Used optionally for coloring, it boosts the visual appeal of the dish.
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar: Balances the savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil: Adds a lovely nutty flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
• 3 Tablespoons Water: Helps to create steam during stir-frying, ensuring even cooking.
• 3 Dashes Ground White Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and aromatic touch.
• 1 Pinch Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
• 4oz (120g) Bean Sprouts: Rinsed and drained, they add crunch and freshness.
• 2 Stalks Scallion: Cut into 2-inch lengths, they add a burst of flavor and color.
• 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce: For additional seasoning, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 Teaspoon Cornstarch: Used for coating the chicken, it helps achieve a tender texture.

Chicken Chow Mein Instructions

Making Chicken Chow Mein is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these personal steps to create a dish that feels authentic and satisfying.

1. Prepare the noodles according to the packaging instructions, ensuring they’re just right—soft but not mushy. Drain and set them aside.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the chicken, stirring to coat well. Set aside for ten minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling. Carefully add the oil and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about thirty seconds until it’s aromatic but not burnt.
5. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is half cooked or the surface turns opaque, which should take about two to three minutes.
6. Once the chicken is half cooked, toss in the finely sliced cabbage and thin strips of carrot. Stir continuously to keep everything moving and prevent sticking.
7. Now, add the prepared noodles to the wok. Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
8. Continue to stir and toss the noodles back and forth for about one minute, allowing them to absorb all those delicious flavors.
9. Gently fold in the bean sprouts and stir to combine well. Cook for an additional minute until they are heated through and slightly wilted.
10. Finally, add the scallions and stir a few more times to mix them in before dishing out your Chicken Chow Mein. Serve immediately for the best taste, and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

There are countless ways to customize your Chicken Chow Mein to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started!

• Add More Veggies: Consider including bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
• Protein Variations: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add chili garlic sauce or sliced jalapeños to your stir-fry.
• Noodle Alternatives: Try using rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free version.
• Make it Saucy: Increase the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce for a saucier dish; just adjust the sugar to balance it out.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish your finished dish with cilantro or basil for added freshness.
• Leftover Love: Use leftovers creatively by turning them into a wrap or salad for the next day.

What Complements This Chicken Chow Mein

• Side Dishes: Serve with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even lunch boxes, Chicken Chow Mein is versatile.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the noodles’ texture.
• Seasonal Pairing: This dish can be enjoyed year-round, but is especially nice in the warmer months when you can find fresh vegetables.

FAQ

Conclusion

In essence, Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful dish that combines convenience with taste, making it a perfect option for any mealtime. Its ability to adapt to various tastes and preferences makes it special, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied. I encourage you to try your hand at this recipe; you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!

Chicken Chow Mein

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that brings your favorite takeout flavors home. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and chewy noodles, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for the whole family. Make it tonight for a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 3 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8oz Fresh Chow Mein Egg Noodles 230g
• 4oz Chicken Breast 120g, cut into pieces
• 3 Oil tablespoons
• 3 Garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2oz Cabbage 30g, finely sliced
• 1/2 Carrot small, peeled and cut into thin strips
• 1 Oyster Sauce tablespoon
• 1 Soy Sauce tablespoon
• 1/4 Dark Soy Sauce teaspoon, optional, for coloring purpose
• 1 Sugar tablespoon
• 1/2 Sesame Oil teaspoon
• 3 Water tablespoons
• 3 Ground White Pepper dashes
• 1 Salt pinch
• 4oz Bean Sprouts 120g, rinsed and drained
• 2 Scallion stalks, cut into 2-inch (5cm) lengths
• 1 Soy Sauce teaspoon
• 1 Cornstarch teaspoon

Equipment

• Skillet
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Prepare the noodles according to the packaging instructions, ensuring they're just right—soft but not mushy. Drain and set them aside.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the chicken, stirring to coat well. Set aside for ten minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat until it's sizzling. Carefully add the oil and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about thirty seconds until it’s aromatic but not burnt.
5. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is half cooked or the surface turns opaque, which should take about two to three minutes.
6. Once the chicken is half cooked, toss in the finely sliced cabbage and thin strips of carrot. Stir continuously to keep everything moving and prevent sticking.
7. Now, add the prepared noodles to the wok. Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
8. Continue to stir and toss the noodles back and forth for about one minute, allowing them to absorb all those delicious flavors.
9. Gently fold in the bean sprouts and stir to combine well. Cook for an additional minute until they are heated through and slightly wilted.
10. Finally, add the scallions and stir a few more times to mix them in before dishing out your Chicken Chow Mein. Serve immediately for the best taste, and enjoy!

Notes

Velveting Chicken: To achieve tender chicken, the technique of velveting involves coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking. This not only keeps it moist but also gives it a silky texture.

High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying requires high heat. Ensure your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients. This helps seal in flavors and prevents overcooking.

Ingredient Order: Add ingredients based on cooking times. Start with proteins, followed by vegetables that take longer to cook, and finish with quick-cooking items like bean sprouts.

Texture Matters: The contrast between the soft noodles, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful eating experience. Aim for a mix to elevate your dish.

Previous PostBuffalo Chicken Flatbread

Next Post Butter Chicken Pasta

Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.