Chicken Chow Mein

Introduction

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles in a flavorful stir-fry. The combination of textures—succulent chicken paired with crunchy veggies—makes each bite both satisfying and delicious, while the rich, umami-packed sauce ties everything together perfectly.

I remember the first time I made this for a casual dinner, and the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aromas of garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an easy and quick meal to whip up, yet the depth of flavor makes it feel like a special treat. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or for a gathering with friends and family, Chicken Chow Mein never fails to impress.

It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, and the stir-fry method keeps everything fresh and vibrant. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Meal prep
• Stir-fry lovers
• Chinese takeout at home

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein

Here’s why Chicken Chow Mein will become your go-to stir-fry dish:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a fast and convenient dinner option.
• Customizable: You can easily swap the chicken for another protein like beef, shrimp, or tofu, and adjust the vegetables to your taste.
• Balanced Meal: With protein, veggies, and noodles all in one dish, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.
• Crisp Vegetables: The vegetables retain their crispness in the stir-fry, adding both flavor and texture.
• Homemade Sauce: The homemade chow mein sauce is what really makes this dish stand out, with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Chow Mein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 8 oz chow mein noodles (or other stir-fry noodles like lo mein)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional, for spice)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe, providing a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
• Chow Mein Noodles: These thin, egg noodles are perfect for stir-frying, as they soak up the sauce while retaining a slight chewiness.
• Vegetables: A mix of onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli ensures a variety of textures and a burst of flavor with every bite.
• Chow Mein Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar creates a flavorful, slightly salty, slightly sweet sauce that ties the dish together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken Chow Mein:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts against the grain into strips, making it easier for the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Set all the vegetables aside.

Make the Chow Mein Sauce:

4. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth (or water), cornstarch, ginger (if using), and chili garlic sauce (if using). Set the sauce aside.

Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables:

5. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
6. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
7. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Combine and Cook the Chow Mein:

8. Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through, and the sauce has thickened.
9. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and toss again to combine everything thoroughly.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Serve: Serve the chicken chow mein immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own as a main course.
• With Other Stir-Fries: Pair it with other stir-fry dishes like Beef and Broccoli or Kung Pao Shrimp for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
• With Rice: If you prefer rice, serve the chow mein over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture.
• As Part of a Family Feast: Add a few side dishes, such as Chinese Dumplings or Egg Rolls, for a complete Chinese dinner spread.
• For Meal Prep: Chicken chow mein stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Additional Tips for Chicken Chow Mein

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Chow Mein turns out perfectly every time:

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Stir-fry dishes cook quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and don’t steam.
• Use High Heat: For the best texture and flavor, cook on medium-high or high heat to achieve that signature stir-fried texture.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preferences, such as adding snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles or lo mein noodles work best for stir-frying. If using dried noodles, ensure they are cooked just until al dente, so they don’t get too soft during the stir-fry.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet for the best texture.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Chow Mein

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chicken Chow Mein:

• Beef Chow Mein: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef for a different protein option.
• Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute shrimp for the chicken, cooking them until pink and slightly curled.
• Vegetable Chow Mein: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bok choy.
• Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Chicken and Cashew Chow Mein: Stir in roasted cashews for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Chicken and Pineapple Chow Mein: Add fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical twist.
• Garlic Chicken Chow Mein: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense, garlicky flavor.
• Spicy Peanut Chicken Chow Mein: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and extra chili sauce for a spicy, nutty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Chow Mein: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe for a healthier version.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Chow Mein: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make the dish gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Chow Mein

• Freezing: You can freeze chicken chow mein for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Chow Mein

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the noodles and vegetables in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just stir-fry everything together.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
   While fresh chicken is recommended, you can use frozen chicken as long as it is fully thawed before cooking.
3. What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
   You can substitute with other types of noodles like lo mein, yakisoba, or even spaghetti.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, simply replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
5. How can I make the chow mein spicier?
   You can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce, add red pepper flakes, or even toss in some sliced fresh chilies to spice it up.

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Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for satisfying your stir-fry cravings. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles all tossed in a delicious sauce, it’s a dish that offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or want to recreate your favorite takeout at home, Chicken Chow Mein is always a hit.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can customize it to your liking by adding in your favorite vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or swapping the chicken for another protein like shrimp, beef, or tofu. The rich, umami-packed sauce ties everything together for a meal that’s both delicious and filling.

So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving up a meal for friends and family, Chicken Chow Mein is sure to please. Enjoy this Chinese-inspired classic whenever you’re in the mood for something quick, tasty, and satisfying.

I’d love to see how your Chicken Chow Mein turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!