Description
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles in a flavorful stir-fry. With its balance of textures, the tender chicken and crunchy veggies make each bite satisfying, while the rich, umami-packed sauce brings everything together. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to serve at family gatherings or dinner parties. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or looking to try something new, this chicken chow mein will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- 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.
- Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts against the grain into strips, making it easier for the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and toss again to combine everything thoroughly.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve: Serve the chicken chow mein immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g