Make the best tasting chicken chow mein that is even better than Chinese restaurant takeout using fresh ingredients and a rich sauce! This one pan dinner is loaded with tender juicy chicken, crunchy colorful veggies, and springy noodles, all brought together with an extra fragrant brown sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this Chicken Chow Mein is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh vegetables and quality chicken for vibrant flavors that surpass takeout.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one pan, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies or add your favorite proteins to make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors of chicken chow mein appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Chicken Chow Mein effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools. These tools will help you prepare the ingredients and cook the dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Medium-sized bowl
- Small bowl
- Tongs
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents sticking and allows for easy flipping of the chicken.
- Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly without making a mess.
- Tongs: Perfect for tossing ingredients together without crushing them.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or ground black pepper)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
– 4 cups shredded cabbage
– 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 10 oz fresh chow mein noodles
– 2 small carrots, julienned (yields 1 cup)
– 1 anaheim pepper or other hot pepper of your choice, sliced (Optional)
– 4 green onions, cut into 2” (5 cm) pieces, white part halved lengthwise
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken along with the marinating ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Mix well with your hands so the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix well.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse with tap water, drain, and set aside. Cook the noodles one minute less than the package recommends. If you use fresh chow mein noodles, you will only need to briefly dip them in boiling water for about one minute. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the marinated chicken in the pan with minimal overlap. Cook until the bottom turns slightly golden, about 30 to 45 seconds. Flip to cook until just white on the other side, approximately another 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Pour in another tablespoon of oil along with ginger and garlic. Stir a few times to release their fragrance.
Step 6: Add Veggies
Add carrot and cabbage into the skillet. Cook and stir until veggies start turning soft—about one minute. Toss in cooked noodles followed by adding back cooked chicken. Pour sauce over everything and toss using tongs to mix well.
Step 7: Final Touches
Add sliced pepper and green onions into the skillet. Toss everything well until sauce is absorbed. Transfer everything onto serving plates and enjoy hot as a main dish!
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Family Style
- Serve the Chicken Chow Mein in a large platter for everyone to enjoy. This communal style encourages sharing and adds a warm touch to your meal.
With Spring Rolls
- Pair your Chicken Chow Mein with crispy spring rolls for an added crunch. These make for a classic appetizer that complements the flavors of the chow mein.
Over Rice
- For those who love rice, serve your Chicken Chow Mein over steamed white rice or fried rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce and enhances each bite.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top your Chicken Chow Mein with fresh cilantro or basil before serving. This adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.
With Extra Sauce
- Offer a side of additional sauce for those who prefer more flavor. A small bowl of soy sauce or extra oyster sauce can enhance the taste further.
How to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
To truly master the art of Chicken Chow Mein, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is not only delicious but also restaurant-quality.
- Choose Quality Noodles: Using fresh chow mein noodles will result in a better texture and flavor compared to dried noodles.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking chicken, ensure there’s enough space in the pan. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that desired wok hei, giving your chow mein an excellent smoky flavor.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This ensures you can work quickly and keep everything fresh.
- Add Vegetables Last: To retain their crunch, add vegetables like carrots and cabbage towards the end of cooking.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning while cooking to ensure balanced flavors throughout your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Chow Mein
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Chow Mein can elevate your meal and provide variety. Here are some fantastic options:
- Egg Drop Soup: A light soup made with beaten eggs, it offers a comforting contrast to the hearty chow mein.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice can complement chicken chow mein perfectly, providing another carb option with varied textures.
- Chinese Pickled Vegetables: These tangy pickles add a refreshing crunch and contrast well with savory dishes like chow mein.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables make for an excellent side that enhances your Asian cuisine theme.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This spicy and tangy soup pairs well with chicken chow mein, adding warmth and bold flavors to the table.
- Sesame Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli tossed in sesame oil brings a healthful touch while complementing the overall meal beautifully.
- Crispy Wontons: These crunchy bites filled with meat or veggies offer another layer of texture to enjoy alongside your main dish.
- Chili Garlic Edamame: Spicy edamame pods are a fun finger food that adds protein and spice to round out your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Chow Mein, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until it turns white. Overcooking can lead to dry and tough meat.
- Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference!
- Adding too much sauce: While sauce is essential, adding too much can make the dish soggy. Start with a little, then adjust as needed.
- Using old noodles: Fresh noodles provide the best texture. If you’re using dried noodles, check the expiration date for freshness.
- Neglecting to prep ingredients: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Chow Mein
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chicken Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Chow Mein:
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Can I customize my Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes! Feel free to add different vegetables or proteins according to your preference. It’s very versatile!
How do I make Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your noodles are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without gluten.
What can I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein pairs well with steamed rice or spring rolls as side dishes for a complete meal.
How long does it take to make Chicken Chow Mein?
This dish typically takes about 25 minutes from prep to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a cozy meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Chicken Chow Mein
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Chicken Chow Mein, a quick and easy stir-fry dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. This one-pan meal features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and springy noodles tossed in a fragrant brown sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring every bite is packed with freshness and flavor. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this comforting noodle dish that truly brings the taste of restaurant-style chow mein right to your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs
- Fresh chow mein noodles
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce and oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Chicken broth
- Sugar
- White pepper (or ground black pepper)
- Peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- Anaheim pepper (optional)
- Green onions
Instructions
- Marinate thinly sliced chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil and sauté marinated chicken until cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook briefly before adding shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Toss in cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything; mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and optional peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
