Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and slippery noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. This quick and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner. The recipe below will bring the authentic taste of street food right into your kitchen, ensuring that it becomes a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For The Chicken Chow Mein:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned
1/2 batch green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
For The Chow Mein Sauce:
6 tbsp oyster sauce
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Initiate Sauce Preparation
Combine The Sauce Ingredients:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
6 tbsp oyster sauce
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Stir until smooth to prevent any lumps. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook The Noodles
Boil Noodles:
Follow the package instructions to cook 12 oz of chow mein noodles until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare The Chicken
Prepare The Pan:
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Fry The Chicken:
Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet along with minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Vegetables Stir Fry
Stir Fry Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic.
Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Blend Everything Together
Bring The Cooked Chicken and Noodles Back Into The Pan:
Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables.
Add The Sauce:
Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
For Extra Flavor – Cook For More:
Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to overcook.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Sprinkle On Top With Green Onions:
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp finish.
Consume Immediately:
Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot off the skillet to enjoy the crisp textures and rich flavors at their peak.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Other Proteins: Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or pork to cater to different preferences.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Add a Little Spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or bean sprouts to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the authentic taste of Chicken Chow Mein with its rich flavors and delightful textures!
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Ingredients
For The Chicken Chow Mein:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 tbsp oil vegetable or olive oil
- 12 oz chow mein noodles uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
For The Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil not toasted
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chicken pieces, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken and noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finalize and Serve: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
