Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish made with stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!
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For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
For the Chow Mein
- 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or thin spaghetti
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup (50 g) sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup (50 g) bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In another small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the onion and garlic, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Stir in the bean sprouts, if using, and cook for 1 additional minute.
Step 7: Serve
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Noodle options: Chow mein noodles work best, but thin spaghetti or ramen noodles are good substitutes.
- Vegetable variations: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce creates a balanced and satisfying dish. The chow mein noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, making each bite a delicious medley of textures and tastes.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing favorite, this recipe delivers authentic flavors and is easy to customize. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade version of a takeout classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, you can definitely make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time! Cook the chicken, vegetables, and sauce as instructed. Separately cook the noodles and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Store the cooked noodles, chicken and vegetable mixture, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, combine everything in a skillet or wok and heat through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to rehydrate.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chow mein noodles, thin spaghetti or ramen noodles work well as a substitute; use the same amount by weight (8 oz or 225g). If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can substitute with an equal amount of hoisin sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar. For the vegetables, feel free to use broccoli florets, snap peas, or mushrooms in place of the carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers, adjusting the cooking time as needed for different textures.
How do I know when the chicken and vegetables are perfectly cooked?
The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp, meaning they’re softened but still have a slight bite to them. The onions should be translucent, and the carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers should be softened but not mushy. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I double or triple this Chicken Chow Mein recipe to feed a larger group?
Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! When doubling or tripling, use a larger skillet or wok to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients. You may need to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly, and keep a close eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy. Also, make sure you have enough space in your serving dish.
What are the nutritional benefits of this Chicken Chow Mein recipe?
Chicken Chow Mein provides a good source of protein from the chicken, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C from bell peppers and Vitamin A from carrots. The noodles provide carbohydrates for energy. This dish can be a balanced meal, especially when including a variety of vegetables and lean protein.
Chicken Chow Mein
A delicious and easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe that's perfect for a quick dinner.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced thinly
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 1 cup mixed vegetables such as bell peppers and carrots
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the pan, toss to combine and heat through.
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein with extra soy sauce if desired.
