Chicken Chow Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and noodles tossed in a delicious stir-fry sauce. It’s a complete meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it versatile and family-friendly. This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and much healthier than takeout, making it the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. Plus, it’s quick—ready in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or cabbage slaw mix)

• 1 medium onion (sliced)

• 1 bell pepper (sliced)

• 2 carrots (julienned or thinly sliced)

• 2 cups cooked chow mein noodles (or other Asian-style noodles)

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the noodles:

1. Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, you can skip this step.

2. Prepare the sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), garlic, and black pepper. Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the chicken:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Stir-fry the vegetables:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Combine the noodles, chicken, and sauce:

1. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and chicken. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Serve:

1. Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or baby corn for more texture.

• Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a sliced fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Other veggies: Feel free to swap or add more vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or baby bok choy.

• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the noodles have become dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water before adding them to the stir-fry.

2. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can use other Asian-style noodles, such as lo mein or udon noodles, if you can’t find chow mein noodles. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this dish spicier, add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce. You can also drizzle some sriracha over the top when serving for extra heat.

4. Can I add shrimp or beef to this recipe?

Yes, shrimp, beef, can be substituted for chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for shrimp, which cooks quickly.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.

6. Can I use a wok for this recipe?

Yes, a wok is perfect for stir-frying because it allows for even heat distribution and space to toss the ingredients. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just as well.

7. Can I use store-bought noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought chow mein noodles or even instant ramen noodles (just discard the seasoning packet). Fresh noodles from an Asian grocery store are also a great option.

8. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

To prevent the noodles from sticking, rinse them in cold water after cooking and toss them with a little oil. This helps keep them from clumping.

9. Can I add more sauce?

Yes, if you like your chow mein a little saucier, feel free to double the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.

10. Can I make this dish in advance?

Chicken Chow Mein is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic stir-fry that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spice levels, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful and delicious dish that everyone will love!

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