Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy vegetables, soft noodles, and a flavor-packed sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special gatherings, this recipe will impress your guests and family alike. Its easy preparation and vibrant ingredients make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Chinese flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of sauces and spices creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Customizable Ingredients: Use your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys mealtime.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with just one cooking pan needed.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Cooking spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large frying pan or skillet: Provides ample space to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
• Cooking spatula: Makes it easy to stir-fry ingredients quickly for optimal flavor and texture.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure precise measurements for sauces, leading to consistent results every time.

Ingredients

This Chicken Chow Mein is a Chinese dish loaded with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, soft noodles, and delicately spiced sauce.

Ingredients:
– 6 oz of Chow Mein Noodles (prepared according to the package)
– 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
– 2 TBSP vegetable oil
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 cups of thinly sliced green cabbage (for ease, buy a bag of angle haired sliced green cabbage)
– ½ cup carrots (matchstick; for ease, buy a small package of already cut up ones)
– 3 green onions, chopped and divided
– 2 tsp minced ginger (for ease, buy a tube of fresh ginger paste in the refrigerated section with the fresh herbs)
– 3 tsp of minced garlic (for ease, buy a jar of minced garlic to have on hand)
– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
– 1 1/2 TBSP oyster sauce
– 1/2 TBSP granulated sugar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken strips with salt and pepper to taste. In a large frying pan, heat 1 TBSP of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until slightly browned. Once done, transfer the chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken is resting, cook your chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan used for chicken, add another TBSP of vegetable oil. Sauté the celery and carrots for about 2–3 minutes. Next, add in the green cabbage and two chopped green onions. Stir-fry until all vegetables are tender yet still crunchy—this should take around another 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients

While your veggies are cooking, mix together minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This will be your flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken and chow mein noodles back into the pan. Pour your sauce mixture over everything. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss all ingredients together until coated evenly with sauce and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with the remaining chopped green onion before serving hot. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

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 quiet meal at home, serving it right enhances the experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your Chicken Chow Mein.

Serve with Extra Crunch

• Chow Mein Noodles: Top your dish with crispy fried noodles for added texture.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and crunch.

Add Freshness

• Cilantro Garnish: Fresh cilantro can brighten up the dish and add a burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that complements the flavors beautifully.

Pair with Soup

• Hot and Sour Soup: This classic soup pairs well with Chicken Chow Mein, offering a warm, comforting start to your meal.
• Egg Drop Soup: A light egg drop soup provides a smooth counterpart to the noodles and chicken.

How to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

To make your Chicken Chow Mein truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips. Each tip will guide you in enhancing flavors and textures.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and crunch than frozen or canned options.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure your chow mein noodles are cooked al dente so they maintain their texture when stir-fried.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that perfect wok hei flavor, giving your dish an authentic taste.
• Balance Sauces: Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce ratios according to your taste preference; a little more or less can make a big difference.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for a minute before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for additional color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Chow Mein

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Chow Mein can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of delicious side options to complement your main dish.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make a delightful appetizer alongside Chicken Chow Mein.
2. Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Lightly steamed Chinese broccoli adds a nutritious green element that pairs well with savory noodles.
3. Fried Rice: A small portion of fried rice can enhance your meal while offering different textures and flavors.
4. Steamed Dumplings: Soft steamed dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables provide an added layer of enjoyment.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick vegetable stir-fry offers more crunch and freshness that complements the chow mein perfectly.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can balance out the richness of the chow mein, adding brightness to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Chow Mein, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep work: Failing to prepare your vegetables beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop and measure everything before you start cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Cook just until browned and no longer pink inside, then set it aside.
• Not draining noodles properly: Wet noodles can make your dish soggy. Ensure you drain the chow mein noodles thoroughly before adding them to the stir-fry.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: Under-seasoning or over-seasoning can ruin the dish. Taste as you go and adjust salt and soy sauce accordingly for a balanced flavor.
• Cooking on too high heat: Using excessively high heat can burn your ingredients. Aim for medium-high heat to cook your vegetables while keeping them crisp.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken Chow Mein

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It lasts up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• For best results, portion out servings before freezing.

Reheating Chicken Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then add chow mein and stir until heated through (about 3-5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious Chinese dish made with stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and chow mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce.

Can I substitute other proteins in Chicken Chow Mein?

Yes! You can use beef, turkey, or lamb instead of chicken as your protein base for this dish.

How spicy is Chicken Chow Mein?

The spice level of Chicken Chow Mein is generally mild but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.

What vegetables can I add to Chicken Chow Mein?

You can customize this dish with bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or any other favorite veggies for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your chow mein noodles are gluten-free as well for a safe option.

Conclusion

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is not only quick but also versatile! With its blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sauce ingredients according to your taste!

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