Chicken Chow Mein

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. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This chicken chow mein takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful & Rich: The combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce delivers a taste that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add more protein options to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
• Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best chicken chow mein, you’ll need some essential tools for cooking and preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ensures that the ingredients cook evenly without sticking, making it easier to toss everything together.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated with flavors before cooking.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients without making a mess.
• Tongs: Handy for tossing the noodles and vegetables together, allowing you to mix everything without breaking them apart.

Ingredients

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 brought together with an extra fragrant brown sauce.

For the Chicken

• 6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or ground black pepper)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Vegetables

• 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

1. Add the chicken along with the marinating ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
2. Mix well with your hands so the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Stir to mix well.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Rinse with tap water, drain, and set aside.
3. If using fresh chow mein noodles, briefly dip them in boiling water for about 1 minute before draining thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Spread the chicken in the pan with minimal overlap.
3. Cook until the bottom turns slightly golden (30 to 45 seconds), then flip to cook the other side until just turning white (30 to 45 seconds).
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

1. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil along with ginger and garlic.
2. Stir a few times to release their fragrance.

Step 6: Add Vegetables and Noodles

1. Add carrot and cabbage; cook until they just start to soften (about 1 minute).
2. Toss in cooked noodles; use tongs to mix thoroughly.
3. Add back the cooked chicken along with sauce; toss again until everything is well combined.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

1. Add sliced pepper and green onion; toss until sauce is absorbed.
2. Transfer everything to serving plates and serve hot as a main dish.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, serving it right can elevate the dining experience.

Family Style

• Serve the Chicken Chow Mein in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. This creates a shared dining experience and encourages conversation.

Individual Plates

• Plate the Chicken Chow Mein on individual dishes for a more formal presentation. Garnish each plate with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.

With Extra Sauce

• Offer additional sauce on the side for those who like their noodles saucier. A small bowl of the sauce enhances flavor and allows guests to customize their meal.

Accompanied by Chopsticks

• Serve with chopsticks to provide an authentic Asian dining experience. This adds a fun twist and encourages diners to engage with their food.

On a Bed of Lettuce

• For a fresh twist, serve Chicken Chow Mein on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and freshness while making it lighter.

How to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

Perfecting your Chicken Chow Mein can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some essential tips for success:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and proteins for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate long enough to absorb flavors, enhancing its taste when cooked.
• Cook Noodles Right: Cook chow mein noodles just until al dente; overcooking can lead to mushy noodles that don’t hold up well in stir-frying.
• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that perfect wok hei (the charred aroma), which adds depth to your dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can steam rather than fry, resulting in less desirable textures.
• Add Vegetables Last: Incorporate softer vegetables later in the cooking process so they retain some crunch and color.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Chow Mein

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Chow Mein can create a balanced meal and enhance flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp add crunch and variety to your meal.
2. Egg Drop Soup: A warm soup that complements the savory flavors of Chicken Chow Mein perfectly.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli brings brightness and health benefits.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy dressing that cuts through the richness of the chow mein.
5. Sesame Green Beans: Stir-fried green beans tossed in sesame oil provide an extra layer of flavor.
6. Fried Rice: A classic companion that fills out the meal while offering different textures and tastes.
7. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with veggies or chicken make for a hearty addition.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles add acidity, balancing out the richness of chicken chow mein beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Chow Mein, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to keep an eye out for:

• Using the wrong noodles: Selecting the incorrect type of noodles can lead to a soggy or chewy dish. Always choose fresh chow mein noodles or ensure you cook dried ones properly.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long makes it tough and dry. Sauté until just cooked through, then remove it from the pan.

• Skipping the marination step: Not marinating your chicken can result in bland meat. Take a few minutes to marinate for enhanced flavor.

• Neglecting to prep vegetables: If vegetables are not prepped beforehand, they might not cook evenly. Always chop and prepare your veggies before starting to cook.

• Not using enough sauce: A lack of sauce will leave your Chicken Chow Mein dry. Ensure you mix enough sauce to coat all ingredients thoroughly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken Chow Mein

• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the dish will expand when frozen.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Chicken Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Chow Mein that may help you while preparing this dish.

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken Chow Mein is a popular stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory sauce served with chow mein noodles.

Can I use different proteins in Chicken Chow Mein?

Yes! This recipe works well with beef, turkey, or lamb if you want to switch things up from chicken.

How do I make my Chicken Chow Mein healthier?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli and use less oil or low-sodium sauces for a healthier version of Chicken Chow Mein.

Can I customize the vegetables in Chicken Chow Mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand such as bell peppers, snow peas, or bean sprouts.

Is Chicken Chow Mein easy to prepare?

Yes! With simple ingredients and quick cooking methods, Chicken Chow Mein is easy and fast to make at home.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It allows for various customization options based on your preferences or what you have available. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please. Give it a try!