Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that’s packed with flavor, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken. The magic of this recipe lies in the chow mein sauce, which strikes the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering.
The process involves stir-frying bite-sized chicken pieces to golden perfection, combining them with fresh vegetables and chow mein noodles, and tossing everything in a rich, flavorful sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tender noodles, crunchy veggies, and juicy chicken, making this dish a favorite for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The homemade chow mein sauce enhances every ingredient.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
• 6 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 12 oz chow mein noodles, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra if desired)
• ½ batch green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
1. Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
1. In the same skillet, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and more minced garlic if desired.
2. Stir-fry over high heat for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
1. Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the mixture.
3. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chow mein with chopped green onions.
2. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
• Prepping the Ingredients: Have all your ingredients ready before starting as stir-frying happens quickly.
• Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: Keep the veggies slightly crunchy for the best texture.
• Noodle Alternatives: If chow mein noodles are unavailable, thin spaghetti or ramen can work as substitutes.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
