This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, it comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and customizable to your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chow Mein:

1 pound chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or other cooking oil)
1 cup chopped cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 packages chow mein noodles
4 green onions, chopped

For the Sauce:

½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup oyster sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
4 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the water (or chicken broth), oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (or sriracha) until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked chow mein noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

The Origins of Chow Mein

The term “Chow Mein” translates to “stir-fried noodles” in Mandarin. It has its roots in Chinese cuisine, but it has become a beloved dish in many countries around the world. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where Chow Mein originated, its popularity soared during the early 20th century, when Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States and other parts of the world.

Chow Mein’s appeal lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The dish typically features stir-fried noodles with a combination of vegetables, proteins, and a savory sauce. In China, you can find various regional takes on Chow Mein, with different ingredients and seasonings used based on local preferences.

Understanding the Ingredients in Chicken Chow Mein

One of the key components of Chicken Chow Mein is the noodles. Chow Mein noodles are thin, soft, and slightly chewy. While there are fresh and dry versions available, fresh noodles often yield a better texture. The noodles serve as the base, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce and providing a satisfying texture to the dish.

The chicken used in Chicken Chow Mein is typically cut into small, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly in the wok or skillet. The tender chicken adds protein and a savory flavor that complements the other ingredients. However, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Vegetables are also an essential part of Chicken Chow Mein. Common vegetables used include cabbage, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. These ingredients bring both texture and nutrition to the dish, offering a balance of crunch and freshness. They also absorb the flavors of the sauce, making them even more flavorful.

The Chow Mein Sauce: Key to the Flavor

The sauce used in Chicken Chow Mein is what truly elevates the dish. Typically made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch, the sauce is both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of umami that makes it irresistible. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that coats the noodles and vegetables perfectly.

The balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors in the sauce is what makes Chicken Chow Mein so flavorful. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while oyster sauce provides an extra layer of umami. Sesame oil gives the dish a nutty, aromatic quality, while the sugar balances out the richness of the soy and oyster sauces. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce can bring a subtle heat, which is optional depending on your preference for spice.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein at Home

Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is surprisingly easy and quick. With the right ingredients and a little preparation, you can create a flavorful dish in less than 30 minutes. The recipe typically involves cooking the chicken first, then sautéing the vegetables, and finally combining everything with the noodles and sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness, and even use different proteins to suit your taste.

Variations of Chicken Chow Mein

While the classic Chicken Chow Mein is always a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are some variations of Chicken Chow Mein that you can try:

Vegetarian Chow Mein: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn. Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein and will absorb the flavors of the sauce just like chicken.
Beef or Pork Chow Mein: If you’re a fan of red meat, consider using thinly sliced beef or pork instead of chicken. Beef Chow Mein is especially popular in Chinese restaurants, where it’s often served with a more intense soy-based sauce.
Shrimp Chow Mein: For seafood lovers, shrimp makes a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet, delicate flavor to the dish.
Spicy Chow Mein: If you like your food with a kick, try adding extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry. You can also experiment with other spicy ingredients like chili paste or fresh jalapeños.
Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein: While this article focuses on Chow Mein, you may have heard the term “Lo Mein” being used. The main difference between the two is in the noodles. Lo Mein uses soft, thick noodles, while Chow Mein features crispy, stir-fried noodles. The preparation method and sauce are similar, but the texture of the noodles sets them apart.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

To ensure your Chicken Chow Mein turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

Use a wok or large skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because it allows for quick, even cooking at high heat. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work as well.
Don’t overcook the noodles: If you’re using dry Chow Mein noodles, be sure to cook them just until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooking them can result in a soggy dish.
High heat for stir-frying: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the oil and ingredients to avoid steaming the vegetables and chicken.
Prep everything ahead of time: Since the cooking process is fast, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping the chicken, vegetables, and gathering the sauce ingredients.
Adjust the sauce to your liking: The beauty of making Chow Mein at home is that you can adjust the sauce to suit your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For a saltier flavor, add extra soy sauce.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues. The vegetables in the dish provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to incorporate more nutrients into their diet. The noodles offer a source of energy through carbohydrates, which are necessary for fueling the body.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious, quick, and customizable dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. With its savory sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Chow Mein is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

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