Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish made with stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. With its flavorful sauce and tender noodles, chicken chow mein is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
For the Chow Mein:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the mixture, toss to coat, and let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onion, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the chow mein from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Noodles: Chow mein noodles work best, but you can substitute with thin egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Sauce: Adjust the sauce by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or more sugar for sweetness, based on your preference.
Variations
- Beef Chow Mein: Swap out the chicken for thinly sliced beef, like flank steak, for a beef version of this dish.
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the chicken and add tofu or extra veggies like bok choy or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make chow mein ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply stir-fry everything and combine with the cooked noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chow mein in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze chow mein?
While chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with chicken chow mein?
Chicken chow mein pairs well with egg rolls, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple side salad.
Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and stir-fried noodles with a savory sauce. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to customize to your preferences. Serve it for dinner or as a takeout-style meal at home, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic dish