If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s quick, tasty, and utterly satisfying, look no further than Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce. This vibrant stir-fry combines tender strips of chicken with a colorful array of vegetables, all tossed together in a shiny, flavorful sauce that promises to awaken your taste buds! Did you know that chow mein has roots dating back to the 19th century? While initially brought to America by Chinese immigrants, it has since evolved into a beloved comfort food across the globe, capturing hearts and appetites alike.
What makes Chicken Chow Mein truly special is its simplicity and speed of preparation. In under thirty minutes, you can serve up a delightful meal that the whole family will enjoy, making it a go-to weeknight recipe. If you love tasty, savory dishes, you might also want to check out our Sweet and Sour Chicken for another yummy dinner idea. So grab your chopsticks, and let’s dive into making this delectable chow mein!
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
“Chow mein” literally means “stir-fried noodles” in Cantonese, but isn’t it funny how we often associate it purely with chicken, veggies, and savory sauce? So why do we call it chow mein? Well, it captures the essence of this stir-fry perfection, showcasing floppy noodles dressed in a mouthwatering coat of sauce. You know what they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” – and this dish definitely sets the stage for love at first bite. Now, why not take a whim and try your hand at this delicious Chicken Chow Mein? You’ll be making dinner-time magic in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
You’ll fall head over heels for this Chicken Chow Mein for three big reasons. First, the star of the show is undoubtedly the heavenly chow mein sauce that’s delightfully zesty and lightly sweet. It brings everything together, transforming ordinary chicken and veggies into something truly memorable. Next, making this dish at home is a cost-saving gem! Rather than overspending on takeout, you can whip up a scrumptious meal that feeds the entire family for just a fraction of the price. Finally, it’s the colorful veggies – think bright bell peppers and crunchy carrots – that not only add depth but also elevate the flavor palate. For an alternative that’s equally delicious, check out our Vegetable Fried Rice. Don’t wait! Try your hand at this Chicken Chow Mein today and gain a new favorite!
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Quick Overview
Creating Chicken Chow Mein is a cinch, and with a prep and cook time of just around 30 minutes, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can serve this fabulous dish! It’s not just about ease, it’s about flavor too. The crunchy vegetables provide a delightful texture, while the savory sauce binds them all beautifully. Get ready to become the stir-fry star of your kitchen!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
- 8 oz. chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bell pepper strips (red, green, or both!)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or a vegetarian substitute)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Toss in the Veggies: Now for the colorful part! Add in the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-5 minutes until they are just tender yet still crisp.
- Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and the cornstarch mixture. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together until well-coated and heated through.
- Add the Noodles: Finally, fold in the cooked noodles and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined, and the noodles are heated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, serve hot, and enjoy!
What to Serve Chicken Chow Mein With
To elevate your Chicken Chow Mein experience further, consider pairing it with fresh spring rolls for an appetizer or a light salad drizzled with sesame dressing. A refreshing iced green tea can also complement the meal beautifully, cleansing the palate between bites of savory goodness!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Chow Mein
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preferences or what’s in season. Snow peas, bean sprouts, or zucchini can all work wonderfully.
- Timing Tips: Ensure you cook the chicken until it’s golden but don’t overdo it to keep it juicy. Take cues from the veggies—aim for vibrant colors and crisp textures.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken or veggies; this leads to steaming rather than stir-frying!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring its flavors back to life. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using the stovetop or microwave.
With this Chicken Chow Mein recipe, you not only elevate your cooking skills but also create a delicious and cost-effective meal that the whole family will adore. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Happy frying!
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Add in the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-5 minutes until they are just tender yet still crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and the cornstarch mixture. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together until well-coated and heated through.
- Fold in the cooked noodles and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined, and the noodles are heated.
- Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, serve hot, and enjoy!
Leave a Reply