Description

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a quick and delicious stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. Crispy noodles, crunchy vegetables, and juicy chicken are combined with an umami-rich sauce that brings together all the flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile and family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Chicken Chow Mein:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
3 tbsp oil vegetable or olive oil
12 oz chow mein noodles uncooked
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 large carrot julienned
1/2 batch green onions chopped
2 garlic cloves minced

For The Chow Mein Sauce:

6 tbsp oyster sauce
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp light sesame oil not toasted
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chicken pieces, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken and noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Finalize and Serve: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Chicken:
- You can use either chicken breasts for a leaner dish or chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful bite. For best results, slice the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to enhance the flavor and keep it juicy.
Noodles:
- Traditional Chow Mein noodles are recommended, but you can use substitutes like spaghetti, ramen noodles, or even rice noodles if you’re making a gluten-free version. Be sure to blanch or boil the noodles until al dente, then drain and cool them to prevent sogginess.
Vegetables:
- Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on what you have on hand. The classic combination includes cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts, but you can also add vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra variety and nutrition.
Sauce:
- The homemade Chow Mein sauce is the highlight of the dish. Made from a combination of soy sauce (light and dark), oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and a cornstarch slurry, the sauce brings depth, flavor, and a slightly sweet tang to the dish. You can adjust the sauce’s taste by tweaking the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to your preference.
- For a vegan or vegetarian option, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce.
Customizations:
- This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or any other protein you like. Adjust cooking times based on the protein to ensure it is fully cooked but still tender.
- Add more heat by incorporating chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns, or keep it mild by skipping these elements altogether.
Texture:
- To achieve the signature texture of crispy noodles, ensure that you stir-fry the noodles over high heat and allow them to get a slight crisp before adding the sauce. Similarly, stir-fry the vegetables for just a few minutes to keep them crunchy.
Storage and Leftovers:
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a skillet or wok to revive the noodles’ texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken Chow Mein garnished with scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Pair the dish with popular Chinese sides like spring rolls, dumplings, or hot and sour soup to create a full meal. A cup of jasmine tea or a cold beer also complements the dish beautifully.