Baked Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious twist on the classic stir-fried dish, combining tender chicken, vegetables, and crispy chow mein noodles, all baked together in a savory sauce. This easy, oven-baked version is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting and flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. By baking everything together, you get the rich flavors of chow mein with minimal cleanup. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its delightful texture and irresistible flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and chicken broth. Add the cornstarch slurry to the mixture and whisk until combined.
- Assemble the Dish: In the greased baking dish, add the cooked chicken, chow mein noodles, bell peppers, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce over all the ingredients and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Baked Chow Mein
- Pre-Cook the Chicken: Cooking the chicken before baking ensures that it’s tender and evenly cooked. This also helps reduce the overall baking time.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables provide the best flavor and texture for this dish. Cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the Noodles Crunchy: If you like extra-crispy noodles, reserve some chow mein noodles and sprinkle them on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Chow Mein: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Add the shrimp during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A: Yes! You can use lo mein or even spaghetti noodles if you don’t have chow mein noodles. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
Baked Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of chow mein without the need for a wok or stovetop stir-frying. By baking all the ingredients together, you get a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this baked chow mein is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful combination of textures and flavors!