Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful, classic Chinese takeout dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles stir-fried in a savory sauce. Making it at home is not only easy, but it allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something delicious and satisfying.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Chow Mein
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss well to combine, making sure the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Make sure to slice the chicken thinly to ensure even cooking. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize your chow mein.
- Noodles: Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles work best, but you can substitute with spaghetti or ramen noodles in a pinch.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Chow Mein
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Shrimp Chow Mein
- Replace the chicken with 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood variation. Cook the shrimp until pink and set aside before stir-frying the vegetables.
Vegetarian Chow Mein
- Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use firm tofu for added protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. The dish itself is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles and vegetables can become mushy when thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and easy meal that brings all the flavors of takeout right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. The best part is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile favorite.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite of this homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
