Introduction
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry noodle dish that’s full of bold flavors, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. With its irresistible combination of marinated chicken, fresh chow mein noodles, and a savory sauce, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option or an exciting meal for special occasions. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will please any palate. Let’s explore this step-by-step recipe for creating delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
For the Noodles:
- 7 oz (200g) fresh chow mein noodles
- 150ml water or unsalted chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 3/4 tsp sugar
For Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-4 green onions, white parts sliced, green parts for garnish
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 tsp rice wine
- 1 tsp prepared chow mein sauce (from the above)
For Cooking the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, if needed)
- 2 tsp rice wine
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breast or thigh into thin strips.
- In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, white pepper powder, corn starch, vegetable oil, and sesame oil.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them.
- Drain the noodles, toss them with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 3/4 tsp sugar.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sugar, salt, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onion and bean sprouts, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add 1 tsp rice wine and 1 tsp of the prepared chow mein sauce, and toss everything together for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil if needed.
- Add the marinated chicken and minced garlic, and stir-fry over medium-high heat until the chicken is about 70% cooked through (approximately 2-3 minutes).
- Add 2 tsp rice wine, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Noodles
- In the same pan, add the cooked chow mein noodles with 150ml of water or unsalted chicken broth.
- Stir-fry the noodles until they are evenly heated and the liquid has reduced slightly, making sure the noodles are hot and coated.
- Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the pan with the noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 8: Serve
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving platter.
- Garnish with the green parts of the green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Cooking Notes:
- For an extra boost of flavor, feel free to add a drizzle of sesame oil during the final toss for a nutty finish.
- You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great options to include.
- If you want a spicier version, you can add chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when stir-frying the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Chow Mein pairs perfectly with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or hot and sour soup. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed rice or a light cucumber salad. The dish also stands alone as a satisfying main course.
Tips:
- To save time, marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- If you don’t have fresh chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with dried egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Be sure to stir-fry on high heat to get that slightly charred “wok hei” flavor that makes stir-fried dishes irresistible.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15-20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30-35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 850mg
Conclusion:
This Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful, flavorful dish that brings the best of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, perfectly stir-fried noodles, and crisp vegetables, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and packed with deliciousness. Serve it fresh, hot, and enjoy every bite of this comforting noodle dish!
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Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry noodle dish that’s full of bold flavors, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. With its irresistible combination of marinated chicken, fresh chow mein noodles, and a savory sauce, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option or an exciting meal for special occasions. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will please any palate. Let’s explore this step-by-step recipe for creating delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
For the Noodles:
- 7 oz (200g) fresh chow mein noodles
- 150ml water or unsalted chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 3/4 tsp sugar
For Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3–4 green onions, white parts sliced, green parts for garnish
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 tsp rice wine
- 1 tsp prepared chow mein sauce (from the above)
For Cooking the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, if needed)
- 2 tsp rice wine
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breast or thigh into thin strips.
- In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, white pepper powder, corn starch, vegetable oil, and sesame oil.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them.
- Drain the noodles, toss them with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 3/4 tsp sugar.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sugar, salt, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onion and bean sprouts, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add 1 tsp rice wine and 1 tsp of the prepared chow mein sauce, and toss everything together for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil if needed.
- Add the marinated chicken and minced garlic, and stir-fry over medium-high heat until the chicken is about 70% cooked through (approximately 2-3 minutes).
- Add 2 tsp rice wine, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Noodles
- In the same pan, add the cooked chow mein noodles with 150ml of water or unsalted chicken broth.
- Stir-fry the noodles until they are evenly heated and the liquid has reduced slightly, making sure the noodles are hot and coated.
- Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the pan with the noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 8: Serve
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving platter.
- Garnish with the green parts of the green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- For an extra boost of flavor, feel free to add a drizzle of sesame oil during the final toss for a nutty finish.
- You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great options to include.
- If you want a spicier version, you can add chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when stir-frying the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Chow Mein pairs perfectly with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or hot and sour soup. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed rice or a light cucumber salad. The dish also stands alone as a satisfying main course.
Tips:
- To save time, marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- If you don’t have fresh chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with dried egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Be sure to stir-fry on high heat to get that slightly charred “wok hei” flavor that makes stir-fried dishes irresistible
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 28g