The first time I made Chicken Chow Mein for my family, I knew it was going to be a recurring request. The dish, with its tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles all tossed together in a rich, flavorful sauce, was an instant hit. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for the first bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with the homemade chow mein sauce. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed the body but also delights the senses, making dinner time a truly enjoyable experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Chow Mein has become our go-to recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the chow mein noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chow mein sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and cornstarch. Keep it aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok, cook the chicken strips until no longer pink, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil and stir-fry garlic, onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms until tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the noodles, and pour over the chow mein sauce. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated.
- Mix in bean sprouts and green onions, stir-frying until the bean sprouts are just wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if using.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 385 kcal
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Additional Tips
- Noodle Preparation: To prevent the noodles from sticking, toss them with a teaspoon of oil after draining.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for stir-frying to cook the ingredients quickly while retaining their crisp texture.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch slightly. Remember to dissolve it in a little water before adding to prevent lumps.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots according to your preference.
- Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve Chicken Chow Mein with a side of steamed rice or additional stir-fried vegetables.
FAQ Section
- Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, while chow mein noodles are traditional, you can use ramen noodles or spaghetti in a pinch.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of additional vegetables like bok choy and zucchini.
- Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Can I prepare Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the components ahead of time and quickly toss them together in the sauce when ready to serve.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Can I add more protein to this dish? Yes, shrimp or beef strips make excellent additions or alternatives to chicken.
- How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy? Avoid overcooking the noodles and ensure they’re al dente before adding them to the stir-fry.
- Can I make the sauce spicier? Yes, add a bit of chili sauce or increase the ginger quantity for more heat.
- What if I don’t have oyster sauce? Oyster sauce adds a unique flavor, but you can use more soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute.
- How do I slice the chicken thinly? Freeze the chicken slightly for easier slicing into thin strips.
Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles, it’s a complete meal that satisfies cravings for something hearty and delicious. Follow these tips and FAQs to master the art of making this classic stir-fry at home, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Chicken Chow Mein any night of the week.