Chicken Chow Mein

Dive into Deliciousness with Chicken Chow Mein

When it comes to comforting meals that can be whipped up quickly, Chicken Chow Mein steals the spotlight. This beloved Asian dish is savory, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. I’ve always found joy in making chow mein—it’s not only delicious, but it also allows for some creativity with ingredients. The harmony of tender chicken, fresh coleslaw mix, and a medley of savory sauces comes together to create a delicious symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Chicken Chow Mein is a fantastic choice for a myriad of reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option when time is of the essence. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a budget-friendly meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. This dish also has a natural appeal for the whole family; kids usually enjoy the noodles and the mild flavors, and adults appreciate the touch of gourmet flair brought by the sauces and fresh ingredients.

"I made Chicken Chow Mein for my family last week, and it was a hit! Quick, easy, and flavorful—this will definitely be in our dinner rotation!" – A Happy Home Cook

Preparing Chicken Chow Mein

Let’s break down how to create this delicious dish. It’s straightforward, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. From preparing the chow mein noodles to stir-frying the chicken, each step builds on the last to produce a delightful meal. Follow along as we gather the key ingredients and get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick glance at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up your Chicken Chow Mein:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or canola oil)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1 pound chow mein noodles (refrigerated or dry)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (or ginger paste)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your pantry. For example, if you don’t have chow mein noodles, spaghetti can be a great stand-in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: Begin by preparing 1 pound of chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.

2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, oyster sauce, grated ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture will bring all the flavors together.

3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and stir-fry until they are just cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds for that aromatic punch.

5. Incorporate the Veggies: Add in the coleslaw mix, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until the cabbage has wilted slightly.

6. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Stir everything together, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

7. Garnish and Serve: Top your chow mein with chopped green onions and get ready to savor this delightful dish!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving Chicken Chow Mein, a simple yet attractive presentation can enhance the dining experience. Plate the chow mein in shallow bowls, topping each serving with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with egg rolls or steamed dumplings for a complete feast, or serve it alongside some stir-fried broccoli for a nutritious touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (if that’s possible!), store your Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing it, though the noodles might lose some texture. Always make sure to use safe food handling practices to keep your leftovers delicious and safe.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Slice the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Using a wok can help achieve that classic stir-fry experience with higher heat distribution.
• Don’t be afraid to add additional veggies, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delicious seafood or vegetarian option.
• Experiment with different sauces, like hoisin or teriyaki, for unique flavor profiles.
• Incorporate additional spices to kick up the heat, like crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy finish.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this dish take to prepare?
On average, it takes about 30 minutes from prep to plate.

Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! Just make sure the noodles and sauces are certified gluten-free, especially the soy sauce.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute it with hoisin sauce, or just omit it altogether; the chow mein will still be tasty without it.

Chicken Chow Mein is a fantastic option that allows you to serve up authentic flavors quickly. With its vibrant components and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Chicken Chow Mein

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A quick and satisfying Asian dish featuring tender chicken, fresh coleslaw, and savory sauces, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Noodles

• 1 pound chow mein noodles Refrigerated or dry.

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced Slice into thin pieces for even cooking.
• 1 clove garlic, minced For added flavor.
• 2 cups coleslaw mix Can include additional veggies.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil This can be substituted with canola oil.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped For garnish.

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Check for gluten-free if needed.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce Can be substituted with hoisin sauce.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger Can use ginger paste as an alternative.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Method

 

Cooking the Noodles

1. Prepare the chow mein noodles according to package instructions and set aside once cooked.

Making the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, oyster sauce, grated ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch.

Sautéing the Chicken

1. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken breasts and stir-fry until they are just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Adding Garlic and Vegetables

1. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add the coleslaw mix, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until wilted slightly.

Combining Noodles and Sauce

1. Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Stir together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Garnishing

1. Top your chow mein with chopped green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.

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