Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
A Comforting Classic: Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein has always been a favorite of mine. This classic stir-fry dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles, all enveloped in a savory sauce. The combination is not just delicious but feels like a warm hug on a plate—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family brunch. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. What truly sets this recipe apart is the homemade chow mein sauce that elevates every bite!
“Best chow mein I’ve ever made! The sauce was perfect, and the family loved it!” – Satisfied Home Cook
The Allure of Homemade Chow Mein
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’ve ever wondered why take-out chow mein is so beloved, this recipe will show you how easy it is to recreate that magic at home. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just around 30 minutes from prep to plate—it’s also budget-friendly, requiring only a few simple ingredients. Kids adore it, and it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables! Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or simply want an enticing dish to brighten up your weekday meals, this Chicken Chow Mein fits the bill.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Preparing Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Preparing Chicken Chow Mein is simpler than you might think. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:
- Make the sauce: Mix the chow mein sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the chow mein noodles according to package directions.
- Sauté the chicken: In a hot skillet, cook the chicken until golden.
- Stir-fry the veggies: Add in your vegetables and stir-fry until vibrant and tender.
- Combine: Toss everything together with the sauce and heat through.
The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds craving more!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Items
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 batch green onions (chopped for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Pro Tip: For a lighter dish, consider using skinless chicken thighs or adding more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Method
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Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and set aside.
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Cook the noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
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Sauté the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and minced garlic, cooking for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and, if desired, more garlic. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
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Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Chow Mein can stand alone as a complete meal, but pairing it with some fresh sides can elevate the experience. Consider serving it with:
- A simple sesame cucumber salad for a crunchy contrast
- Egg rolls for that classic takeout vibe
- Steamed dumplings to round out the meal
Make sure to arrange it on a vibrant plate for a delightful presentation!
How to Store & Freeze
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s a rarity!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place the Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the noodles’ texture.
Tips for Success
Helpful Cooking Tips
To make this dish even better, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If cooking a double batch, do it in batches. This keeps the chicken from steaming and ensures a nice golden color.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to throw in any other stir-fry vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Timing is everything: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, and you won’t want to scramble for ingredients mid-cook.
Creative Twists
Flavor Swaps
Want to shake things up? Try these variations:
- Spicy Addition: Stir in some sriracha or chili flakes for a kick.
- Protein Variants: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein experience.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions
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How long does it take to prepare Chicken Chow Mein?
Preparation and cooking time total around 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal. -
Can I substitute other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or tofu if you want a change from chicken. -
What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
You can substitute with spaghetti or rice noodles in a pinch, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Dive into this Chicken Chow Mein recipe for a dish that’s not only delightful but also embodies comfort in every bite. Your family will thank you!
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and minced garlic, cooking for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the julienned carrots and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.
