Easy & Quick Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Authentic Stir-Fry.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The savory sauce perfectly coats the noodles, chicken, and veggies, creating an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
• Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables or add your favorite protein to make it your own.
• Satisfying: This hearty dish is packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a complete and fulfilling meal.
• Impressive: It looks and tastes like takeout, but you made it yourself! Perfect for a casual dinner party or a cozy night in.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s about achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The secret? A quick marinade for the chicken that ensures it stays incredibly tender, and a stir-fry technique that keeps the vegetables crisp and vibrant. We’re not just dumping everything in a pan, we’re building layers of flavor with fresh ginger, garlic, and a perfectly balanced soy-based sauce that isn’t too salty or too sweet.

Ingredient List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus extra for adjusting the flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps to thicken the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 8 ounces chow mein noodles (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer if time allows).
2. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the sliced onion and carrots, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. Add the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts and continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the cooked noodles and the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
8. Toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your chow mein to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for added flavor and crunch.
• Green Onions: A scattering of sliced green onions adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Chili Oil: If you like a little heat, a drizzle of chili oil can bring a pleasant kick.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: The key to great chow mein is crisp-tender vegetables. Don’t cook them too long, or they’ll become mushy.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that signature wok flavor.
• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook your ingredients in batches to ensure they brown properly and cook evenly. If the pan is too full, the food will steam instead of stir-fry.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to suit your taste preferences. Taste and add more as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas.
• Can I use a different protein? Yes, this recipe works great with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving. The sauce and veggies can be cooked and stored separately and mixed with the noodles and chicken just before serving. The noodles and chicken are best cooked fresh.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
• Can I freeze leftovers? While it’s not recommended, you can freeze it. The noodles may change in texture when frozen and thawed.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables. Use a vegan oyster sauce substitute or more soy sauce.
• Spicy Chow Mein: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Shrimp Chow Mein: Replace the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood variation.
• Beef Chow Mein: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. Marinate the beef similarly to the chicken.
• Mushroom Chow Mein: Add sliced mushrooms along with other vegetables for an earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Chicken Chow Mein as a satisfying main course. It pairs perfectly with a side of spring rolls or a simple salad. For a full Chinese-inspired feast, consider adding some wonton soup or dumplings. It’s a fantastic dish to share with family and friends, and it’s also great for meal prepping lunch for the week ahead.

Conclusion

This homemade Chicken Chow Mein is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to make. It’s the perfect go-to recipe when you’re craving takeout without the hassle. With its customizable nature and flavorful results, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see your amazing Chow Mein creations! If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes!

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