Introduction
Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful Chinese dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles. This recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic meal right at home. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sauce:
– ¼ cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, mirin, or sherry vinegar
– Pinch of white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 12 oz chow mein noodles
– 3 tablespoons oil, divided
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 large carrot, julienned
– 3 green onions, sliced thin on a bias
– Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or alternative), and a pinch of white pepper.
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the Noodles
Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, cooking them al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot, stir-frying until they begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked noodles and the remaining sauce to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are well-coated. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
Add Green Onions
Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for an additional minute.
Serve
Transfer the chow mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Chicken Broth
You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth, depending on your preference.
Alternative Sauces
Shaoxing wine can be substituted with mirin or sherry vinegar if unavailable.
Veggie Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a light garden salad.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or alternative), and white pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended.
Marinating Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced chicken with cornstarch and a portion of the prepared sauce. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes for better flavor and texture.
Cooking Noodles
Follow the package instructions for cooking chow mein noodles to an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Stir-Frying Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it, stirring frequently, until it is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add oil and sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Introduce shredded cabbage and julienned carrot, cooking until they start to soften.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the remaining sauce. Toss all ingredients to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
Finishing Touches
Add sliced green onions and stir for an additional minute to combine the flavors before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein can be served on its own, or with side dishes like egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple Asian salad.
How do I store leftover Chicken Chow Mein?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein spicy?
Yes, you can add chili sauce or red pepper flakes during cooking to increase the spice level according to your preference.
Is it possible to use fresh vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture. Consider using bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added variety.
Conclusion
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful chow mein noodles, all perfectly coated in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving authentic Chinese cuisine at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Swap the chicken for a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Use the same sauce for a hearty vegetarian option.
Beef Chow Mein
Replace the chicken with thinly sliced beef, marinated in the sauce for added flavor, for a savory twist on this classic dish.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation and add a squeeze of lemon for extra zestiness.
Spicy Chicken Chow Mein
Incorporate a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the traditional flavor profile.
Noodle Salad
Turn this stir-fry into a chilled noodle salad by letting the chow mein cool, then mixing with fresh greens, carrots, and a sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing summer dish.
Gluten-Free Chow Mein
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your sauces are also gluten-free to make a delicious version suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
