Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce. This recipe offers a homemade version that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend dinner, Chicken Chow Mein is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish step by step.
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein:
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin or white sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles:
Begin by cooking the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set them aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, mirin or white sugar, Chinese cooking wine (if using), ginger paste or grated ginger, and oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry them until they are cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of cooking oil if needed.
- Stir-fry the minced garlic, sliced green onions, julienned carrots, and shredded cabbage until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should be vibrant and still slightly crunchy.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet or wok with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Add the Chow Mein Noodles:
- Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet or wok with the chicken and vegetables.
- Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles and gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Cook’s Tips:
- Noodle Variations: If chow mein noodles are unavailable, you can use spaghetti or linguine noodles as a substitute.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference. Snow peas, bell peppers, and bean sprouts are great additions or substitutions.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cut the vegetables ahead of time for quicker assembly when ready to cook.
Additional Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein:
- Preparation Efficiency: Prep all ingredients before starting to cook. This includes slicing vegetables, cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces, and mixing the sauce. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
- High Heat Cooking: Use a hot skillet or wok for stir-frying. This helps to quickly cook the ingredients while retaining their vibrant colors and crisp textures.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of cornstarch. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch.
- Garnish Creativity: Besides green onions, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture.
Variations to Explore:
1. Protein Variations:
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure shrimp are cooked through.
- Beef Chow Mein: Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef. Marinate beef strips in soy sauce and a touch of cornstarch for extra tenderness.
2. Vegetarian Options:
- Tofu Chow Mein: Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and stir-fry until golden brown before adding vegetables and noodles.
- Mushroom Chow Mein: Sauté a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.
3. Flavor Enhancements:
- Spicy Chow Mein: Add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lover’s Chow Mein: Increase the amount of minced garlic for a robust garlic flavor throughout the dish.
4. Noodle Alternatives:
- Rice Noodles: Replace chow mein noodles with rice noodles (pad Thai noodles) for a gluten-free option.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, use spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté briefly until tender but still crisp.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve Chicken Chow Mein with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Appetizers: Pair with egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers for a delightful Asian-inspired feast.
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free chow mein noodles or rice noodles.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to reduce sodium content.
By exploring these tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can customize Chicken Chow Mein to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while enjoying its delicious flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is versatile enough to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy the culinary journey of making Chicken Chow Mein at home and delight in its savory goodness!
