Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe uses ramen noodles for a chewy base, combined with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 5 packets of ramen noodles (seasoning packet discarded)
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 10 oz package shredded cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside. To prevent sticking, you can toss the noodles with a little bit of oil.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the noodles are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is wilted and slightly tender.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything to combine.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the chicken and vegetables until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the flavors.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken hot, garnished with additional sesame oil or soy sauce if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cooking the Chicken: For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
- Ramen Noodles: Make sure to discard the seasoning packets that come with the ramen noodles, as this recipe uses its own flavorful sauce. Ramen noodles work well because of their texture, but you can substitute them with other types of noodles like lo mein or egg noodles if preferred.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the dish. Simply sauté them along with the cabbage for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the soy sauce mixture for a spicy version of this dish.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt to make this recipe a bit healthier while still maintaining its flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version of Chow Mein.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a side of steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light Asian cucumber salad to complete the meal.
- Garnishing: Top with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the convenience of ramen noodles with the wholesome flavors of fresh ingredients. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also offers plenty of room for customization, making it a great option for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and savory. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your homemade Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken, and don’t forget to savor every bite
