If you’re in the mood for an exciting, satisfying meal, Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is the perfect solution! This tasty dish marries tender chicken pieces with crisp vegetables and savory noodles, all brought together by a homemade sauce that’s utterly delicious. It’s quick to whip up, making it a terrific option for busy weeknights when you’re craving something fulfilling yet nutritious. Plus, this recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
Chow Mein is a classic dish that showcases the beauty of stir-frying, a cooking technique that preserves the vibrant colors and crunch of the fresh ingredients while infusing flavors beautifully. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a plate of this delectable meal on your table in no time. The best part? The delightful sauce really ties everything together, making each bite soul-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving family and friends, Chicken Chow Mein is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
- Flavor Explosion: It features a rich, savory sauce that elevates the taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of around 30 minutes, you can have dinner ready in no time!
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or add different proteins to suit your taste.
- Healthier Alternative: Making this dish at home means you can control the ingredients and make healthier choices.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This chow mein tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Start by gathering all the ingredients and tools you’ll need. You’ll require a large skillet or wok for stir-frying, as well as a pot for boiling the noodles. Make sure to have a cutting board and knife ready for slicing the chicken and vegetables. It’s also a great idea to have your sauces ready for quick addition to the dish — consider pre-measuring them into small bowls.
Ensuring your ingredients are prepped before cooking will not only save you time but also help maintain the integrity of the dish. Chop the vegetables and slice the chicken into thin strips — this will ensure they’re cooked quickly and evenly during stir-frying. Have your noodles boiled and drained ahead of time, as they will be added later in the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or yakisoba noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Start by boiling the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take around 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth. This typically includes the low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. It should take about 3 minutes — set this flavorful potion aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In your large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take around 6 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still maintain a delightful crunch.
Step 5: Combine Everything
After the vegetables are done, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Add in the drained chow mein noodles and the bean sprouts. Pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, approx 3 to 4 minutes. You want to make sure every piece is coated nicely with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Once everything is evenly combined and fragrant, garnish your Chicken Chow Mein with freshly sliced green onions for that final burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies and diverse textures.
- Spices: Kick up the heat factor with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the stir-fry.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your workspace is organized and free from clutter to streamline the cooking process.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles are also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Pair with a fresh salad or spring rolls for a complete dining experience.
Tips
- To achieve a fuller flavor, let the sauce sit for a few minutes before adding it to the dish.
- Feel free to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in soy sauce and ginger before cooking for extra flavor!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! You can substitute chow mein noodles with yakisoba or even spaghetti if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for tofu and use a vegan soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures right to your dinner table. It’s a go-to recipe that’s not only quick and easy to make but also satisfies all the cravings for that classic takeout flavor, right from the comfort of your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking with different proteins or vegetables — the possibilities are endless! We invite you to share your experiences or variations in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family for them to enjoy as well!
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Delicious Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re in the mood for an exciting, satisfying meal, Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is the perfect solution!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or yakisoba noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Start by boiling the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take around 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth. This typically includes the low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. It should take about 3 minutes — set this flavorful potion aside for later use.
- In your large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take around 6 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still maintain a delightful crunch.
- After the vegetables are done, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Add in the drained chow mein noodles and the bean sprouts. Pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, approx 3 to 4 minutes. You want to make sure every piece is coated nicely with the sauce.
- Once everything is evenly combined and fragrant, garnish your Chicken Chow Mein with freshly sliced green onions for that final burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Notes
This chow mein tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 24 g