Description
Chicken Chow Mein is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, featuring stir-fried noodles tossed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. The name “Chow Mein” translates to “fried noodles,” which is a staple of Chinese cuisine. This dish is loved for its flavorful combination of crispy yet chewy noodles, juicy chicken, and a rich umami sauce.
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a few cooking tricks, you can create an authentic, restaurant-style dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving classic takeout flavors or looking for a homemade alternative, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
The Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
The Chow Mein Noodles:
- 10 oz (280g) chow mein noodles or egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to prevent sticking)
The Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This process tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
2: Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside for later use.
4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aroma. Then, add the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the vegetables. Add the prepared chow mein noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce and everything is evenly combined.
7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Notes
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot to create a smoky, restaurant-style flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them slightly underdone before stir-frying to prevent mushiness.
- Keep the Vegetables Crisp: Stir-fry them quickly to retain their color and crunch.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to your preference.
- Soy Sauce Type: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g