Simple Chicken Chow Mein: Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home

How to make Simple Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with bright vegetables and flavorful noodles. This recipe allows you to recreate restaurant-style Chicken Chow Mein at home, giving you control over the ingredients and flavors. The process is straightforward, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:

• Protein:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts

• For the Marinade:

  • 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

• For the Chow Mein Noodles:

  • Chow Mein Noodles

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth (or water)

• Vegetables:

  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Green Onion
  • Bean Sprouts
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Fresh Garlic

• For Stir-Frying:

  • Vegetable Oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors.

2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything well to coat each piece. Set it aside for at least 15-20 minutes. This marination step helps in tenderizing the chicken.

3. Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and add your chow mein noodles. Cook them according to package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Toss Noodles with Oil: To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and set them aside.

5. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk it all together until the sugar is dissolved and set it aside.

6. Chop the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion, julienne the carrots, thinly slice the celery, and finely shred the cabbage. Mince the fresh ginger and garlic. Slice the green onions, separating the white parts from the green parts, and have your bean sprouts ready.

7. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

8. Sauté Aromatics: If necessary, add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

9. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, julienned carrots, and sliced celery to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

10. Incorporate the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until it wilts.

11. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the vegetables. Add the prepared noodles and pour the whisked chow mein sauce evenly over the top.

12. Toss It All Together: Using tongs, toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.

13. Finishing Touches: Finally, add the bean sprouts and the green parts of the green onions. Toss for another 30 seconds.

14. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your Chicken Chow Mein to serving plates and enjoy it hot!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Chow Mein

This recipe is not just quick and easy but also filled with vibrant flavors and textures. The tender chicken provides protein, while the array of colorful vegetables adds essential nutrients and a satisfying crunch. The balance of soy sauces and oyster sauce gives this dish the umami flavor that many crave from takeout. Plus, the simplicity of preparing it at home means you can customize it to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Chow Mein is a great way to incorporate lean protein and a variety of vegetables into your diet. Here are a few nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh vegetables like carrots and cabbage are high in vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin health.
• Low in Saturated Fat: By choosing lean chicken and cooking with minimal oil, this dish is relatively low in saturated fats compared to other fried meals.
• Fiber: Including bean sprouts and vegetables adds fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

What to Serve With Simple Chicken Chow Mein

Pairing your Chicken Chow Mein with other dishes can create a delightful meal. Here are some ideas:

• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls complement the texture of Chow Mein.
• Hot and Sour Soup: A bowl of hot and sour soup can add a different flavor dimension to your meal.
• Edamame: Serve some steamed edamame for a protein-packed side.
• Asian Salad: A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the noodles.

How to store Simple Chicken Chow Mein

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead, here’s how to store it:

• Cool Down: Allow the Chicken Chow Mein to cool down to room temperature.
• Air-tight Container: Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Carefully: When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can make it tough. Keep an eye on it while cooking.
• Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Stir-frying goes quickly!
• Don’t Skip Rinsing Noodles: Rinsing the noodles helps to prevent them from sticking together.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that delicious char and keep the vegetables crisp.

Variations

While this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is delicious as is, feel free to vary it:

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken and substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.
• More Protein: Add shrimp or beef alongside the chicken for a mixed protein dish.
• Extra Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for more nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of noodles?

Yes! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can use other types like udon or even ramen.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Stir-fry them when you are ready to serve.

In conclusion, making Chicken Chow Mein at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal that rivals any restaurant’s dish. So gather your ingredients and get cooking!