The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with fresh vegetables is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Chicken Chow Mein is the star of any dinner table, boasting a delightful medley of flavors and textures that dance together in a harmonious symphony. Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Picture the tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant veggies all tossed together in a savory sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds.
Growing up, my family had a tradition where Friday nights were reserved for homemade takeout classics. Chicken Chow Mein was always the highlight, bringing everyone together around the dining table for laughter and stories. Zesty Southwest Chicken Tenderloins The anticipation of that first bite filled the room with excitement, and honestly, it was worth every calorie. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes Chicken Chow Mein perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet, while the colorful ingredients create an appealing dish
- Customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand for versatility
- Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste!
Sharing my Chicken Chow Mein recipe brought smiles and satisfied bellies at our last family gathering. Chicken Salad Bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts work best; about 3-4 breasts should suffice for a hearty meal.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; their robust flavor enhances the overall taste beautifully.
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Fresh Ginger: A small piece adds warmth and depth; be sure to mince it finely for even distribution.
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Bell Peppers: Choose mixed colors for visual appeal; they add a sweet crunch when cooked just right.
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Cabbage: Use green or Napa cabbage; it wilts nicely while still adding texture to your chow mein.
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Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned carrots provide sweetness and vibrancy; they should be crisp-tender after cooking.
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Egg Noodles: Seek out fresh egg noodles for an authentic taste; they soak up flavors wonderfully.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control saltiness while enhancing flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds nutty richness; use sparingly as it can be quite potent!
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Cornstarch: A little bit helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparation is half the fun! Let’s dive into making Chicken Chow Mein step by step. Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs.
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic and ginger, and chop your vegetables into manageable sizes.
Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of boiling water, cook your egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside.
Sauté Your Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Toss in minced garlic and ginger as well as your colorful veggies—all those bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage! Stir-fry until they’re vibrant but still crisp—around 4-5 minutes.
Mix the Sauce Together: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch with some water until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over your chicken and vegetables while stirring constantly.
Toss in Noodles!: Finally, stir in those beautiful egg noodles until everything is coated in that glossy sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through before serving hot!
Now sit back and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein while pondering why you ever thought takeout was better! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Chicken Chow Mein is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure
- This dish bursts with crunch, color, and flavor
- The combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables will have your taste buds singing
- Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for flavor, then stir-fry until golden. Cook the noodles separately while prepping vegetables for a seamless experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a pan to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Chicken Chow Mein, ensure your wok is hot enough before adding ingredients
- This prevents sogginess and enhances flavors
- Slice chicken thinly against the grain for tenderness, and don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking
Cooking Chicken Chow Mein reminds me of family gatherings where everyone pitched in. Laughter filled the air as we chopped veggies together, making memories that seasoned my life as much as the dish itself.
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day prior and store it in the fridge.
What type of noodles are best for Chicken Chow Mein?
Egg noodles or chow mein noodles work perfectly for this recipe.
How can I make Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of traditional ones.
Chicken Chow Mein
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory egg noodles, all coated in a rich sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite ingredients. Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 2 cups cabbage (green or Napa), chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 8 oz fresh egg noodles
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Slice chicken, mince garlic and ginger, and chop vegetables.
- Cook the noodles: Boil according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add vegetables: Stir in garlic, ginger, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage; stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until vibrant.
- Mix sauce: Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch mixture in a small bowl; pour over chicken and veggies while stirring.
- Combine: Toss in cooked egg noodles until well-coated; heat through for another minute before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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