Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Easy, Delicious, Authentic!

Chicken Chow Mein, a beloved dish from the vast expanse of Chinese cuisine, captures hearts with its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles. This dish, known for its stir-fried goodness, brings authentic flavors to your table in an easy-to-make recipe. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe will impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein

Before you start stir-frying, gather the following ingredients:

• 200g of dry chow mein noodles
• 200g of boneless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chopped cabbage or bok choy
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• White pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish, chopped

Preparing the Chicken Chow Mein

Cooking the Noodles

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Toss the noodles with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Stir-Frying

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Swirl to coat the pan.
2. Stir-fry the chicken until it is no longer pink, about 2 minutes, then set aside.
3. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add garlic, onions, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and cabbage or bok choy, cooking for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan, stirring them into the vegetables. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch more sesame oil.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, mixing well with the noodles and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Chicken Chow Mein is ready, here are a few tips on how to serve it:

• Serve the chow mein hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
• Pair it with a light soup or a side of steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
• Remember, the dish tastes best when shared with friends or family!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Chicken Chow Mein turns out just right:

• Pre-preparation: Have all ingredients ready and prepped before you start cooking. Stir-frying is quick, and you won’t have time to chop during the process.
• High Heat: Cooking at high heat is essential to get that authentic wok hei (breath of the wok).
• Don’t Overcook: Keep vegetables crisp-tender for the best texture.
• Noodles: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to prevent them from clumping together.

🍜 Note: If your pan is not large enough to accommodate all the ingredients at once, stir-fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

In this Chicken Chow Mein recipe, every step from preparation to cooking is crafted to deliver an authentic taste. The stir-fried noodles, when combined with the perfectly marinated chicken and crisp vegetables, create a harmonious symphony of flavors. Remember, the key to achieving that authentic taste lies in the quick, high-heat cooking method, ensuring each ingredient retains its unique flavor while blending beautifully with the others.

Now, with your newly acquired skills, you can create a Chicken Chow Mein that rivals any take-out or restaurant experience. Enjoy this dish as a quick weeknight dinner, or impress at your next dinner party. The versatility of this recipe allows for personal touches, making it uniquely yours every time.

Can I use different types of noodles for Chicken Chow Mein?

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Yes, while chow mein noodles are traditional, you can use egg noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute in a pinch. Adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

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Omit the chicken and substitute it with tofu, tempeh, or a variety of mushrooms for protein. Increase the variety of vegetables to enhance the flavor profile.

Is Chicken Chow Mein a healthy dish?

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Yes, when prepared at home with fresh ingredients, Chicken Chow Mein can be healthy. Use lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and control the amount of oil and soy sauce to make it nutritious and lower in calories.