Heavenly Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Ready in 20 Minutes

Chicken chow mein offers a vibrant culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Authentic Chinese cuisine embraces this beloved noodle dish as a perfect balance of crisp vegetables and tender protein.

Rich with aromatic seasonings, the recipe revolutionizes simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that dances across your palate.

Savory noodles intertwine with succulent meat and colorful vegetables, creating a symphonic dining experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through traditional cooking techniques and bold seasoning profiles.

Home cooks can easily master this delectable preparation with a few strategic techniques and fresh ingredients.

The magic lies in quick stir-frying and selecting premium components that elevate the entire dish.

Tips for Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Chow Mein

• Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized strips to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Prep Vegetables Ahead: Julienne carrots and chop cabbage in advance to streamline the cooking process and maintain a smooth workflow.
• Control Wok Heat: Maintain medium heat while sautéing to prevent burning vegetables and achieve perfect caramelization.
• Drain Noodles Thoroughly: Rinse noodles with cold water and shake off excess moisture to prevent a soggy final dish.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients carefully to create a smooth, well-integrated coating that clings perfectly to noodles and chicken.

Reheating Chow Mein Without Getting Soggy

• Refrigerate your chicken chow mein in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor. When reheating, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth over the noodles to prevent dryness and restore moisture. Microwave the leftovers on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For best results, use a skillet to reheat, which helps restore the original texture and prevents the noodles from becoming soggy. Stir frequently during reheating to distribute heat evenly and revive the dish's delicious flavors.

What Goes with Chicken Chow Mein Dishes

• Enhance Chinese Feast: Pair this chicken chow mein with crisp Tsingtao beer or a light jasmine tea to complement the savory flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Wine Lover's Match: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or a dry Sauvignon Blanc that balances the salty-umami notes of the oyster sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the stir-fried ingredients.
• Sidekick Sensation: Serve alongside classic egg rolls or vegetable spring rolls to add extra texture and create a more complete Chinese-inspired meal that satisfies multiple taste cravings.
• Cool Accompaniment: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a cool, tangy side that brightens the overall dining experience and cleanses the palate between bites.

Chicken Chow Mein Flavor Upgrades

• Seafood Fusion Chow Mein: Swap chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood for a protein-packed ocean-inspired version. Enhance the flavor with fresh ginger and green onions.
• Vegetarian Noodle Bowl: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative that's equally satisfying.
• Spicy Szechuan Style: Kick up the heat by incorporating chili oil, red pepper flakes, and Szechuan peppercorns. Add a touch of garlic-chili paste to create a bold, fiery noodle dish that tingles the taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use rice noodles instead of traditional wheat-based chow mein noodles. Swap soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a celiac-friendly meal.

Why Chicken Chow Mein Is a Takeout Favorite

• Quick Flavor Explosion: This chicken chow mein delivers an incredible burst of Asian-inspired tastes that dance across your palate with perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and umami notes.
• Super Speedy Meal Prep: The entire dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and soft noodles create a delightful sensory experience that keeps each mouthful interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Kitchen Chameleon: Easily customize this recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting sauce levels to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Chow Mein Magic

• Chicken Fillet: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the chicken and overall dish.

• Chow Mein Noodles: Traditional Chinese wheat-based noodles that provide a hearty base for the stir-fry.
• Oyster Sauce: Rich, savory condiment that adds umami and glossy finish to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Salty seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, fragrant oil that provides a distinctive Asian-style flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a smooth, integrated sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that gives the sauce a silky texture.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.

• Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
• Cabbage: Provides texture and lightness to the stir-fry.

How to Cook Chow Mein Like a Pro

Step 1: Whip Up The Tangy Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Sugar

Whisk thoroughly until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Perfect Noodles

Cook chow mein noodles following package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let rest.

Step 3: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden and fully done. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Dance With Vegetables

• Julienned carrots
• Chopped cabbage
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become tender and cabbage looks slightly translucent.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add cooked chicken and noodles back into wok with vegetables. Pour prepared sauce over mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, continuously mixing to blend flavors perfectly.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken chow mein!

Chicken Chow Mein Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chinese-inspired Chicken Chow Mein Delight brings sizzling wok-tossed noodles with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce. Balanced flavors and quick preparation make this classic stir-fry a perfect weeknight meal for hungry diners seeking authentic Asian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken fillets, boneless, skinless

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) chow mein noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• ½ batch of green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons light sesame oil (not toasted)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar in a small mixing bowl until silky smooth, then set aside for later infusion.
2. Follow package instructions to cook chow mein noodles, ensuring they reach perfect al dente texture. Immediately rinse under cold water (4-5 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit) to halt cooking process and prevent clumping.
3. Slice chicken fillets into uniform bite-sized strips, approximately 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) long. Heat cooking oil in a spacious wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Carefully place chicken strips into hot oil, searing each piece until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth and moisture.
5. Without cleaning the wok, introduce julienned carrots, finely chopped cabbage, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetable medley for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften while retaining a slight crunch.
6. Reunite the cooked chicken and prepared noodles with the sautéed vegetables in the wok. Gently pour the pre-mixed sauce over the entire mixture, ensuring thorough and even coating.
7. Stir continuously for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken, creating a glossy and appetizing final presentation.

Notes

• Quick-cooking technique ensures tender chicken and crisp vegetables without losing flavor or texture.
• Prepping ingredients beforehand dramatically reduces cooking time and creates a smooth, stress-free experience.
• Rinsing noodles in cold water prevents overcooking and helps maintain their perfect al dente consistency.
• Sesame oil adds a subtle, nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
• Cornstarch in the sauce creates a silky, glossy coating that helps ingredients stick together beautifully.
• Using the same wok for multiple ingredients maximizes flavor development and minimizes cleanup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg