Irresistible Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce Recipe
Chicken chow mein is a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of this classic stir-fry, filled with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and those delightful chow mein noodles. This recipe for Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The homemade sauce takes this dish to a whole new level, and trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
One of the best parts about making your own Chicken Chow Mein is that you can customize it to fit your tastes perfectly. Plus, it beats takeout any day! With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– One pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with friends or family!
– Packed with flavor: The best homemade chow mein sauce elevates every bite.
– Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein.
– Healthy and hearty: A balanced meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce.
For the Chicken Chow Mein
– 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
– 3 Tbsp oil
– 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles)
– 2 cups cabbage
– 1 large carrot (julienned)
– 1/2 batch green onions
– 2 garlic cloves
For the Sauce
– 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste)
– 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
– 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 Tbsp corn starch
– 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is experimenting! Feel free to make this recipe your own with these variations:
– Swap the protein: Try using shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
– Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can add even more color and nutrition.
– Change up the noodles: Use rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
– Spice it up: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce!
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Setting this mixture aside will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully while you prepare everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook your chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water. This step cools down the noodles so they won’t continue cooking and helps prevent them from sticking together later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and cook them in the hot oil until golden brown. Removing them once cooked ensures they stay juicy and prevents overcooking.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic into the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are slightly softened and cabbage becomes translucent. This step brings out their natural sweetness while ensuring they still have some crunch.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles back into the pan. Pour your prepared sauce over everything and continue cooking for another two minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to blend together harmoniously.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Garnish your finished chow mein with chopped green onions. Serve straight from the pan while it’s still piping hot! Enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Cooking can be so rewarding, especially when you create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful success.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken will enhance the flavor and texture of your chow mein. Look for vibrant, crisp cabbage and sweet, crunchy carrots for the best results.
– Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want your veggies to retain some crunch; they should be tender but still vibrant. Sauté them just until they soften slightly for perfect texture.
– Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce based on your taste preference. If you like a little kick, add a splash of chili sauce!
– Cook in batches if necessary: To achieve that wonderful stir-fry technique, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.
– Serve immediately: Chow mein is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan. Serve it right away for optimum flavor and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Presentation makes all the difference! Serving Chicken Chow Mein beautifully can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing.
Garnishes
– Chopped green onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
– Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the noodles beautifully.
Side Dishes
– Steamed broccoli: A simple side that adds color and nutrition while balancing the flavors of chow mein.
– Spring rolls: Crunchy spring rolls provide a delightful contrast to the soft noodles and can be filled with your choice of veggies.
– Hot and sour soup: A warm bowl of this classic soup makes an excellent accompaniment to chow mein, enhancing your Asian-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping can save time during busy weekdays while ensuring you have delicious meals ready at hand. Here’s how to store any leftovers properly.
Storing Leftovers
– Let your chow mein cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. This helps preserve its freshness.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
– If you plan on freezing leftovers, portion them into single-serving containers to make reheating easier later on.
– Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
– For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
– You can also microwave it in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until heated evenly.
FAQs
If you have questions about making Chicken Chow Mein or its ingredients, you’re not alone! Here are answers to some common queries.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to use shrimp or tofu as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting chicken and using additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Certainly! There are many types of gluten-free noodles available that work well in this recipe. Just cook them according to package instructions for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce as I am! It’s comforting, delicious, and so much better than takeout. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and enjoy this delightful one-pan dinner together. Happy cooking!
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook your chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water.
- Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and cook until golden brown.
- Add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic into the pan. Sauté until the veggies are slightly softened.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles back into the pan. Pour your prepared sauce over everything and continue cooking for another two minutes.
- Garnish your finished chow mein with chopped green onions and serve straight from the pan.
