Delicious Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: A Flavorful Chinese Dish to Try Today!

Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its delicious flavors and satisfying textures. Originating from the Cantonese region, this dish typically consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and protein (such as chicken or beef) in a savory sauce. The name "Chow Mein" translates to "fried noodles" in Mandarin, highlighting the key component of this dish. With its perfect balance of umami flavors and crunchy textures, Chicken Chow Mein is a favorite among Chinese food enthusiasts and is sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients required for Chicken Chow Mein

To prepare this delicious Chinese dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 8 oz (225g) of chicken breast, thinly sliced

2. 8 oz (225g) of chow mein noodles

3. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

4. 2 cloves of garlic, minced

5. 1 onion, thinly sliced

6. 1 red bell pepper, julienned

7. 1 carrot, julienned

8. 2 cups of cabbage, shredded

9. 3 tablespoons of soy sauce

10. 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce

11. 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

12. Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying Chicken Chow Mein dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Steps to prepare Chicken Chow Mein

3. Steps to prepare Chicken Chow Mein

3.1. Preparing the chicken: Start by marinating thinly sliced chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. Then, stir-fry the chicken in a hot wok until cooked through.

3.2. Cooking the noodles: Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3.3. Stir-frying the vegetables: In the same wok, stir-fry a colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage until slightly tender but still crisp.

3.4. Combining all ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and noodles back into the wok with the vegetables. Pour in a savory sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined.

Stay tuned for serving suggestions and garnishes!

1. Preparing the chicken

To prepare the chicken for Chicken Chow Mein, start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Marinate the chicken strips in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch for about 15-20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with some vegetable oil. Stir-fry the marinated chicken strips until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the edges, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.

2. Cooking the noodles

To cook the noodles for Chicken Chow Mein, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Be sure not to overcook the noodles as they will continue to cook when stir-fried later.

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Drizzle a little bit of oil over the noodles and toss gently to coat them evenly. This will also help prevent them from clumping up during stir-frying.

Now your noodles are ready to be added to the stir-fry along with the other delicious ingredients for a mouthwatering Chicken Chow Mein dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

3. Stir-frying the vegetables

After cooking the chicken and noodles, it's time to stir-fry the vegetables to add a colorful and nutritious element to your Chicken Chow Mein. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add some vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and any other vegetables of your choice. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

To enhance the flavor, you can add minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar for a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. Keep stirring the vegetables constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The vibrant colors and crunchiness of the stir-fried vegetables will not only make your Chicken Chow Mein visually appealing but also elevate its taste profile.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, combine them with the cooked chicken and noodles in the wok. Toss everything together gently to mix well and allow the flavors to meld. The combination of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and crunchy vegetables in a flavorful sauce is what makes Chicken Chow Mein a beloved Chinese dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious meal.

4. Combining all ingredients

Once the chicken is cooked and set aside, and the noodles are perfectly cooked, it's time to bring everything together. In a large wok or skillet, heat some oil over high heat. Add in the stir-fried vegetables and cooked chicken. Toss them together for a minute or two until they are well combined.

Next, add in the cooked noodles and pour over the flavorful sauce that we prepared earlier. Using a pair of tongs, gently toss everything together ensuring that the noodles are well coated with the sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Be careful not to overcook at this stage to maintain the perfect texture of the noodles and vegetables. Once ready, remove from heat and serve hot garnished with some fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Serving suggestions and garnishes

Once your Chicken Chow Mein is ready, you can serve it hot in bowls or on plates. To enhance the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce. For added freshness and crunch, you can also top it off with some bean sprouts or chopped peanuts. Pair this delicious dish with a side of steamed rice or a light cucumber salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this classic Chinese dish!

Tips for making the perfect Chicken Chow Mein

1. Use high heat: To achieve that signature smoky flavor and texture, make sure your wok or pan is hot before adding ingredients. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

2. Prep ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything prepared in advance will ensure a smooth cooking process.

3. Don't overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying. This ensures that each ingredient cooks evenly and retains its crunchiness.

4. Season well: Don't skimp on seasoning with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other flavor enhancers. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly to achieve a well-balanced dish.

5. Add a touch of sesame oil: Just before serving, drizzle a little sesame oil over the finished dish for an extra layer of nutty aroma and flavor.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious Chicken Chow Mein that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant!

Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful Chinese dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. By following the simple steps outlined above and using fresh ingredients, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile and satisfying meal option that is sure to impress. So why not give it a try today and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this classic Chinese dish!