Chicken chow mein, a beloved Chinese-American dish, is a symphony of flavors and textures. This classic stir-fry features crispy noodles, tender vegetables, and succulent protein, all bathed in a rich, savory sauce. In this recipe, we’ll elevate the traditional chicken chow mein by focusing on a homemade chow mein sauce that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
Why You NEED to Make This Homemade Chicken Chow Mein! 🍜🥢
If you love takeout but want something fresher, healthier, and even more delicious, then this Homemade Chicken Chow Mein is a must-try! Packed with tender chicken, crisp stir-fried veggies, and perfectly seasoned noodles, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes—faster than waiting for delivery!
One of the best things about Chicken Chow Mein is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The savory soy-based sauce coats every strand of noodle, while garlic, ginger, and sesame oil add depth and aroma. Crisp cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers bring freshness and crunch, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious. You can also customize it by adding your favorite veggies, swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or adjusting the spice level to your taste!
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also uses simple pantry staples, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, you can meal-prep it ahead of time or enjoy the leftovers the next day (if there are any!).
Forget greasy takeout—once you try this better-than-restaurant Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll never go back! So grab your chopsticks and get ready for a plate full of pure comfort and flavor. Who’s ready to dig in? 😍🍜 #HomemadeChowMein #BetterThanTakeout #EasyDinners
Ingredients:
For the Chow Mein:
- 200g /6 oz chicken breast or thigh fillets, thinly sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 200g /6 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, cut into 5cm/2″ pieces
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) water
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, all-purpose or light
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (sub Hoisin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin
- 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- White pepper (sub black)
Instructions:
Preparing the Noodles:
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Crisp the Noodles: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and fry the noodles in batches until they become crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat the remaining oil in the wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the garlic to the hot wok and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts to the wok and stir-fry until softened.
Creating the Chow Mein Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin), sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the water to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth.
Assembling the Chow Mein:
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and crispy noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook Until Thickened: Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chow Mein:
- Tenderize the Chicken: For extra tender chicken, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Shred the Cabbage Finely: Finely shredding the cabbage ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will add a vibrant flavor and crisp texture to your chow mein.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve Immediately: Chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after cooking.
By following these steps and incorporating the tips, you can create a delicious and authentic chicken chow mein that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!