Introduction

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved dish that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your dinner table. With its stir-fried chicken and vegetables tossed in a savory sauce, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe from RecipeTin Eats allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal at home, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Chicken – 500 grams (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
Egg Noodles – 200 grams (7 ounces), uncooked
Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
Carrot – 1 medium, julienned
Bell Pepper – 1 medium, sliced
Snow Peas – 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
Onion – 1 medium, sliced
Spring Onion – 2, chopped for garnish

Sauce:
Soy Sauce – 3 tablespoons
Oyster Sauce – 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
Chicken Broth – ½ cup
White Pepper – ¼ teaspoon

Prep Time

Prep time for Chicken Chow Mein is approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping vegetables and slicing the chicken to ensure everything is ready for a quick stir-fry.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is around 10 minutes, making the total time for the entire recipe about 25 minutes. This dish yields approximately 4 servings, making it a great option for a family meal or leftovers for lunch the next day.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into thin strips, julienne the carrots, and slice the cabbage and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions.

Marinating the Chicken

2. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cooking the Noodles

3. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Stir-frying the Vegetables

4. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Cooking the Chicken

6. Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.

Combining Ingredients

7. Add the cooked noodles to the wok along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of water. Toss all the ingredients together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.

Finishing Touches

8. Add the chopped green onions and give everything one last toss. Remove from heat.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

– You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference.

Noodle Options

– If you cannot find chow mein noodles, you can use other types of stir-fry noodles or even spaghetti as an alternative.

Vegetable Variations

– Feel free to include other vegetables such as bean sprouts, snow peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve the chicken chow mein hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Storage Tips

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Cook techniques

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that involves frying ingredients in a small amount of oil over high heat. This method allows for the preservation of texture and flavor.

Marinating

Marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and other seasonings enhances the flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade can greatly improve the overall taste of the dish.

Prep your ingredients

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook helps in managing the cooking process efficiently, especially in a fast-paced stir-fry.

Using a Wok

A wok provides a larger cooking surface area which is ideal for stir-frying. The high sides help to contain the food while allowing for more even cooking.

High Heat Cooking

Cooking over high heat is essential for achieving the characteristic sear on the chicken and vegetables, contributing to the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Quick Tossing

Quick tossing during cooking helps to evenly distribute heat and cook the ingredients uniformly while preventing them from burning.

Using Fresh Vegetables

Incorporating fresh, crisp vegetables not only adds flavor but also enhances the nutritional value of the chow mein.

FAQ

Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or any protein of your choice.

What vegetables can I add to the chow mein?

You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snow peas depending on your preference.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that other ingredients are gluten-free to make the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 2-3 days.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save preparation time when you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

The Chicken Chow Mein recipe provides a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Experimenting with the ingredients can lead to exciting variations, ensuring that this dish remains a staple in your culinary repertoire.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Chow Mein

Swap the chicken for a colorful assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for a vibrant, vegetarian version of chow mein.

Shrimp Chow Mein

For seafood lovers, replace chicken with shrimp. The sweetness of shrimp adds a new dimension to this classic dish.

Pork Chow Mein

Using thinly sliced pork can enhance the flavor of chow mein while offering a different taste experience.

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein

Incorporate some chili sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick that will elevate the dish to new levels of enjoyment.

Beef Chow Mein

Substitute chicken with beef for a hearty version that is rich in flavor and satisfying.

Chow Mein with Tofu

For a protein-packed vegetarian option, include tofu, marinated and pan-fried, providing a delicious texture contrast.

Additional Toppings

Experiment with garnishes such as sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the dish further.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chow mein with spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired feast.