There’s something about Chicken Chow Mein that just hits the spot. Maybe it’s the tender strips of chicken, the crunch of fresh veggies, or those irresistibly savory noodles. Whatever the reason, this classic Chinese dish is a worldwide favorite for good reason. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy authentic Chicken Chow Mein. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up this delicious dish right in your own kitchen.
Why Make Chicken Chow Mein at Home?
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home has its perks. It’s healthier, cost-effective, and you can customize it to your heart’s content. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in recreating a takeout favorite from scratch. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups chow mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step: Bringing It All Together
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage. Sauté until the veggies are just tender.
- Combine and Toss: Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and the remaining soy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the noodles are heated through.
- Serve Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Chow Mein
- Noodle Know-How: Chow mein noodles are key to this dish. Look for them in the Asian foods section of your supermarket. If you can’t find chow mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine make decent substitutes.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Keep your pan or wok on medium-high to high heat for that authentic stir-fry experience. It cooks the ingredients quickly, keeping them crisp and flavorful.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand or prefer. Snap peas, bean sprouts, and broccoli are all excellent choices.
In Conclusion: A Takeout Classic at Your Fingertips
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is easier than you might think. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of this classic Chinese dish anytime the craving strikes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. So, the next time you’re tempted to reach for that takeout menu, remember that a homemade Chicken Chow Mein is just a few simple steps away.