How to Make the Juiciest Chicken Chow Mein That’ll Wow Everyone!
Every time I whip up a batch of Chicken Chow Mein, it reminds me of exciting family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, with its blend of savory chicken and fresh veggies, transports me back to those busy nights when my family would sit around the table, sharing stories and enjoying hearty meals. I know once you dive into making this dish, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort!
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is special not just for its incredible taste but also for how quick and simple it is. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a plate of deliciousness that beats any takeout. Trust me, it’s a dish you will want to make over and over again!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that authentic taste and texture you crave.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 |
| Chow mein noodles | 2 cups |
| Cabbage, shredded | 2 cups |
| Carrots, julienned | 1 cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Minced garlic (optional) | To taste |
| Minced ginger (optional) | To taste |
I love adding fresh herbs like cilantro or even some fresh basil—it makes the chicken smell and taste amazing! You can also swap in your favorite veggies based on what you have at home, like bell peppers or snap peas.
Why I Love Making This Dish
Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting meals that you can whip up in a flash. It delights both kids and adults alike, making it a staple in my home. Plus, seeing the smiles on my family’s faces as they take their first bites is simply priceless. That first forkful of noodles, perfectly coated in a savory sauce, feels like a warm hug!
What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few tools to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable:
- A large skillet or wok: This is essential for stir-frying everything together.
- A pot for boiling the noodles: A big pot ensures your noodles cook evenly.
- A wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring everything without scratching your pans.
Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Chow Mein
1. Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the chow mein noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the noodles. You want to cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. Tip: Toss them with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Chicken
While your noodles are cooking, it’s time to tackle the chicken. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into thin strips. Trust me, this is key for great texture!
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry these delicious veggies for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. I love the vibrant colors and freshness they bring to the dish.
5. Combine Everything
Next, add the cooked noodles and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Now it’s time to bring the flavors together! Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. If you’re using garlic and ginger, toss those in as well. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Final Touches
As you stir, take a moment to enjoy that magical aroma! You’re going to love this! Make sure everything is well-mixed and that the flavors are incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – sometimes a splash more of soy sauce is just what it needs!
7. Serve Hot
Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs wonderfully with a side of egg rolls or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; you want that gorgeous golden color!
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to your stir-fry for an extra kick.
- Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra chow mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
When it comes to pairing, I like to serve Chicken Chow Mein with a side of homemade egg rolls or some crunchy spring rolls. You can also add a light soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce for dipping. When I have extra time, I love making a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. It gives a refreshing crunch that complements the chow mein beautifully.
Leftovers
Storing leftovers is super easy! Simply place any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of water to a skillet and heat over low, stirring occasionally. This way, you won’t end up with dried-out noodles, and everything will be nice and juicy again!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken?
You certainly can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and the bone-in is always juicier!
What if I can’t find chow mein noodles?
No worries! You can substitute with thin spaghetti or rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and increase the amount of veggies. Tofu is also a fantastic substitute that will soak up all those yummy flavors.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some ingredients ahead of time. Chop your vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll be a quick, easy finish!
Conclusion
I’m truly excited for you to try this Chicken Chow Mein recipe! It has become a family favorite in my house, and I can’t wait to see how much your family loves it too. Cooking this dish is not just about the meal; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen with those you cherish. So grab your apron, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out. I have a feeling you’ll be serving seconds to your loved ones, just like I do!
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Chow mein noodles
- 2 cups Cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup Carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup Green onions, sliced For garnish
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil For cooking
Optional Ingredients
- To taste Minced garlic Optional
- To taste Minced ginger Optional
Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the chow mein noodles, and cook according to package instructions, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Slicing the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into thin strips.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked noodles and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, along with garlic and ginger if using. Stir until everything is well-coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Final Touches
- Ensure everything is well-mixed and the flavors are incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds. Pairs well with egg rolls or a fresh salad.