BEST CHICKEN CHOW MEIN QUICK

Craving that takeout flavor but want a healthier, homemade version? Imagine twirling perfectly cooked noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, studded with tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. This Chicken Chow Mein recipe delivers all that and more, ready in under 30 minutes – I promise, you can totally nail this!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

For the Chow Mein:

• 1 pound fresh or dried chow mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute!)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced cabbage (napa or regular)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

My Secret to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein: The Prep Work!

Okay, friend, let’s talk prep. This is where the magic happens. Getting everything chopped, measured, and ready to go *before* you start cooking is the key to a quick and stress-free stir-fry. Trust me on this one! It’s like having your own little culinary pit crew.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Cooking the Noodles:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions. If using dried noodles, be careful not to overcook them – you want them to be slightly al dente.
2. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together.
3. Toss the noodles with a little bit of sesame oil to keep them separated.

Making the Chow Mein Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice vinegar, ginger, and white pepper (if using).
2. Set aside. This sauce is liquid gold, trust me!

Stir-Frying the Chow Mein:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
4. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the carrots, celery, and cabbage and stir-fry until they are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the wok.
7. Pour the chow mein sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
10. Stir in the green onions and bean sprouts (if using).
11. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, if desired.

Troubleshooting Time: Common Chow Mein Challenges and How to Conquer Them!

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go *exactly* as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Sticky Noodles: Make sure you rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking and toss them with a little sesame oil. This will help prevent them from clumping.
• Watery Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, whisk a little more cornstarch with cold water and add it to the wok while the sauce is simmering. Cook until thickened.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings! Add a little more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil to taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
• Burnt Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat high, but don’t walk away from the pan! If the garlic starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly.

Customize Your Chow Mein Adventure!

The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein is that it’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites – broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas all work well. You can also add other protein sources, such as shrimp, tofu, or pork. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick!

Consider trying out Chicken & Green Bean Stir-fry for another quick and easy meal idea!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Feast!

Chicken Chow Mein is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with some tasty sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers are the perfect complement to the savory chow mein.
• Wonton Soup: A light and flavorful soup is a great way to start your meal.
• Steamed Rice: Serve the chow mein over a bed of steamed rice for a heartier meal.
• A Simple Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the chow mein.

Storing and Reheating: Chow Mein for Days! (Well, Maybe Not Days…)

Leftover Chicken Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or stir-fry it in a pan with a little bit of oil. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

If you’re in the mood for something similar, but with a bit more garlic, check out Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.

Chicken Chow Mein: Is it Gluten-Free?

Traditional Chicken Chow Mein is NOT gluten-free because it contains wheat-based noodles and soy sauce, which often contains wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles or gluten-free chow mein noodles) and gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). Be sure to check all of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Want something with ramen noodles? You may also like Chicken Ramen Stir Fry or even the Ultimate Chicken Ramen Stir Fry!

Other Similar Recipes to Try!

If you loved this Chicken Chow Mein recipe, here are a few other stir-fry recipes you might enjoy:

• Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
• Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Shrimp Fried Rice

You’ve Got This!

See? Making delicious, restaurant-quality Chicken Chow Mein at home is totally achievable! With a little prep and my foolproof recipe, you’ll be whipping up this dish in no time. Now go forth and create some culinary magic!