Savory Chicken Chow Mein Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Chicken Chow Mein. This classic Chinese dish is beloved all over the world for its delicious flavor and satisfying texture. With a perfect balance of tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory chicken, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Cooking this dish at home is a great way to save money and control the ingredients that go into your meal. Plus, it’s easier than you might think! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and filling but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

So, let’s get started! In this article, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to serving the finished dish. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to follow along easily and create a delicious meal that your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal that will satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this chicken chow mein recipe! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:

Firstly, this recipe is packed with flavor. With a combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, the savory and slightly sweet sauce that coats the stir-fried chicken and vegetables is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or simply use more vegetables. You can also add more or less spice depending on your taste.

Thirdly, this recipe is easy to make. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Plus, you can make it all in one pot, which means less time spent washing up after dinner.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for leftovers. If you have any extra chicken chow mein, it makes for a great lunch the next day. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove and you’re good to go!

So, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion, give this chicken chow mein recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious chicken chow mein recipe:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh snow peas
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 lb chow mein or egg noodles

Note: You can substitute some of the vegetables with your favorites or what’s available in your pantry. You can also use spaghetti or any other kind of noodle you have on hand.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

To make this delicious chicken chow mein recipe, we will first need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have cooked white rice ready to serve with the chow mein. For the chow mein itself, you will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of sliced celery, 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced, 1 cup of bean sprouts, 1 cup of sliced water chestnuts, 1 cup of fresh snow peas, and 1/2 cup of cashews.

Step 2: Make the Chow Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and add the sliced mushrooms, celery, and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Chow Mein Sauce and Noodles

Add the chow mein sauce to the pan and stir to coat the vegetables. Add the 1 pound of cooked chow mein noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are heated through and coated in the sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with the bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and snow peas. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken chow mein hot, garnished with sliced scallions and extra cashews, if desired. This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings, depending on how hungry you are!

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize this chicken chow mein recipe to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:

– Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of chicken chow mein, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

– Beef or Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with beef or shrimp. Cut the beef or shrimp into thin slices and cook them in the same way as the chicken.

– Noodle Variations: You can use different types of noodles for this recipe such as spaghetti or egg noodles. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles instead.

– Sauce Variations: You can customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. You can also add some chili paste or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

– Vegetable Variations: You can add or substitute different vegetables based on your preference. You can add broccoli, cauliflower, or bok choy for extra nutrition. You can also add some bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

– Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. You can also use rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles.

With these substitutions and variations, you can make this chicken chow mein recipe your own and create a dish that suits your taste buds.

Serving and Pairing

This chicken chow mein recipe is a complete meal in itself, but you can always add a few sides to your table to make it even more satisfying. I recommend serving this dish with cooked white rice, which will soak up all the flavorful sauce of the chow mein. You can also sprinkle some cashews on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

To make this meal more veggie-packed, serve it with a side of stir-fried bean sprouts, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and celery. These vegetables will complement the flavors and textures of the chow mein and add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to your meal. You can also add some fresh snow peas and scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

If you want to take your meal to the next level, pair it with a cold beer or a glass of white wine. A light lager or pilsner will balance the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the chow mein, while a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the richness of the sauce and enhance the aromas of the ginger and garlic.

If you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic beverage, try serving this dish with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. The refreshing and slightly tart taste of these drinks will complement the spicy and umami notes of the chow mein.

Overall, this chicken chow mein recipe is versatile and easy to pair with different sides and drinks. You can customize it to your taste and enjoy it at any time of the day, whether you’re having a family dinner or a casual lunch.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Chicken Chow Mein is a great dish to make-ahead, store, and reheat for a quick and easy meal. After cooking the chow mein, let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

To reheat the chicken chow mein, there are two methods. The first method is to use a microwave. Place the desired amount of chow mein in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The second method is to use a stove. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chow mein and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

When reheating, you may need to add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the chow mein to prevent it from drying out. It’s important to note that the noodles may lose some of their texture when reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious.

If you plan on making the chicken chow mein ahead of time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, undercook the noodles slightly to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated. Second, store the noodles and vegetables separately from the sauce and chicken to prevent them from getting soggy. Finally, when reheating, make sure to stir the chow mein frequently to ensure that it heats evenly.

Overall, making chicken chow mein ahead of time, storing it properly, and reheating it correctly can save you time and effort while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you have all the ingredients and the recipe how-to, it’s time to focus on some tips to ensure the perfect chicken chow mein. Here are some recommendations to make your dish more flavorful and enjoyable.

First and foremost, when cutting the vegetables, make sure to slice them thinly and evenly. This way, they will cook evenly, and you won’t end up with some veggies undercooked and some overcooked. Also, try to use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Another crucial tip is to cook the noodles al dente, meaning you should not overcook them. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and may break apart while stir-frying. So, keep an eye on the noodles while they cook, and test them frequently to avoid overcooking.

The next tip is to marinate the chicken before cooking. Marinating the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch will infuse the flavors into the meat and tenderize it. It’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better results.

When stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, make sure to heat the wok or skillet before adding the oil. Also, add the ingredients in the right order – chicken first, followed by the vegetables. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

To get the authentic flavor of chicken chow mein, use dark soy sauce and oyster sauce. These sauces will give the dish a rich and savory flavor. Also, make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid the dish becoming too salty.

Lastly, don’t forget to garnish the dish with scallions, cashews, or fried noodles. These toppings will add texture and flavor to the dish.

By following these tips, you can make the best chicken chow mein that will surely impress your family and friends.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this chicken chow mein recipe is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Chinese takeout or simply enjoys a delicious stir-fry. With its flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and crispy vegetables, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your taste with different vegetables, noodles, and protein choices.

So, why settle for mediocre takeout when you can make a better, healthier, and more authentic version at home? Give this chicken chow mein recipe a try and you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weekday dinner, a special occasion, or just craving some delicious Chinese food, this recipe has got you covered.

Remember to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. And don’t forget to share your feedback and tips with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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