Chicken Chow Mein has always been my go-to comfort food—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavors that dance around like autumn leaves caught in a breeze. And while I adore the take-out versions, there’s something exhilarating about whipping up this dish at home, especially when you can tailor the sauce to your own chaotic taste buds. Plus, who needs predictable dinners when you’ve got a recipe that adapts to your whims like a chameleon at a disco party?
Steps
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch to create the chow mein sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles, then drain and rinse them with cold water before setting them aside.
- Heat a large wok or pan with olive oil over medium heat. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and sauté them in the pan until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add julienned carrots, cabbage, and pressed garlic. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften and the cabbage becomes slightly translucent.
- Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan, then pour the prepared sauce over the top. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and serve the chow mein hot, straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups cabbage, sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- Oyster sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Light sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2720 kcal | Carbs: 288 g | Protein: 152 g | Fat: 104 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 288 mg | Sodium: 7312 mg | Potassium: 2360 mg | Fiber: 24 g | Sugar: 24 g | Vitamin A: 10520 IU | Vitamin C: 144 mg | Calcium: 16 mg | Iron: 16 mg
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients for making chicken chow mein?
- The essential ingredients for chicken chow mein include chow mein noodles, chicken breasts, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and green onions. You will also need ingredients for the chow mein sauce, which includes soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- Can I substitute the chicken in chow mein with another protein?
- Absolutely! While chicken is a popular choice, you can easily swap it out for beef, shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re hosting vegetarians, consider using vegetable broth and toss some of the noodles with baked tofu cubes.
- What makes the chow mein sauce special?
- The chow mein sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. It is made by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth, resulting in a rich and flavorful coating for the noodles and vegetables.
- How do I achieve the perfect texture for chow mein noodles?
- To achieve the ideal texture, cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. If using pre-cooked noodles, you can add them straight to the pan. Aim for a texture that is firm yet tender, allowing the noodles to absorb the delicious sauce.
- What vegetables can be used in chow mein, and can they be substituted?
- Common vegetables for chow mein include carrots, cabbage, green onions, and bean sprouts. However, you can get creative and substitute with other vegetables like bok choy, celery, broccoli, spinach, kale, or baby corn based on your preference or what you have available.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: To streamline the cooking process, have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables, slicing chicken, and mixing the chow mein sauce. This preparation will help you move smoothly through the steps, especially since stir-frying is a quick cooking method.
- Use High Heat for Best Texture: When stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, use high heat to achieve a nice golden color on the chicken and to keep the vegetables crisp-tender. This method also helps to infuse the dish with a flavorful smoky essence known as “wok hei.”
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have available or what you prefer. While carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts are classic choices, you can also add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for variety and added nutrients.
- Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.
Equipment
- Wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying and achieving the perfect texture for chow mein.
- Julienne Peeler or Mandoline: Useful for julienning carrots and other vegetables.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing and combining the chow mein sauce.
