Irresistible Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce Ever
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce right in your own kitchen! Forget about soggy takeout options; this dish is bursting with flavor, featuring tender chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles. The homemade sauce is the real star—it’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami that elevates this one-pan meal to a new level.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
– Quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 35 minutes.
– Packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious boost.
– One pan means less cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights!
– Customizable: adjust ingredients according to your taste or pantry staples.
– Budget-friendly meal that tastes better than takeout.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To get started on your delicious Chicken Chow Mein, gather these essential tools:
– Large wok or skillet: Ideal for cooking everything evenly and allowing for easy tossing.
– Mixing bowl: Used for combining the chow mein sauce ingredients.
– Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth sauce without lumps.
– Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables and chicken efficiently.
– Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of sauces and oils.
Preparation Tips
For perfect Chicken Chow Mein, make sure not to overcook the noodles—they should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the pan. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quickly. Lastly, feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.
Ingredients for this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
– 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
– 3 Tbsp oil
– 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles)
– 2 cups cabbage
– 1 large carrot (julienned)
– 1/2 batch green onions
– 2 garlic cloves
– 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste)
– 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
– 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 Tbsp corn starch
– 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Chicken chow mein is so much better than takeout! It is filled with chicken, veggies, classic chow mein noodles, and the best homemade chow mein sauce. You will love this one pan dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until well combined. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together in your chow mein dish. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook your chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked al dente, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming sticky. Setting them aside will make it easier to mix everything later on.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and add them to the hot oil. Cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the strips from the pan and set them aside; they’ll go back in later.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic. Saute for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the cabbage becomes a bit translucent. This step adds great texture to your dish while infusing it with lovely garlicky flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken strips and drained noodles back into the pan with your sautéed vegetables. Pour your prepared sauce over all of these delicious ingredients and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every bite is coated in that amazing sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is heated through and nicely combined, it’s time to serve! Garnish your chow mein with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. Serve piping hot straight from the pan—it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Notes
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp or tofu if you prefer a different flavor profile. Similarly, you can swap out vegetables based on what you have in your fridge; bell peppers or snap peas would work beautifully! To elevate the flavors even more, consider adding fresh ginger or a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients can shock your cooking process; always use room temperature items when possible.
– Overcooking garlic leads to bitterness—add it towards the end of your vegetable sautéing.
– Not rinsing noodles after cooking can cause them to stick together.
– Skipping garnishes may make your dish look less appealing; fresh herbs make a big difference!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat properly, simply place it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen any sticky noodles. If you’re looking to store it longer, this chicken chow mein freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 340 kcal
– Protein: 19 g
– Fat: 13 g
– Carbs: 36 g
– Fiber: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative to oyster sauce due to dietary preferences or restrictions, you can use mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce as a flavorful substitute without losing that umami richness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged for that same great taste!
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check if chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into one piece—there should be no pink remaining inside.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce a try soon! It’s such an easy yet satisfying meal that you’ll want to whip up again and again. Please share your thoughts once you’ve made it—I love hearing how my recipes turn out for you!
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until well combined. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook your chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked al dente, drain them and rinse with cold water.
- Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add oil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and add them to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add the cooked chicken strips and drained noodles back into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour your prepared sauce over all ingredients and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Toss everything gently.
- Garnish your chow mein with chopped green onions and serve hot.
