Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Sauce Recipe

Noodle enthusiasts will adore this chicken chow mein that brings authentic Chinese flavors directly to your kitchen.

Crispy vegetables and tender meat create a delightful dance of textures and tastes.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.

Skilled chefs know the secret lies in the incredible homemade sauce that elevates every strand of noodle.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in minutes.

Give this recipe a try and watch your dinner table light up with excitement!

Why Chicken Chow Mein Is So Satisfying

  • Quick Skill Builder: Perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their culinary repertoire with easy Asian-inspired techniques that boost kitchen confidence.
  • Versatile Meal Maker: Customize ingredients based on what's in your refrigerator, making this recipe adaptable for spontaneous cooking and reducing food waste.
  • Pro-Level Flavor Explosion: Achieve complex, layered tastes through strategic sauce blending and high-heat cooking methods typically reserved for professional chefs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single wok or skillet, transforming complicated cooking into a streamlined, stress-free experience.

What’s In Chicken Chow Mein

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides substantial nutrition and texture to the chow mein.
Noodle Component:
  • Fresh Chow Mein Noodles: Thin wheat noodles that serve as the foundational carbohydrate and provide a classic Chinese dish texture.
Vegetable Medley:
  • Carrots, Cabbage, Celery: Crisp vegetables that add color, nutrition, and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that introduces a sharp, bright flavor to finish the meal.
Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor boosters that create a deep, traditional Asian taste profile.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a classic umami and salty foundation for the dish.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, deep savory notes to enhance overall flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces a distinctive nutty and aromatic quality.
  • White Pepper: Offers a subtle, warm spiciness to the sauce.
Binding and Seasoning:
  • Sugar, Salt: Essential for balancing and rounding out the sauce's flavor complexity.
Egg (Optional):
  • Eggs: Potential protein addition that can increase dish's nutritional value.
Cooking Medium:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredient sticking.

How To Whip Up Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin, delicate strips that will cook quickly and evenly. Make sure each strip looks uniform for perfect cooking.

Step 2: Warm Up The Cooking Station

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling hot and ready for action.

Step 3: Cook Chicken To Golden Perfection

Toss chicken strips into the hot wok, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden color and are fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same sizzling wok, quickly dance minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds to release their incredible fragrance.

Step 5: Veggie Dance Party

Toss in your colorful veggie lineup:
  • Julienned carrots
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Sliced celery

Stir-fry these veggies for 2-3 minutes until they’re crisp and vibrant.

Step 6: Noodle Integration

Introduce fresh chow mein noodles to the vegetable mix, using tongs to separate and blend them smoothly.

Step 7: Create The Magic Sauce

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • White pepper
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Step 8: Sauce It Up

Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing rapidly to ensure every strand gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 9: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken strips to the wok, gently mixing to warm everything and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 10: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve immediately while piping hot to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Best Tips For Chicken Chow Mein Success

  • Quick Chicken Slicing: Cut chicken breasts against the grain into thin, even strips for faster, more uniform cooking that guarantees tender meat in every bite.
  • Wok Heat Mastery: Ensure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect restaurant-style sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
  • Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch of sugar to balance flavors and create a personalized flavor profile.
  • Noodle Separation Technique: Use tongs to gently separate chow mein noodles while stir-frying, preventing clumping and ensuring each strand gets coated with delicious sauce.

Tasty Changes For Chicken Chow Mein

  • Spicy Sriracha Chicken Chow Mein: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce during cooking for a fiery kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a bold heat.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Edition: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing and marinating them in soy sauce before stir-frying for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
  • Seafood Fusion Chow Mein: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp or tender scallops, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate seafood.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, vegetable-forward interpretation of the classic dish.

Best Pairings For Chicken Chow Mein

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with spicy undertones to complement the savory chicken chow mein, cutting through its rich sauce and enhancing the dish's complex flavor profile.
  • Boost with Asian Beer Companion: Choose a crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi, whose light, clean taste will balance the dish's umami notes and provide refreshing contrast to the hearty noodles.
  • Match with Bright White Wine: Opt for an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which offers subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the soy and oyster sauce while creating a delightful palate-cleansing effect.

How To Store Chicken Chow Mein The Smart Way

  • Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Pack cooled chow mein in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and store for maximum 2 months. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
  • Keep noodles and sauce separate when storing to prevent soggy texture. Store sauce in a different container and add just before reheating to maintain original crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

FAQs On Chicken Chow Mein Made Easy

  • What makes chow mein noodles different from other Asian noodles?

Chow mein noodles are typically par-boiled wheat noodles that can be either crispy or soft, depending on cooking method. They have a distinct texture and absorb sauces more effectively than other noodle varieties.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in chow mein. Just thaw and drain them completely before adding to the wok to prevent excess moisture from making the dish soggy.

  • Is it necessary to use a wok for this recipe?

While a wok provides the best heat distribution and creates authentic stir-fry results, a large skillet can work effectively. The key is using high heat and rapid cooking techniques.

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Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling chicken chow mein brings Chinese takeout magic right to home kitchens with its irresistible blend of tender noodles and savory sauce. Crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned chicken create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup egg (23 large eggs)

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and quick heat absorption.
  2. Whisk eggs thoroughly in a separate bowl, preparing them for potential protein addition to the dish.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers and shows signs of extreme heat readiness.
  4. Rapidly sauté chicken strips, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and completely cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping the wok hot and ready for vegetables.
  6. In the same wok, quickly stir-fry minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds to release their aromatic essence.
  7. Add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced celery, tossing vigorously for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  8. Introduce fresh chow mein noodles to the vegetable mixture, using tongs to separate and integrate them evenly.
  9. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and salt in a small bowl to create a harmonious sauce.
  10. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle-vegetable mixture, tossing rapidly to ensure complete coating.
  11. Reintroduce cooked chicken strips, gently mixing to warm and incorporate all ingredients.
  12. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  13. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Opt for high-heat cooking to achieve that authentic wok-style caramelization and crisp vegetable texture.
  • Consider protein swaps like tofu or shrimp for versatile dietary adaptations without compromising flavor profile.
  • Use day-old refrigerated noodles to prevent soggy texture and help them absorb sauce more effectively during stir-frying.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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