Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

Name: Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cups cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 8 oz chow mein noodles; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, look no further than this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein. A delightful fusion of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and savory noodles, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

Let’s break down what makes each ingredient shine in this dish. Starting with the vegetable oil, it’s our cooking medium, helping to brown the chicken and sauté the veggies to perfection. The chicken breast, when thinly sliced, cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic backbone, adding warmth and depth. The onion, bell pepper, cabbage, and carrots not only add vibrant color but also bring a wonderful crunch and sweetness.

The chow mein noodles are the star, soaking up the savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for nuttiness. A touch of cornstarch and water helps to thicken the sauce, making it cling to the noodles and chicken. Finally, a sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh, mild sharpness to the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

Slice the chicken breast against the grain for the most tender pieces.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
If you prefer a different protein, shrimp or tofu make great alternatives.
Use a wok if you have one for more even cooking and better flavor infusion.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Chow Mein pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a more filling meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of hot and sour soup can complement the savory noodles wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of noodle?: Absolutely! Lo mein or even spaghetti can be used in a pinch, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?: You can substitute hoisin sauce for a slightly different, yet tasty flavor.
How do I store leftovers?: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for best results.

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, giving them a quick sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

Next, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir-fry these veggies for about 5 minutes until they turn tender-crisp. While the veggies are cooking, prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Now, add the cooked chicken and drained noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes.
A perfect balance of textures with crisp-tender veggies and soft noodles.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Offers a delightful mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 cups cabbage, shredded

1 cup carrots, julienned

8 oz chow mein noodles

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

2 green onions, chopped

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Add the onion, bell pepper, cabbage, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.

6. Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and toss everything to combine well.