Traditional Chicken Chow Mein

Name: Traditional Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 8 oz chow mein noodles; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1/2 cup sliced carrots; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you're in the mood for a quick and tasty dinner that's sure to please the whole family, this Traditional Chicken Chow Mein might just become your new go-to recipe. It's a delightful mix of savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles, all coming together in a symphony of flavors.

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Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken breast provides a lean and protein-rich base for the dish, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Chow mein noodles bring the classic texture and chewiness that make this dish so satisfying. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying, ensuring a neutral taste that lets other flavors shine. Bell peppers add color and sweetness, while cabbage brings a mild, crunchy texture. Bean sprouts introduce freshness and a slight nuttiness, complemented by the tender sweetness of carrots. The trio of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce. Garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth, and green onions are the perfect garnish to finish with a hint of brightness. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips & Tricks

Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola to prevent burning during stir-frying.
If you prefer your vegetables super-crisp, reduce the stir-fry time by a minute.
Cut chicken into uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook — stir-frying is quick!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Chicken Chow Mein with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal. A light cucumber salad with a simple sesame dressing can also be a refreshing accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of noodle?: Yes, you can substitute with lo mein or even spaghetti in a pinch, although the texture will be slightly different.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?: Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for tofu or more vegetables like broccoli or snow peas.
How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain some of the original texture.

Traditional Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and add the chow mein noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. This gives them time to dry out a bit, which helps them take on more flavor later.

Next, heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and cook until it's no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring them around for about 30 seconds until they're fragrant but not burnt. Quickly add the bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until just tender — you want them to keep a bit of crunch for texture.

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles, and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything together so that the noodles and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce, giving it all about 2-3 minutes to meld together in delicious harmony.

Finally, garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. And there you have it, a delicious home-cooked meal ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Uses fresh ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.
Offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

8 oz chow mein noodles

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup sliced bell peppers

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup bean sprouts

1/2 cup sliced carrots

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink and remove from the skillet.

5. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.

6. Add the bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, and stir-fry until the vegetables are just tender.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked noodles.

8. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, stirring to coat the noodles and chicken evenly.