Crafting truly exceptional Chicken Chow Mein is all about those little touches that elevate it from good to absolutely glorious. From ensuring every ingredient sings to perfecting that crispy noodle texture, these are the insights I’ve gathered over years in the kitchen.
My Secret Trick: My top tip for a truly authentic flavor is to always ensure your wok or pan is scorching hot before you add any ingredients. This creates that wonderful “wok hei” — a smoky, charred aroma that makes all the difference in stir-fries and, of course, this incredible Chicken Chow Mein. Don’t overcrowd the pan either; cook in batches if necessary to maintain that high heat for perfectly cooked chicken and crisp-tender veggies.
I always recommend prepping all your ingredients, from slicing the chicken to chopping the vegetables and mixing the sauce, before you even think about turning on the heat. Stir-frying happens so quickly that having everything ready to go ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to truly enjoy the process.
For those perfectly crispy noodles, make sure to dry your fresh chow mein noodles thoroughly before stir-frying them separately for a few minutes until they start to crisp up. This step creates a fantastic textural contrast that I absolutely adore in a good Chicken Chow Mein. Then, add them back at the very end to toss with the sauce and other ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce as you go. Everyone’s palate is a little different, and what I love in my kitchen might need a touch more sweetness or a hint more spice in yours. A little taste test before the final toss can make all the difference in achieving your perfect balance of flavors.
Fun Variations for Chicken Chow Mein
One of the most delightful things about cooking, dear friends, is the freedom to play and make a recipe truly your own! This Chicken Chow Mein is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with different additions and swaps.
Shrimp or Pork Delight: While I adore chicken, sometimes my family craves a different protein. You could easily swap the chicken for succulent shrimp, quickly stir-fried until pink, or thinly sliced pork tenderloin. My brother always asks me to add a handful of baby shrimp; he says it makes the dish feel extra special!
Vegetable Extravaganza: Feel free to load up on your favorite vegetables! Sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or even thinly sliced mushrooms would be absolutely delicious additions. I often toss in some vibrant broccoli florets for extra crunch and nutrients. It’s a wonderful way to use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. My friend, who loves a fiery dish, always drizzles sriracha over her portion of Chicken Chow Mein right before serving – it’s a simple way to customize the spice level.
Noodle Adventures: While fresh chow mein noodles are my go-to for their perfect chewiness, you could certainly experiment with other noodle types. Lo mein noodles work beautifully too, offering a slightly thicker texture that’s equally satisfying. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.
What to Serve With Chicken Chow Mein
Creating a meal around this delightful Chicken Chow Mein means thinking about balance and complementary flavors. While it’s certainly a hearty meal on its own, a few simple additions can truly elevate the experience, making it feel like a complete culinary adventure.
I often find that a crisp, light side dish pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Chicken Chow Mein. A simple cucumber salad, dressed with a touch of rice vinegar and sesame oil, offers a refreshing contrast. It’s one of those easy-to-make accompaniments that always seems to hit the spot, cleansing the palate between savory bites.
For something a little greener, a quick stir-fry of blanched bok choy with a hint of garlic and a splash of soy sauce is absolutely wonderful. It adds a lovely vibrant color and a gentle, fresh flavor that complements the main dish without overpowering it. My mom always makes a small bowl of steamed jasmine rice too, for those who love to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!
And for a simple, refreshing beverage, a glass of chilled green tea or even just sparkling water with a slice of lemon can be the perfect palate cleanser. It’s all about creating an experience that feels comforting, wholesome, and utterly delicious from start to finish.
Savory Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix well and let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, chicken broth, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add chow mein noodles and cook according to package directions, typically 2-3 minutes for fresh noodles, until al dente. Drain well, rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking, then toss with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Add julienned carrots and sliced celery. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
- Add shredded cabbage and half of the chopped green onions (reserve the rest for garnish). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still has a bite. Add bean sprouts and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles. Give the prepared Chow Mein Sauce a quick whisk (cornstarch may settle) and pour it over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to serving plates. Garnish with the remaining fresh green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to Store Chicken Chow Mein
After all the joy of creating and savoring this delicious Chicken Chow Mein, you might find yourself with a delightful bit of leftovers! And trust me, this dish tastes just as wonderful the next day, sometimes even better as the flavors have had more time to meld.
To keep your leftover Chicken Chow Mein tasting fresh and delicious, I always recommend transferring it to an airtight container as soon as it has cooled completely. Pop it into the refrigerator, where it will happily keep for up to 3-4 days. This ensures those tender noodles and vibrant vegetables retain their texture and flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! My favorite way is to gently warm it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir it gently until heated through, and it will taste almost as good as freshly made. For a quicker option, the microwave works too, but I find the skillet method truly brings out the best in the leftovers. A light sprinkle of fresh green onions after reheating really brings it back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
This wonderful Chicken Chow Mein isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots and cabbage, it provides essential vitamins and fiber, contributing to a satisfying and wholesome meal. It’s a fantastic example of how a delicious, comforting dish can also be a nourishing one, balancing indulgence with simple, good-for-you ingredients.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use dried chow mein noodles instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh noodles aren’t available, dried chow mein or even spaghetti can be used. Just cook them according to package directions before adding them to your Chicken Chow Mein, ensuring they are al dente.
Faq 2
Can I make this Chicken Chow Mein vegetarian?
Yes, easily! Omit the chicken and replace it with firm tofu or your favorite mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your oyster sauce is vegetarian to create a delightful vegetarian Chicken Chow Mein.
Faq 3
How can I make the noodles crispier?
For extra crispy noodles, stir-fry them separately in a little oil until golden and slightly crunchy before combining them with the other ingredients. This extra step truly elevates the texture of your Chicken Chow Mein.
Faq 4
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can! Whisk together all the sauce ingredients up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your Chicken Chow Mein even quicker on a busy weeknight.
Conclusion
And there you have it, dear friends — a truly delightful and surprisingly simple recipe for Easy Weeknight Chicken Chow Mein that brings all the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal to your table. This dish, much like my grandmother’s treasured dessert recipes, is a testament to the joy of creating something delicious from scratch, nurturing both body and soul. I truly hope you’ll find as much delight in preparing and sharing this flavorful Chicken Chow Mein as I do. Happy cooking, and may your kitchens always be filled with love and the sweet aroma of cherished memories!