Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Chow Mein offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken and crisp vegetables blend beautifully with the noodles and flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can customize it with different proteins or vegetables to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz chow mein noodles
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded carrots
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2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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2 green onions, sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
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Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the cooked noodles to the pan, then pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
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Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top, give it one final toss, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken chow mein!
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Protein swaps: You can replace the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavor profiles.
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Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli and snap peas.
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Spicy version: Add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for chow mein?
Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with other types of noodles like lo mein or even spaghetti if necessary.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or just add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chilies to bring some heat to your chow mein.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but fresh vegetables give the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I make chicken chow mein ahead of time?
While this dish is best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for 1-2 days.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Chicken Chow Mein will last for about 3 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze chicken chow mein?
You can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. Reheat it thoroughly after thawing.
Can I use a different sauce for chow mein?
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce, teriyaki, or even a simple combination of soy sauce and peanut butter for a unique twist.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. With a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it's both satisfying and customizable. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or mix it up with your favorite variations, this dish is a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious, savory stir-fry dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. With its vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it's the ideal homemade alternative to takeout. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is great for busy weeknights and can easily be customized with different proteins or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz chow mein noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the thinly sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
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Top with sliced green onions and toss again. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent noodles from drying out.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
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