Hey foodies! If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m bringing you one of my absolute favorite comfort dishes – Chicken Chow Mein! It’s got everything you love – tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and those irresistible, saucy noodles. Best of all, it’s super easy to make at home, and you won’t believe how delicious it turns out!
Method
Preparing the Noodles
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for a few minutes until they are just tender. Make sure not to overcook, as the noodles will continue to cook when combined with the other ingredients later. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. You can lightly toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Making the Sauce
In a mixing bowl or a Pyrex measuring cup, prepare the chow mein sauce. Combine the chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the sauces are well blended. Set this sauce mixture aside, as it will be added later to bring all the flavors together.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the oil to the wok and allow it to heat up. Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs to the hot oil, spreading them out in a single layer. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and slightly golden on the edges. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the remaining oil and let it heat up. Add the sliced onions, shredded carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The vegetables should start to soften and become slightly caramelized. Next, add the shredded cabbage and pressed garlic to the wok. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage wilts down and the garlic releases its aroma. Stir well to combine all the vegetables.
Bringing It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the wok, combining it with the sautéed vegetables. Add the drained chow mein noodles to the wok as well. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss everything together. Use tongs or a wooden spatula to mix, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the chicken and veggies are well distributed. Continue to stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
Serving
Once the dish is well mixed and heated, remove from heat. Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with a sprinkle of green onions if desired. Enjoy the savory, flavorful combination of noodles, chicken, and crisp-tender veggies!
Necessary Tools
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Pyrex measuring cup
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein: A Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry Delight
Cuisine: Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 lb chow mein noodles
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
2 1/2 cups cabbage, thinly shredded
1 cup shredded carrots
2 celery sticks, sliced
1/2 medium onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil
Homemade Chow Mein Sauce
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
Directions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a Pyrex cup, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large wok over medium-high heat, add half of the oil. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken from the wok.
- In the same wok, add the remaining oil, onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add cabbage and garlic, and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok, add the noodles, and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together for a couple of minutes to coat the noodles well. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to slice the chicken thinly for even cooking.
- Use medium-high heat when cooking the chicken to get that perfect golden color.
- Do not overcook the noodles – they should be just tender, not mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Chow Mein pairs beautifully with steamed dumplings or a side of crispy spring rolls. For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add a drizzle of sriracha!
Fun Fact
Did you know? Chow Mein literally translates to ‘stir-fried noodles’ in Chinese! It’s a popular dish not just in China but all over the world, known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it – an easy, satisfying Chicken Chow Mein that’s sure to become a family favorite. Homemade always tastes better, and this dish is no exception. I hope you love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
