Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein: Your New Weeknight Favorite! 🍜🐔✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious and quick Asian-inspired meal, look no further than this Homemade Chicken Chow Mein. Bursting with flavors, tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this Easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Not only is it simple to make at home, but it also allows you to customize ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this dish will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
2. Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or substitute with spaghetti li>2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For an extra flavor boost, you may also incorporate ingredients like ginger or chili flakes. Check out some dinner ideas for more inspiration!
3. Step-by-Step Directions to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Preparation of Chicken and Noodles
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, slice the chicken thinly for quick cooking. You can use a nonstick cookware set to make prepping easier.
Stir-Frying Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sautéing Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. For a faster process, consider using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to prepare vegetables quickly without oil.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Chow Mein
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or stir-fry in a hot pan until heated through. For optimal taste and freshness, avoid freezing cooked noodles as their texture can change.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your Homemade Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a light Asian salad for a complete meal. For more quick dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes collection.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
What are some tips for making authentic-tasting Chow Mein?
Using high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce, along with freshly minced garlic and ginger, enhances authenticity. You can also try adding zing with Zaatar Lemon Chicken for a different flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare homemade Chicken Chow Mein?
The entire process, from prep to plating, takes about 25–30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Effortlessly julienne, shred, and prepare vegetables for your Chow Mein, saving you time and effort.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast: Quickly cooks vegetables or protein with less oil, ensuring a healthy, crispy texture.
- King Arthur Baking Ultimate Bread Baker’s Cookbook: For bread lovers, paired with noodle dishes, to enjoy a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Having the right tools can significantly enhance your cooking experience and ensure your Homemade Chicken Chow Mein turns out perfect every time.
8. Final tips for perfect Chicken Chow Mein
- Use high heat for stir-frying to get that authentic wok hei flavor.
- Pre-cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.
- Customize ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or available produce.
9. Conclusion
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to making Homemade Chicken Chow Mein, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy an impressive, restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, this best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides an easy cooking experience. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to make this dish uniquely yours!
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Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Discover how to make delicious and authentic Homemade Chicken Chow Mein in just 30 minutes. This quick, easy recipe features tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Perfect for Asian food lovers seeking a flavorful and customizable dinner option.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or substitute with spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Slice the chicken thinly. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot for a delicious homemade Chicken Chow Mein.
Notes
- Use high heat while stir-frying to achieve authentic wok hei flavor.
- Pre-cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables and proteins to customize your dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg