Chicken Chow Mein is a popular favorite among food enthusiasts. This flavorful dish is easy to whip up in your kitchen. In this recipe I'll guide you through the steps to create Chicken Chow Mein that your loved ones will surely relish.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking it's essential to gather all your ingredients. Here's a rundown of what you'll need.
- 1 lb of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Chow Mein noodles (or substitute with regular spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Olive oil for cooking
Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Start by marinating the chicken to boost its flavor. Combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Make sure the chicken is coated. Allow it to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
Make the Chow Mein Sauce
While the chicken is marinating you can prepare the sauce for the chow mein. In a bowl combine oyster sauce, Hoisin sauce, sesame oil and freshly grated ginger. This sauce will be the star of your dish adding flavor and richness.
Cooking the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles according, to the instructions on the package. Typically they need to be boiled for about 3 minutes. Once done drain them and set them aside. This step is crucial so make sure to stop the cooking process by rinsing them with water.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables and Chicken
Heat up a wok or skillet over heat. Add in a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot throw in the marinated chicken. Stir fry the chicken until its cooked through and has a golden brown color. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once you've cooked the chicken remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If necessary drizzle some oil into the pan and toss in the onions and carrots. Sauté them for a few moments until the vegetables start to become tender.
Adding Cabbage and Bean Sprouts
Next add the cabbage and bean sprouts to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. You want the vegetables to stay crisp while also being tender.
Combining Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet along with the vegetables. After that stir in the cooked chow mein noodles. Drizzle the sauce over the mixture and blend it well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Make sure the noodles and chicken are nicely covered in the sauce.
Final Touches
Continue stir frying for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste the dish and tweak the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer spice feel free to add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Your Chicken Chow Mein is ready to be served! Plate it up and sprinkle some green onions or sesame seeds on top for an added touch. Its tasty when paired with rice or can be savored. As a standalone dish.
Why Make Chicken Chow Mein at Home?
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is a option than ordering it. Plus it allows you to customize the ingredients based on what you like. You can add in veggies choose your protein or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.
Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep all your ingredients beforehand to make cooking faster and easier.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Chicken Chow Mein it's time to start cooking! This dish is perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. Enjoy the pleasure of preparing a homemade meal that will surely please everyone.
Make sure to share your results and give us the scoop on your Chicken Chow Mein