Chicken chow mein is a classic Asian dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful chow mein noodles in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a delicious treat for gatherings. Quick to prepare and customizable, this recipe will easily become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish!
Ingredients
- 200g chow mein noodles
- 250g chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on 1 serving, the nutritional value is approximately: 400 calories, 25g protein, 50g carbohydrates, 15g fat, and 5g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the pan; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; toss to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Gluten-free noodles can also be used for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken chow mein pairs wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or dumplings. You could also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or stir-fry on the stovetop until heated through. This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it tough; cook just until no longer pink.
- Not preparing ingredients in advance can lead to uneven cooking.
- Using too much sauce can make the dish soggy; measure carefully.
- Skipping the garlic can reduce the overall flavor of the dish.
- Not stirring frequently can cause the noodles to stick to the pan.
- Using low-quality noodles can affect the texture; choose good quality chow mein noodles.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a high heat to achieve a nice char on the vegetables.
- Feel free to add other proteins like shrimp or beef for variety.
- Customize the vegetables according to what you like or have available.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I make chicken chow mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to cook the dish fresh to maintain the texture of the noodles and veggies.
Is chicken chow mein healthy?
Chicken chow mein can be a healthy meal if made with fresh vegetables and lean protein. You can control the amount of oil and sauce used to make it lighter.
What can I serve with chicken chow mein?
Chicken chow mein pairs well with spring rolls, dumplings, or even a simple side salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can use other noodles like lo mein or even rice noodles if you prefer.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in any sauces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken chow mein is a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g chow mein noodles
- 250 g chicken breast sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots julienned
- 3 green onions chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the pan; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; toss to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
