Chicken chow mein, a beloved dish of savory noodles and tender chicken, is a culinary staple enjoyed worldwide. This recipe goes beyond the basic – we're aiming for restaurant-quality chow mein you can easily make at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
What Makes This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. We'll start with a flavorful chicken marinade, ensuring juicy, tender chicken. The sauce is rich, subtly sweet, and deeply savory, clinging perfectly to the noodles and vegetables. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 8 oz dried chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended for umami flavor)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!).
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Stir-fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
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Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats everything evenly.
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Add the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and gently toss to combine with the chicken and sauce. Make sure all the noodles are coated.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! Egg noodles, spaghetti, or even linguine can be substituted for chow mein noodles. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don't become mushy in the sauce.
What if I don't have oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a rich, umami flavor, but it's not essential. You can omit it, or try substituting with a teaspoon of fish sauce or more soy sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It's best to serve chicken chow mein fresh, as the noodles can become soggy if they sit for too long. However, you can prepare the chicken marinade and the sauce ahead of time to save some time.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat. You could also add a chopped chili pepper along with the vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or bean sprouts. Just make sure to add them at the appropriate time, based on their cooking time.
This comprehensive guide ensures you can create a delicious, authentic chicken chow mein experience in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
