You know that feeling when you crave something comforting, something flavorful, something…amazing? That’s exactly how I feel about chicken chow mein. Honestly, this isn’t just any chicken chow mein; this is the best chicken chow mein recipe you’ll ever try. I’ve perfected the sauce, and the result is a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

I first discovered my love for chow mein during a trip to Hong Kong. The vibrant street food scene completely blew me away, and chow mein was a constant highlight. This recipe is my attempt to capture that magic, creating a dish that’s as authentic as it is easy to make at home.

Recipe Story/Background

Chow mein, meaning “fried noodles,” has a rich history. It’s believed to have originated in China, evolving over centuries. Different regions developed their own variations, using local ingredients and cooking techniques. My version is a bit of a fusion, drawing inspiration from various styles but prioritizing ease and big flavor.

This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of family dinners when I was growing up – the aroma filling the kitchen, the happy chatter around the table. It’s a dish that brings people together, and that’s what makes it so special.

Ingredient Discussion

Let’s talk about the stars of the show: the ingredients! Choosing the right ingredients is key to a truly amazing chicken chow mein.

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to, but you could certainly use thighs for a richer flavor. Look for chicken that’s firm and pinkish, without any unpleasant odors.

Noodles

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can experiment with other types of noodles like thin spaghetti or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. I prefer a good quality brand for a better texture.

Vegetables

The vegetables are what really brighten up the chow mein. Choose vibrant, fresh produce. Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms!

The Sauce: The Secret Weapon

This homemade sauce is the heart and soul of this recipe. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you can find it – it adds a lovely umami!), brown sugar, and rice vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Don’t skip the sesame oil!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make amazing chicken chow mein. A large skillet or wok works perfectly. If you have a wok, it helps with the stir-frying, but a good quality non-stick skillet works just as well.

A good pair of tongs is a lifesaver when stir-frying. And, of course, you’ll need a chopping board and knives. A whisk is useful for mixing the sauce.

Preparation Method

Prepare the Noodles (5 minutes): Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. To prevent sticking, toss with a little oil.
Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
Prep the Vegetables (10 minutes): Thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the bell peppers. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother!
Stir-fry the Chicken (7 minutes): Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables (5 minutes): Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Make the Sauce (2 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger until smooth.
Combine and Simmer (2 minutes): Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened (about 1-2 minutes). This is where the magic happens!
Add the Noodles (2 minutes): Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. Make sure everything is well combined.
Serve (immediately!): Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. The noodles are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

The key to great chow mein is high heat stir-frying. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables remain crisp-tender. If the pan gets too crowded, it’ll steam the vegetables instead of stir-frying them. I learned that the hard way!

Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooked noodles become mushy, and that’s a culinary crime.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Chow Mein: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute shrimp for the chicken. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque.
Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like tofu, mushrooms, or broccoli.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your chicken chow mein hot and fresh, garnished with chopped green onions. It’s delicious on its own, but a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad complements it perfectly. A light, crisp beer or a refreshing iced tea pairs well too.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent dryness.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is a good source of protein from the chicken and complex carbohydrates from the noodles. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s always a good idea to check the nutritional labels on your chosen products.

Conclusion

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The amazing flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch make it a winner. I encourage you to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to make it your own!

Let me know in the comments how your chicken chow mein turns out! I’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

It’s optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or try a splash of fish sauce instead.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time.

What kind of oil should I use?

Vegetable oil is a good all-purpose choice. You can also use peanut oil or canola oil.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

Easy Chicken Chow Mein: Best Homemade Recipe (+Easy Sauce!)

Author: Brian Murry
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the secret to unbelievably delicious chicken chow mein! This easy recipe and homemade sauce will impress. Get the recipe now!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz (225g) egg noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and browned, about 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Stir-fry the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
Return chicken to the skillet, then pour in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add cooked noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet to keep the veggies crisp-tender. Feel free to substitute shrimp, tofu, or extra veggies. Prep all ingredients in advance for a smooth cooking process!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired