Chicken Chow Mein With the Best Chow Mein Sauce

If you’re looking to make a delicious Chicken Chow Mein with the best sauce, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, and combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory noodles. The secret lies in the sauce, which enhances the flavors and makes this meal irresistible. Let’s explore the history and ingredients that make this recipe a favorite among many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, you’ll love Chicken Chow Mein. This dish takes only about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip it up in just 15 to 20 minutes of prep time, and the cooking takes another 10 to 15 minutes. With around 274 to 327 calories per serving, it’s a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C. Plus, the flavors from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil give it a savory and sweet taste you’ll enjoy. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein, making it versatile for everyone’s taste and dietary needs. This recipe achieves Chinese restaurant-quality results at home, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

History

Chow Mein has a rich history that dates back to ancient China, where noodles have been a dietary staple for over 2,000 years.

The early Chinese made wheat noodles, called “mian,” during the Han dynasty. These noodles were quite different from the rice noodles you see in modern Chow Mein.

The tradition of stir-frying, which is essential for this dish, also started in ancient times, allowing cooks to quickly prepare meals with leftover ingredients.

As Chinese immigrants came to the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted their recipes using local ingredients. This led to the creation of a unique Chinese-American version of Chow Mein, making it popular and a symbol of cultural blending across the globe.

Additionally, the roots of Chow Mein trace back to the historical significance of noodles in Chinese cuisine, showcasing its enduring legacy.

Recipe

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Ingredients
– Chow mein noodles (uncooked)
– 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional)
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp sugar (for sauce)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 inch ginger (grated)
– 1 cup cabbage (shredded)
– 1 carrot (julienned)
– 2 spring onions (chopped)
– 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
– 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
– Cooking oil (for sautéing)
– Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large wok or skillet, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, chopped spring onions, and any additional vegetables like bean sprouts and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
In a separate bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth to create the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables, and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pan, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This recipe is a family favorite chow mein preferred over takeout-style chow mein.

Extra Tips
To elevate your Chicken Chow Mein, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or extra sesame oil just before serving for enhanced flavor.

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as stir-frying is a quick process.

For a spicier kick, you can include some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while sautéing the vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Final Thoughts

After preparing a delicious Chicken Chow Mein, it’s important to think about how to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Consider serving it with spring rolls for a crunchy contrast, or pair it with beef and broccoli to balance proteins and veggies. Adding char siu brings a sweet and savory touch, while steamed dumplings offer comfort. Crispy texture from spring rolls can elevate your dining experience.

If you’re looking for extra flavor, orange chicken can be a delightful protein addition.

Remember to enhance your chow mein with fresh veggies like cabbage and carrots, and use authentic ingredients like oyster sauce and sesame oil for depth.

With these suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that everyone will love, making your dining experience truly memorable.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect Chicken Chow Mein or what to do if you run into common cooking challenges?

First, verify you have essential ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. For the sauce, mix three tablespoons of soy sauce with two tablespoons of oyster sauce, adding cornstarch as a thickening agent. Chow Mein sauce is simple to prepare and enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

When cooking, use a wok for stir-frying chicken and vegetables over high heat. If you’re short on ingredients, customize your dish by adding garlic or ginger, or try marinating your chicken for extra flavor.