Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Chicken chow mein is a popular dish that originated from Chinese cuisine, known for its versatility and ease of adaptation to different culinary preferences. This dish primarily consists of stir-fried noodles, often complemented with chicken as the protein of choice.

A classic version chicken chow mein recipe includes a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and bean sprouts, stir-fried with the noodles and chicken in a light sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings.

Variations of Chicken Chow Mein

1. Regional Variations: Different regions have their unique takes on chicken chow mein. For instance, the American-Chinese version often has a sweeter taste and is served with crispier noodles, whereas the traditional Cantonese version typically features softer, more tender noodles.
2. Vegetable Inclusions: The choice of vegetables can vary significantly. Some prefer the addition of carrots, peas, or broccoli, while others might opt for more traditional Chinese vegetables like bok choy or water chestnuts. Cabbage is a popular addition as well. 
3. Sauce Variations: The sauce used in chicken chow mein can range from light and savory to rich and spicy. Some chefs might add hoisin sauce for a sweeter profile or chili sauce for a spicy kick. Sriracha can also add a kick.
4. Protein Substitutions: While chicken is a staple, it’s not uncommon to find variations featuring beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu as the protein component, catering to different dietary preferences.
5. Noodle Choices: The type of noodle used can also vary. Some versions use thin egg noodles, while others may use thicker, wheat-based noodles. Each noodle type offers a different texture and flavor absorption.

Serving Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken chow mein is typically served as a main course and is often accompanied by various side dishes. Here are some common ways to serve it:

1. As a Standalone Dish: It can be served on its own, providing a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
2. With Rice: For those who prefer a more substantial meal, chicken chow mein can be served alongside steamed rice. Or try a creamy rice pudding.
3. Side Dishes: Common side dishes include spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad to add freshness and contrast to the meal. Oi Muchim is a great spicy cucumber salad to serve with it 
4. Garnishes: Garnishing with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavors and add a visually appealing touch to the dish.
5. Dessert: Try Korean Injeolmi Rice Cakes for dessert!

Chicken chow mein’s adaptability makes it a popular dish in many countries and regions because is is so easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Its combination of flavors and textures, along with its ease of preparation, makes it a great dish to use as an introduction to easy Asian or Chinese cooking. 

About the Recipe

Below is a recipe. It is easy to make and you can vary it with different vegetables, meat, or other protien (such as tofu) as desired. 

Ideally, you should cook this in a hot wok. However, you can get by with any deep pan that can get quite hot. Use a heat tolerant oil such as as a groundnut oil. Peanut oil is often used. Avoid olive oil which smokes and burns too quickly. 

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Chicken Chow Mein

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This quick and easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe is better than takeout or La Choy. It is made with with an old fashioned base of chicken, healthy vegetables, noodles. You can also add cabbage, bok choi, carrots, peppers, onion or even change the meat to beef, pork, or tofu. All that combines with the best authentic Chinese chow mein sauce, and it is ready in 30 minutes or less. Make it spicy by adding sriracha, chili oil or flakes, or extra hot pepper

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Ingredients

• 100 gm egg noodles
• 1 large chicken breast, skinned
• 4 shiitake mushrooms
• 220 gms canned water chestnuts
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 2’’ fresh ginger root, peeled and finely sliced
• 1 bok choi
• 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 small lime
• One bundle fresh cilantro
• 1 heaping tsp corn starch
• 4 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Peanut oil, or other heat tolerant oil for cooking

Instructions

• Bring a pan of water to boil.
• Chop the chicken breast into finger-sized strips and sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper over them; toss well until properly coated and set aside.
• Pick the leaves from the cilantro sprigs and set them aside while finely chopping their stalks into tiny bits.
• Slice the bok choi longitudinally into two equal halves and set aside.
• Tear the shiitake mushrooms into coarse chunks and keep them aside too.
• Heat a wok over high flame and drizzle oil into it generously once the wok turns very hot.
• Toss the seasoned chicken strips and carrots into the hot wok and sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until the meat browns slightly.
• Throw in the garlic, ginger, mushrooms, chopped coriander stalks as well as the chili slices and stir fry for 15 seconds.
• Stir in half of the spring onions and continue to sauté for another 15 seconds, while stirring often, until the mixture gives out a pleasant aroma.
• Meanwhile, add the egg noodles into the boiling water and drop in the bok choi.
• Boil for a couple of minutes or until they are just cooked and drain them out in a colander.
• Empty the can of water chestnuts into the sautéed mixture, including its juices, and sprinkle the corn starch over them.
• Stir them well together to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the base of the pan and turn off the heat.
• Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
• Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the sauteed mix, followed by juice of half a lime and stir well to mix properly.
• Add the bok choi into the above mixture, followed immediately by the noodles and toss them together to mix thoroughly; add a splash of cooking liquid for the noodles if necessary.
• Adjust the seasonings if required, and pile it up into two serving bowls.
• Top it up with rest of the spring onions, followed by the whole cilantro leaves.
• Slice the other half of the lime into wedges and serve alongside chicken chow mein.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 462Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1016mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 8gSugar: 9gProtein: 28g

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Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Carleen