Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce

Introduction

If you’re craving a flavorful, savory dish that brings the best of Asian cuisine to your table, look no further than Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce. This popular Chinese stir-fry dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all brought together with a mouthwatering homemade chow mein sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish that features stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, all smothered in a delicious sauce. The name “chow mein” comes from the Mandarin words for “stir-fried noodles.” In this recipe, chicken is used as the protein of choice, but you can easily swap it for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

The real star of this dish is the Chow Mein Sauce, which brings all the flavors together and elevates the meal to the next level. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients creates a savory, umami-packed sauce that coats the noodles and ingredients beautifully.

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein

To make Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (or thighs): Cut into thin strips for quick cooking.
• Chow Mein Noodles: These can be found at most grocery stores or Asian markets. You can also use lo mein or spaghetti noodles if you prefer.
• Vegetables: Common choices include bell peppers, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Feel free to add your favorites.
• Garlic and Ginger: These two ingredients add aromatic depth to the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Vegetable or sesame oil works best for stir-frying.
• Green Onions: For garnish and extra flavor.

The Best Chow Mein Sauce Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in the Chow Mein Sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce for its salty, savory flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor that is essential in Chinese stir-fry dishes.
• Sesame Oil: Gives the sauce a nutty, aromatic richness.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the flavors with a bit of acidity.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a silky texture.
• Water: Helps to dissolve the ingredients and create the right consistency for the sauce.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Start by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into thin strips, chop your vegetables, and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Chow Mein Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it’s golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
   In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic, ginger, and vegetables, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything
   Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the chow mein sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve
   Garnish your Chicken Chow Mein with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Why This Recipe Works: The Best Chow Mein Sauce

What sets this Chicken Chow Mein recipe apart is the Best Chow Mein Sauce. The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce creates a deep umami flavor that enhances the dish, while the rice vinegar and brown sugar provide the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. The addition of sesame oil gives the sauce a rich, nutty undertone, making it irresistible. The cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough to coat the noodles without making them soggy.

This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used with other proteins or even in vegetarian stir-fries. Once you taste it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought chow mein sauce again.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles will give your dish the best texture. If using dried noodles, be sure not to overcook them.
• Customize Your Veggies: While bell peppers, onions, and cabbage are classic choices, you can add other veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To achieve that perfect stir-fried texture, make sure to cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients rather than stir-fry them.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preference. Add more sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for tang.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is an easy-to-make, delicious stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and savory noodles. The homemade sauce is the key to making this dish truly special. With the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it today for a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time!

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: To enhance the flavor and presentation of your Chicken Chow Mein, top it with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can add a fresh, zesty finish.
2. Serve with a Side: Chicken Chow Mein is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs well with other Chinese-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a simple side salad with an Asian-style dressing.
3. Adjust Portion Sizes: This recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on how many people you’re serving. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider serving it in a large platter or bowl for family-style dining.
4. Pair with Drinks: For a complete meal, serve with a refreshing beverage like iced tea, ginger ale, or a light beer. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a slice of lime.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers:
   • Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation that can make the noodles soggy.
2. Freezing:
   • While it’s best to enjoy Chicken Chow Mein fresh, you can freeze leftovers for future meals. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the noodles.
3. Reheating:
   • Reheat your Chicken Chow Mein on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water, broth, or extra soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
4. Storage of Chow Mein Sauce:
   • If you have extra sauce left over, store it in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it for other stir-fries, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

By following these tips, you can ensure your Chicken Chow Mein stays delicious even after the first serving, making it a convenient and flavorful option for meal prep or leftovers!

1. Can I use other types of meat for Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute it with beef, shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. For instance, shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, so be sure to monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

2. How do I make Chicken Chow Mein spicier?
To add some heat to your Chicken Chow Mein, you can incorporate chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili peppers into the dish. Add these ingredients when stir-frying the vegetables or chicken, depending on how spicy you like it. You can also serve the dish with chili oil on the side for extra heat.

3. Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
While traditional chow mein noodles are preferred, you can substitute with other types of noodles such as lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti if you can’t find chow mein noodles. Just be sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions, and don’t forget to rinse them after cooking to prevent clumping.

4. How can I make Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) in place of regular soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that the noodles you use are gluten-free, such as rice noodles or gluten-free chow mein noodles, which are available at many health food stores or Asian markets.

Print