Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce

If you’re craving a savory, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, then Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is the recipe you need. This dish brings the flavors of a traditional Chinese stir-fry right into your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner. With a combination of rich soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, this chow mein sauce is the star of the show.

What makes this recipe even better is its flexibility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level, Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce has endless possibilities for variation. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the flavors develop beautifully as it all comes together in one pan.

So grab your wok or large frying pan, and get ready to prepare a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Chow Mein is packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. The best part? The chow mein sauce is incredibly flavorful and made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy, making each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences, whether you want more veggies, a different protein, or even some added heat with chili peppers. You can even make this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Chow Mein:

• Chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
• Chow mein noodles
• Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, onions, and cabbage
• Garlic and ginger
• Cooking oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
• Green onions

For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Variations

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Use Different Proteins: You can swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Spicy Chow Mein: If you like a bit of heat, add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Noodle Alternatives: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, try using egg noodles, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles.
5. Soy-Free Version: If you’re sensitive to soy, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Chop your vegetables and cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 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 until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, and set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add a bit of cooking oil and stir-fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add more oil to the pan if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance. Then, add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the vegetables. Pour the chow mein sauce over everything and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish the dish with green onions and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For tender chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Stir-fry the chicken just until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken and vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect sear.
3. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your personal taste. Add a little more brown sugar for sweetness or extra rice vinegar for acidity.
4. Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and prep the chicken ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with freshly sliced green onions. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of steamed rice, dumplings, or a cucumber salad to complete the meal. It’s also great for meal prep and can be stored in containers for lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do want to freeze it, let the chow mein cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in a pan.

Reheating

Reheat the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

2. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with egg noodles, ramen noodles, or rice noodles.

3. Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili paste to increase the heat.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this dish.

7. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?

Yes, but be aware that the dish will be saltier. You may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce used.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. What’s the best way to cook the noodles?

Follow the package instructions for cooking the noodles. Make sure not to overcook them to keep them from becoming mushy.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken, sauce, and vegetables ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a delicious homemade sauce, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is simple to prepare and will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the best homemade chow mein in no time!

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