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Chicken Chow Mein

A quick and satisfying meal featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and springy noodles tossed in a glossy and savory chow mein sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz chow mein noodles Can also use thin egg noodles or dry lo mein noodles.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute boneless chicken breasts.
  • 2 cups vegetables (cabbage, carrots, celery, green onions) Feel free to add bell peppers, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Chow Mein Sauce
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce Optional but recommended for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce Use vegetarian oyster sauce if avoiding shellfish.
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil Use as a finishing oil.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey To balance the saltiness.
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar Unseasoned is preferred.
  • 2 tsp cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or water To mix in the sauce.
  • 1-2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves grated garlic
  • 1 pinch white pepper Optional for heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the chicken thinly and season with soy sauce and pepper.
  2. Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the celery and green onions.
  3. Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions just until tender, then drain and toss lightly with oil.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok until almost smoking. Add oil and then the chicken. Cook until browned and just done, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Add a bit more oil to the pan, then stir-fry the hard vegetables (carrots and celery) for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the cabbage and green onions, tossing until they are crisp-tender.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the noodles.
  5. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over and toss constantly for about a minute until glossy and thickened. Finish with toasted sesame oil.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, sweetness, or vinegar if needed.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking. Leftovers reheat well; keep some extra sauce on the side to refresh them.