Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful, satisfying dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly stir-fried noodles with a savory soy-based sauce and a hint of garlic, this classic Chinese recipe is a weeknight dinner favorite.

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chow Mein, which literally translates to “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese, typically consists of noodles, vegetables, and meat (such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp) all sautéed together in a wok or a large skillet. What makes Chicken Chow Mein special is the perfect balance between the noodles and the savory sauce, paired with the crunch of stir-fried veggies and the tenderness of the chicken.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Chow Mein

While you can certainly add your personal touch to this dish, some key ingredients are essential for a traditional Chicken Chow Mein recipe:

• Chicken breast or thighs: Skinless and boneless chicken breast is the most common choice, but you can also use thighs for a juicier texture.
• Chow Mein noodles: These thin, soft wheat noodles are a must. You can find them fresh or dried at Asian grocery stores.
• Soy sauce: This forms the base of your sauce, giving the dish a savory and slightly salty flavor.
• Oyster sauce: Adds depth and richness to the dish, creating a balance with the soy sauce.
• Sesame oil: This adds a distinct flavor that’s characteristic of Chinese stir-fries.
• Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and onions will add crunch and color.
• Ginger and garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add a touch of heat and freshness to the dish.
• Rice vinegar: For a slight tang to balance the flavors.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce slightly and give it the perfect consistency.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

1. Use the Right Noodles: Authentic Chow Mein noodles are key to getting the right texture. If you can’t find Chow Mein noodles, substitute with lo mein noodles or even spaghetti as a last resort. Make sure to cook the noodles al dente because they will continue to cook when you stir-fry them.
2. Stir-Fry on High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat helps to achieve that coveted wok-charred flavor. A wok is ideal for this, but a large skillet will work just as well. The goal is to cook the ingredients quickly without overcrowding the pan, which ensures everything cooks evenly.
3. Prep Everything Before You Start Cooking: Stir-frying moves quickly, so having everything prepped and ready to go is crucial. Chop your vegetables, slice the chicken, and have your sauce mixed and ready.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, stir-fry the ingredients in batches to avoid steaming them. This way, everything gets a nice sear, and the dish stays crispy.
5. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce based on your preferences. Add a little more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, or spice it up with some chili paste or red pepper flakes.

Variations of Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular variations that you can try:

• Chicken and Shrimp Chow Mein: Combine chicken and shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
• Vegetable Chow Mein: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and load up on more vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, and snap peas.
• Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: For those who love heat, add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.
• Chicken and Broccoli Chow Mein: Add steamed broccoli for a more hearty dish. The broccoli adds texture and a mild bitterness that pairs well with the savory noodles.

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a one-pan meal that doesn’t require much more than a side of steamed rice if you want to bulk it up a bit. However, you can serve it alongside some Chinese-inspired appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, or spring rolls for a complete meal. If you prefer a more fresh, crunchy texture, top it with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor.

How to Store Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While Chow Mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the noodles.

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat for this dish? Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time according to the meat or protein you’re using.

2. Can I make Chicken Chow Mein without soy sauce? If you need a soy-free version, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. It provides a similar umami flavor but with less sodium.

3. Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time? Yes! The dish reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

4. Is Chicken Chow Mein spicy? Chicken Chow Mein isn’t inherently spicy, but you can easily add chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your liking.

5. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together? To prevent the noodles from sticking, make sure to cook them until al dente and toss them with a little bit of oil after draining. Stir-frying them in a hot wok also helps prevent clumping.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is one of those dishes that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, delicious, and satisfying. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with different proteins and veggies, and don’t forget to play around with the sauce to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.

Other delicious chicken recipes to try:

• Chicken Biryani 
• Chicken and Rice Soup
• Chicken and Rice Casserole