Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, you’ll find this meal not only easy to prepare but also incredibly rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade chow mein sauce elevates this recipe beyond takeout with its rich flavors.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan—making it a hassle-free option.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have at home.
• Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this chow mein is a wholesome choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your chicken chow mein, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Colander
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly while allowing even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauces and ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures that sauces are mixed thoroughly for a consistent flavor throughout.
• Colander: Helps in draining excess water from cooked noodles efficiently.

Ingredients

To create this delectable chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce, gather the following ingredients:

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)

Noodles

• 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles)

Vegetables

• 2 cups cabbage
• 1 large carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 batch green onions

Aromatics

• 2 garlic cloves

Sauces and Broth

• 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste)
• 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Thickeners and Sweeteners

• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

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

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook your chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them using a colander and rinse them with cold water. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat with olive oil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Add them to the pan and cook until golden brown. Remove the chicken strips from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

In the same pan, add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are slightly softened, and the cabbage becomes translucent.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken strips and drained noodles back into the pan. Pour your prepared sauce over everything and continue cooking all ingredients together for another 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your chow mein with chopped green onions. Serve hot straight from the pan for an enjoyable dining experience!

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

Serving chicken chow mein is all about making it appealing and delicious. You can elevate this dish with different accompaniments and garnishes. Here are some ways to serve it that will impress your family and friends.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh flavor that complements the chow mein.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

Pair with Crispy Spring Rolls

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft noodles.

Serve with a Side Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad will cleanse the palate while adding a crisp texture.

Enjoy with Steamed Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Serve your chow mein over or alongside jasmine rice for a filling meal.

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

To create the perfect chicken chow mein, focus on cooking techniques and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Keep them slightly undercooked before adding them to the stir-fry; they will finish cooking in the pan.
• Heat is Key: Use high heat for quick cooking; this helps retain the texture of vegetables.
• Customize Your Sauce: Adjust ingredients like soy sauce or sugar based on your taste preferences for the best chow mein sauce.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider when serving chicken chow mein.

1. Steamed Broccoli: This nutrient-rich veggie pairs well and adds vibrant green color.
2. Garlic Edamame: Lightly seasoned edamame provides protein and a tasty bite.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness contrasts nicely with savory chow mein flavors.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comfort and balances out your meal.
5. Asian Cucumber Salad: This light salad adds freshness and crunch, enhancing your dining experience.
6. Fried Rice: A classic companion that complements chow mein well, providing additional flavors and textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best results.

• Using overcooked noodles: Overcooked chow mein noodles can turn mushy and lose their texture. Follow package instructions carefully and rinse them with cold water after cooking.
• Skipping the sauce mix: Not mixing the sauce ingredients properly can lead to uneven flavor. Whisk all sauce components in a bowl until smooth before adding them to the dish.
• Crowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the cooking temperature and create steam instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary for a better sear.
• Neglecting to chop vegetables uniformly: Irregularly chopped vegetables will cook unevenly. Ensure that all veggies are cut into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient brand may vary in saltiness. Always taste and adjust sauces as needed to match your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It is best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chow mein in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chow mein to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir-fry chow mein until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you prefer not to use oyster sauce, try using soy sauce or a homemade blend of soy sauce mixed with hoisin sauce for a similar flavor profile.

How do I make my chow mein spicier?

To add heat, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil when cooking your vegetables.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with tofu or more vegetables and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for two months.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is not just quick and easy; it’s also full of flavor and customizable. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights!