Delicious Chicken Chow Mein
This recipe creates a flavorful chicken chow mein with a simple sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- For the Chow Mein:
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces dried egg noodles (chow mein noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of white pepper
Cooking Guide:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of white pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Toss with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the garlic and white parts of the scallions to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the cabbage and carrots and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until softened slightly.
- Combine and Thicken: Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Chow Mein: Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and green parts of the scallions back to the pan. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for another minute.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you like, such as broccoli florets, snow peas, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s hardness.
- Protein: For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add an extra cup of your favorite chopped vegetables. Tofu, shrimp, or other protein can also be substituted for chicken.
- Noodles: If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles (discard the flavor packet). Just be aware the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Chow Mein Sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Leftovers: Chicken chow mein reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.