Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce is the perfect homemade dish that rivals your favorite takeout. This delicious meal combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory chow mein noodles, all tossed in a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this one-pan wonder will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The homemade chow mein sauce enhances the dish, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables for what you have on hand or add extra protein for variety.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan, saving you time and effort.
• Family-Friendly: With its tasty combination of ingredients, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: A wok allows for even cooking at high heat, which is perfect for stir-frying.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining your chow mein sauce ingredients before adding them to the dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
– 3 Tbsp oil
– 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
– 2 cups cabbage
– 1 large carrot (julienned)
– 1/2 batch green onions
– 2 garlic cloves
– 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
– 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 this mixture aside as it will be used later.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook your chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the 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 hot oil and cook until they are golden brown. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour your prepared sauce over everything. Continue cooking all ingredients together for another two minutes until well combined.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your chicken chow mein with chopped green onions. Serve hot straight from the pan for a delightful meal!

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

Serving Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with creative pairings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Add Extra Crunch

• Chili Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of chili oil adds heat and flavor, giving your chow mein a spicy kick.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds nutty flavor and extra texture.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Crispy Spring Rolls: Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls for a crunchy contrast.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the savory flavors of chow mein.

Garnish for Flavor

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness and brightness, enhancing the overall taste.
• Lime Wedges: Offering lime wedges allows guests to add a burst of citrusy flavor as they like.

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

Perfecting your Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce involves simple techniques that enhance flavor and texture. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken will provide better flavor and texture than frozen or pre-packaged options.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure your chow mein noodles are cooked al dente for a perfect bite, as they will continue cooking in the pan.
• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that delicious wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, which keeps ingredients crispy.
• Taste As You Go: Adjust seasonings based on personal preference for a customized flavor profile.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes enhances the melding of flavors.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Chow Mein can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried seasonal vegetables seasoned lightly to complement your main dish.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
3. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice incorporating mixed vegetables provides a hearty addition to your meal.
4. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame beans offer protein and are easy to prepare as a snack-like side.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that pairs well with Asian flavors.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango adds sweetness to balance savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce, avoid these common mistakes for a perfect dish.

• Using overcooked noodles: Ensure you follow the cooking time on the package. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles that don’t hold up well in the stir-fry.
• Not prepping ingredients ahead of time: Chop all your vegetables and measure your sauces before starting. This helps to create a smooth cooking process without burning anything.
• Ignoring heat levels: Cook on medium-high heat for the best results. Too low will steam instead of stir-frying, while too high can burn the ingredients quickly.
• Skipping the sauce combination step: Mixing your chow mein sauce properly ensures an even distribution of flavor. Whisk it together before adding it to the pan.
• Neglecting to taste: Always taste as you cook! You can adjust seasonings based on your preferences, ensuring a delicious final product.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce special?

This recipe features homemade chow mein sauce that enhances the flavor of tender chicken and fresh veggies, making it much better than takeout.

Can I use other meats in this Chicken Chow Mein recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb for a different flavor profile while still enjoying delicious chow mein.

How do I customize my Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also adjust the sauce ingredients based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a versatile one-pan meal packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and allows room for customization based on your tastes. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!