Authentic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

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Introduction

Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish known for its stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and fresh, vibrant vegetables. This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for a quick and satisfying meal. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create an authentic and delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home.

Overview of the Recipe

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe features:

  • Noodles: Either yakisoba refrigerated noodles or chow mein noodles, which serve as the base of the dish.
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and tender protein source.
  • Vegetables: A mix of finely shredded cabbage, carrots, celery, green onions, and optional bean sprouts adds color, crunch, and nutrition.
  • Sauce: A savory blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, light brown sugar, and optional Asian garlic chili sauce for a hint of spice.

History and Origin

Chow Mein, which translates to “stir-fried noodles,” has its origins in Northern China. The dish has evolved over centuries, with various regional adaptations. It became popular in the United States in the 19th century, brought over by Chinese immigrants. Today, Chow Mein is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine worldwide, known for its versatility and deliciousness.

Ingredients

  • Noodles:
    • 14 oz yakisoba refrigerated noodles or 16 oz chow mein noodles
  • Chicken:
    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetables:
    • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
    • 1 large carrot, shredded
    • 2 ribs celery, chopped
    • 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
    • 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
  • Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
    • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
    • 1-2 tsp Asian garlic chili sauce (optional)
  • Oil:
    • 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp light brown sugar, and 1-2 tsp Asian garlic chili sauce (if using). Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat a large pan or wok on high heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
    • Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add the chicken to the pan and sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
    • Add another 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add 2 cups finely shredded cabbage, 1 large shredded carrot, 2 chopped ribs of celery, and the white parts of the 4 chopped green onions.
    • Stir fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
    • Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 2 tsp freshly grated ginger. Cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook the Noodles:
    • Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the noodles and cook for 1 minute, allowing them to heat through and slightly crisp up.
  5. Combine and Serve:
    • Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
    • Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the pan, including 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (if using).
    • Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
    • Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions.
    • Serve immediately.

Serving

This recipe yields approximately 5 servings, with each serving containing around 563 kcal. Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with fresh green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chow Mein pairs wonderfully with:

  • Sides: Steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or hot and sour soup.
  • Beverages: Green tea, jasmine tea, or a refreshing cucumber-mint water.

Variations of the Recipe

  • Vegetarian Chow Mein: Replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and mushrooms.
  • Seafood Chow Mein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood for a different protein source.
  • Spicy Chow Mein: Increase the amount of Asian garlic chili sauce or add sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
  • Rich in Fiber: The vegetables in this dish provide dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining healthy bowel movements.
  • Low Fat: Using lean chicken and minimal oil helps keep the fat content low while still providing necessary healthy fats from sesame oil.

Notes

  • Noodle Choice: Both yakisoba and chow mein noodles work well for this dish. Yakisoba noodles are typically pre-cooked and just need heating, while chow mein noodles may require boiling beforehand.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables enhances the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
  • Customization: Adjust the seasoning and spice level to your taste preference by modifying the amount of soy sauce, sugar, and chili sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried noodles instead of refrigerated yakisoba or chow mein noodles? A: Yes, you can use dried noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions before stir-frying.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.

Q: Can I prepare Chow Mein in advance? A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the components (sauce, vegetables, chicken) ahead of time and stir-fry the noodles when ready to serve.

Q: What can I use instead of oyster sauce? A: Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of fish sauce can be used as substitutes.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional preparation or explore the suggested variations, your homemade Chow Mein will be a hit at any meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delightful dish!

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