Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese-American takeout dish beloved for its savory flavors, satisfying noodles, and customizable ingredients. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to creating a restaurant-quality Chicken Chow Mein at home, allowing you to control the ingredients and tailor the dish to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious and authentic Chicken Chow Mein that will impress your family and friends.

## What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chow Mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles,” is a popular Chinese dish featuring egg noodles stir-fried with meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce. Chicken Chow Mein specifically uses chicken as the protein, making it a lighter and leaner option compared to other variations. The beauty of Chow Mein lies in its versatility; you can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables and adjust the sauce to your desired level of sweetness and spiciness.

## Why Make Chicken Chow Mein at Home?

While takeout Chow Mein is convenient, making it at home offers several advantages:

* **Control over ingredients:** You can choose high-quality, fresh ingredients and avoid MSG, excessive sodium, and unhealthy oils often found in takeout versions.
* **Customization:** Tailor the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting vegetables, adjusting the sauce, and controlling the level of spice.
* **Cost-effective:** Making Chow Mein at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout, especially if you’re feeding a family.
* **Freshness:** Homemade Chow Mein is always fresher and more flavorful than takeout that has been sitting for a while.
* **Fun and rewarding:** Cooking at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to learn new skills and create delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure you don’t forget anything.

### For the Chicken Marinade:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

### For the Chow Mein Sauce:

* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

### For the Chow Mein:

* 1 pound fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles (Chow Mein noodles)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, minced
* 1/2 cup sliced onion
* 1 cup sliced celery
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
* 1 cup bean sprouts
* 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large wok or skillet
* Large pot for boiling noodles
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect Chicken Chow Mein every time.

### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper (if using).
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating the chicken tenderizes it and infuses it with flavor.

### Step 2: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), chicken broth, and white pepper (if using).
2. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

### Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the Chow Mein noodles and cook according to package directions. Fresh noodles typically cook faster than dried noodles.
3. Once the noodles are cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain them immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
4. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.

### Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

### Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger.
3. Add the sliced onion, celery, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and water chestnuts (if using) and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they are slightly wilted.

### Step 6: Combine Everything and Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the Chow Mein sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the ingredients are well combined.

### Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
3. Enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein

* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will make a significant difference in the flavor of your Chow Mein.
* **Don’t overcook the noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish. Cook them al dente and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
* **Prepare all ingredients in advance:** Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping the vegetables, marinating the chicken, and preparing the sauce.
* **Use a hot wok or skillet:** A hot wok or skillet is essential for achieving that signature smoky flavor and preventing the vegetables from steaming instead of stir-frying.
* **Don’t overcrowd the wok:** Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and prevent the ingredients from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, or other ingredients in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
* **Add a touch of heat:** If you like your Chow Mein spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
* **Experiment with different vegetables:** Get creative and add your favorite vegetables to the Chow Mein. Broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy are all great options.
* **Add protein:** Tofu, shrimp, pork, or beef are all good alternatives or additions to chicken.
* **Serve immediately:** Chow Mein is best served hot and fresh.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and additions to customize your dish:

* **Vegetarian Chow Mein:** Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
* **Shrimp Chow Mein:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
* **Beef Chow Mein:** Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
* **Pork Chow Mein:** Use thinly sliced pork instead of chicken.
* **Spicy Chow Mein:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
* **Mushroom Chow Mein:** Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetables.
* **Broccoli Chow Mein:** Add broccoli florets to the vegetables.
* **Snap Pea Chow Mein:** Add snap peas to the vegetables.
* **Bok Choy Chow Mein:** Add chopped bok choy to the vegetables.
* **Cashew Chicken Chow Mein:** Add roasted cashews for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Sesame Chicken Chow Mein:** Increase the amount of sesame oil in the sauce and garnish with extra sesame seeds.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chow Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls:** These crispy appetizers complement the savory flavors of the Chow Mein.
* **Serve with soup:** Wonton soup, egg drop soup, or hot and sour soup are all great choices.
* **Serve with steamed rice:** If you want a heartier meal, serve the Chow Mein with a side of steamed rice.
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad can add a refreshing element to the meal.
* **Serve with fortune cookies:** End the meal with a fun and classic touch.

## How to Store and Reheat Chicken Chow Mein

* **Storage:** Allow the Chicken Chow Mein to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Chow Mein in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the noodles may become slightly mushy.

## Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein

**Cuisine:** Chinese-American

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 25 minutes

**Total Time:** 45 minutes

**Servings:** 4-6

### Ingredients:

**For the Chicken Marinade:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

**For the Chow Mein Sauce:**

* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

**For the Chow Mein:**

* 1 pound fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles (Chow Mein noodles)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, minced
* 1/2 cup sliced onion
* 1 cup sliced celery
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
* 1 cup bean sprouts
* 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the Chow Mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
4. **Stir-Fry the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. **Stir-Fry the Vegetables:** Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and stir-fry until they start to soften. Add the bell peppers and water chestnuts and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry until slightly wilted.
6. **Combine Everything and Simmer:** Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the Chow Mein sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss until everything is well combined.
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

## Conclusion

Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is easier than you think. With this detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that rivals your favorite takeout version. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal. Happy cooking!