Name: Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 6 oz package of dry chow mein noodles; 2 medium sized chicken breasts (diced); 2 cloves of minced garlic (divided); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced (about 1 cup)); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ cup diced green onion; Olive oil (for coating the pan)

If there’s one dish that never fails to satisfy hungry taste buds and bring smiles to faces, it’s the ever-delightfulChicken Chow Mein. Bursting with flavors, colorful veggies, and tender chicken, this classic Chinese stir-fry dish has become a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.

Chow mein, which means “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese, is a classic dish that originated in China but has found immense popularity in various parts of the world. It’s a harmonious blend of chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a tantalizing sauce that ties everything together.

Chicken Chow Mein

The beauty of chicken chow mein lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the exact ingredients may vary depending on personal preferences and regional variations, here are some staples you can expect to find in this delightful dish:

Chicken:Succulent chicken pieces, whether breast or thigh, are often used as the protein base. They are usually marinated to infuse them with flavors before being cooked to perfection.
Noodles:Chow mein is traditionally made with egg noodles, which add a delightful chewiness to the dish. However, you can experiment with other types of noodles like rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles.
Vegetables:A vibrant medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage, and onions provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of color. Feel free to add your favorites or use whatever you have on hand.
Sauce:The sauce is the soul of any chow mein dish. A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings creates a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that coats the noodles and ingredients.

top view of a plate of chicken chow mien

Ingredients

Chow mein noodles
Chicken breasts
Garlic
Red bell pepper
Carrots
Cabbage
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Ginger
Green onion

Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.

Recipe Instructions

Cook the noodles: Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
Sauté the chicken: Heat some oil in a wok or large skillet and stir-fry the marinated chicken until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender. It’s important to maintain their vibrant colors and retain their crunch.
Sauce it up: Return the chicken to the pan and pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients. Toss everything together, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats the chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
Combine and serve: Finally, add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss them with the other ingredients until they are well combined. Serve the steaming hot chicken chow mein in bowls or plates, and garnish with some spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein and lo mein are both popular Chinese noodle dishes, but they have a slight difference in preparation. Chow mein noodles are typically stir-fried until they are crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled or parboiled and then stir-fried until they are soft. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference for either crispy or soft noodles.

Can I use different meats or proteins instead of chicken in chicken chow mein?

Absolutely! Chicken chow mein can be customized with different meats or proteins based on your preferences. You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, pork, tofu, or even a combination of these. Just ensure that the protein is cooked through before adding it to the dish.

How long does it take to cook chicken chow mein?

On average, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare chicken chow mein from start to finish. The actual cooking time may be shorter as stir-frying is a quick process. It’s always a good idea to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.

pan of ingredients for chicken chow mien

More Recipes

If you’ve tried thisChicken Chow Meinrecipe or any other recipe on Rcova, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

The next time you’re craving a satisfying and flavorsome meal, remember to reach forchicken chow mein. Its delightful combination of textures, fresh ingredients, and a savory sauce.