Sep 06, 2023, Updated Apr 12, 2024 Chicken chow mein is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish that combines thinly sliced chicken with chow mein noodles and a variety of vegetables like onions, cabbage, and carrots. The ingredients are quickly cooked over high heat and typically tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, chicken broth, and other seasonings. The result is a flavorful, texture-rich dish that’s totally craveable.
How are Chow Mein Noodles Different From Other Noodles at the Grocery Store?
Chow mein noodles are Chinese egg noodles made from wheat flour, with a firm and slightly chewy texture ideal for stir-frying. They are special because they are able to withstand the high heat of stir-frying without becoming mushy or falling apart, a quality not shared by all types of noodles.
Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork or tofu. Gluten-free: Use gluten-free chow mein noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute veggies like celery, water chestnuts, snow peas, bok choy, bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh bean sprouts. Spice it up: Saute in some minced fresh ginger along with the garlic, and/or add some white pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Flavor Boost: If you have them on hand, a splash of Chinese cooking wine and/or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil in the sauce elevate the dish. Sesame seeds sprinkled on top are also nice.
They come in various sizes and shapes but are typically thin and long. While they can be found fresh or dried, using fresh egg noodles will enhance your chow mein. You can find them at your local Asian grocery store and at most other supermarkets you’ll find them in the Asian food aisle. They may be sold fresh or dried. The fresh ones usually need to be used within a few days of purchase and are generally found in the refrigerator section. Dried ones have a longer shelf life and can be stored in your pantry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Looking to prep in advance or keep leftovers fresh? Here are your options:
Refrigerate: Chow Mein stores well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Freeze: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave or in a wok. Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken marinade and chop the veggies ahead of time for quicker cooking.
5 Common Mistakes People Make When Cooking Chow Mein at Home
Notes, Pro Tips, and Science-Based Secrets
High heat: Cooking on high heat ensures crispy, not soggy, vegetables. Do not overcrowd: Stir-fry in batches to maintain the heat of the wok. Fresh noodles: If you can find them, fresh chow mein noodles take this dish to the next level. They’re often found in the grocery store with the vegetables. The cornstarch trick: Cornstarch forms a protective barrier around the meat, reducing the amount of moisture that is lost when the meat is exposed to heat. This shield essentially ‘traps’ juices inside the meat, preventing them from evaporating during cooking. To make crispy noodles: You just need to par-boil them and then fry them separately until crisp rather than boiling them and adding them directly to the stir fry. Here’s what to do. Details are in the note section of the recipe card below.
How to Serve This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
While this chow mein stands strong on its own, it pairs wonderfully with appetizers like spring rolls. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed bok choy or snow peas. Next reading: Pasta vs Noodles (Substitution Tips + Crucial Differences)
Chicken and Broccoli Pad Woon Sen Gochujang Chicken Hunan Shrimp Thai Basil Pork Chili Oil Ramen Orange Chicken Honey Garlic Chicken My Fav Spicy Ramen Recipe The Viral Sushi Bake
