Chicken Chow Mein (鸡肉炒面)

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved takeout-style chicken chow mein but wanted something fresher and healthier, this recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and springy noodles tossed in a fragrant, savory sauce, this one-pan meal captures all the flavors of a restaurant dish without the extra oil or preservatives.

Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or casual family gathering. By cooking the noodles slightly underdone and stir-frying vegetables quickly, you get the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality: Rich sauce and perfectly cooked noodles rival any takeout.
• Quick & Easy: Prep and cook in just 25 minutes.
• Balanced Meal: Protein-packed chicken with fresh vegetables and noodles.
• Customizable: Adjust vegetables or heat to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: No MSG or preservatives required.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 servings. Measurements are exact.

Marinating

• 6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sauce

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (*Footnote 1)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or ground black pepper)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Stir Fry

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (*Footnote 2)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 10 oz fresh chow mein noodles, or 6 oz dried chow mein noodles
• 2 small carrots, julienned (yields ~1 cup) (*Footnote 2)
• 1 Anaheim pepper or hot pepper of choice, sliced (optional)
• 4 green onions, cut into 2” (5 cm) pieces, white part halved lengthwise

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Medium and small mixing bowls
• Tongs for tossing noodles
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Stir to mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente, cooking 1 minute less than the instructions. For fresh noodles, briefly dip in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread chicken with minimal overlap. Cook until slightly golden on the bottom (30–45 seconds), flip and cook the other side until the chicken just turns white. Transfer to a plate.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet along with ginger and garlic. Stir briefly to release fragrance, about 20–30 seconds.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add carrots and cabbage. Stir-fry until the vegetables begin to soften, about 1 minute.

Step 7: Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Sauce

Add noodles to the pan and toss lightly with tongs. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 8: Finish with Peppers and Green Onions

Add the sliced pepper and green onions. Toss until the sauce is absorbed and ingredients are evenly mixed. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Color & Crunch: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• Darker Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce for a richer color.
• Shortcut Veggies: Use 5 cups pre-cut coleslaw mix instead of carrots and cabbage.
• Protein Swap: Shrimp or tofu can replace chicken for variation.
• Noodle Options: Lo mein, ramen, or rice noodles work as substitutes.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic thanks to Shaoxing wine, ginger, and garlic. The vegetables stay crisp-tender, and the noodles absorb the sauce beautifully.

Suggested Sides

• Steamed or stir-fried bok choy
• Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup
• Simple cucumber salad for freshness
• Steamed jasmine rice for a fuller meal

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 254 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29.1 g
• Protein: 13.3 g
• Fat: 10.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 623 mg
• Potassium: 473 mg
• Fiber: 3.7 g
• Sugar: 9.3 g
• Calcium: 58 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

This chow mein is moderate in calories, high in vegetables, and balanced with lean protein.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate chicken up to 1 hour ahead to save time.
• Prepare vegetables and julienne carrots in advance.
• Cook noodles separately and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs add extra flavor and remain juicy; slice thinly for even cooking.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Can I make it spicier?
Add sliced chili peppers or a splash of Sriracha while stir-frying.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Not recommended for best noodle texture; enjoy fresh within 3 days.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time Required
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately hot as a main dish.
• Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds.
• Pair with light sides like steamed vegetables or a simple soup.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shaoxing Wine: Adds depth, mild sweetness, and the authentic flavor of Chinese stir-fries.

Chow Mein Noodles: Fresh noodles provide the ideal chew; dried noodles are a convenient alternative.

Ginger & Garlic: Fragrant aromatics that elevate the savory sauce and balance the sweetness of sugar in the sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook chicken with minimal overlap to get a golden sear.
• Toss noodles and sauce quickly to avoid sogginess.
• Don’t overcook vegetables; they should remain crisp-tender.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezing: Not recommended for noodles; textures degrade when frozen.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	254 kcal
Protein	13.3 g
Carbohydrates	29.1 g
Fat	10.2 g
Saturated Fat	1.6 g
Fiber	3.7 g
Sugar	9.3 g

Dietary Notes: High in vegetables, moderate calories, can be made gluten-free.

Expanded Conclusion

This Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying stir-fry that rivals Chinese restaurant takeout. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and springy noodles, it’s a complete meal in just 25 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s customizable, balanced, and packed with flavor, proving that home-cooked chow mein can be just as delicious, if not better, than your favorite takeout. Serve hot, garnish with green onions, and enjoy a fresh, vibrant, and comforting meal with minimal effort.

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