If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal, the Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is a perfect choice. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles, this dish is packed with flavor and can be made in just a short time. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a healthy meal option, Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences. In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy Chicken Chow Mein stir fry recipe that’s not only delicious but also healthy.
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that typically includes chicken, vegetables, and chow mein noodles. The term “Chow Mein” refers to stir-fried noodles, while “Chow” means stir-fry and “Mein” means noodles in Chinese. The dish is popular for its combination of savory sauce, tender chicken, and vegetables, often including cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
This dish is an excellent choice for busy weekdays because it’s quick to prepare and can be easily customized. Plus, the noodles are a great source of carbs, while the chicken adds lean protein, making this a balanced meal.
Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir Fry Recipe
To make the Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Stir Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast (about 1 lb or 450 grams): Slice it thinly for quick cooking.
- Chow Mein noodles (8 oz or 225 grams): These can be found at most Asian grocery stores, but you can also use regular egg noodles if necessary.
- Cabbage (2 cups, shredded): This adds crunch and nutrition to the dish.
- Carrots (1 medium-sized, julienned): For a bit of sweetness and color.
- Bell peppers (1 red and 1 green, sliced): These vegetables add a nice touch of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A staple in Chinese stir-fry recipes for extra aroma and flavor.
- Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons): This is the base of the stir-fry sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a bit of sweetness to the dish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): For authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This helps thicken the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): For a bit of tanginess.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Adds a spicy, aromatic element.
- Green onions (for garnish): These add freshness and color to the final dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this Healthy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Easy is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles. If you’re using fresh noodles, follow the instructions on the package for boiling them. Typically, you’ll bring a pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
If you’re using dried noodles, make sure to boil them according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water, and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp-tender.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
If you want a bit more flavor, you can add a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the vegetables are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve. Garnish with sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Chow Mein Stir Fry
- Use Thinly Sliced Chicken: Cutting the chicken into thin strips ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. This is crucial for stir-frying, where high heat is used to cook ingredients quickly.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just enough to retain their crunch. Overcooking can make them soggy, and part of the charm of Chow Mein is the crisp-tender veggies.
- Customize the Veggies: While cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers are traditional, feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. This makes the Chow Mein Recipe Healthy by incorporating more vegetables.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat in your stir-fry, add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you like your noodles saucier, you can double the sauce ingredients for extra flavor. Be sure to balance the ingredients so that the sauce doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Perfect Noodles: Be sure to rinse the cooked noodles with cold water if you’re using fresh or dried noodles. This helps prevent them from sticking together when stir-frying.
- Use a Wok: While a regular skillet will work, a wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its shape, which allows for even heat distribution and easy tossing of the ingredients.
Healthy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Why It’s a Great Choice
This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe With Cabbage is a healthier alternative to takeout versions. It uses lean chicken breast, loads of vegetables, and a lighter sauce. The inclusion of cabbage is not only nutritious but adds texture and fiber, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a tasty dish while keeping their meals balanced.
By making this dish at home, you can control the amount of oil and sauce, reducing the overall calorie count. It’s also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein for Meal Prep
One of the best things about the Chinese Chicken And Noodles Recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch of Chicken Chow Mein and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist. It’s an easy and convenient meal for busy days, and you can enjoy a homemade, healthier version of takeout whenever you like.
Conclusion
The Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Stir Fry is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something tasty and filling. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it in bulk for meal prep, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to please. Give it a try today, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of homemade Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen!
