In the midst of a busy week, there’s something truly comforting about a plate of homemade Chicken Chow Mein. The sound of sizzling garlic as it dances in the pan instantly transports me to my favorite takeout place—only this time, I’m the chef! After a long day, I’ve found this dish to be a lifesaver, combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in just 30 minutes.
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I stumbled upon this quick recipe one evening when I needed a little excitement in my dinner routine. With colorful bell peppers, crunchy snap peas, and a hint of ginger, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious solution for those craving the flavors of takeout without the hassle. Plus, it’s a versatile canvas; feel free to add in whatever leftover veggies you have lying around!
So, if you’re ready to swap out fast food for a homemade masterpiece that’s both satisfying and simple to whip up, let’s dive into making my favorite Quick Chicken Chow Mein!
Why You'll Love This Quick Chicken Chow Mein
- You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up this delicious meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The enticing blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauces ensures every bite is a treat for your taste buds.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with any leftover vegetables you have, so nothing goes to waste.
- Its eye-catching colors and delightful aromas make it a crowd-pleaser, impressing family and friends alike.
Quick Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients
• Get ready for a flavor-packed, homemade delight that brings together fresh veggies and tender chicken!
For the Protein
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – a quick-cooking choice that adds lean protein to this dish.
For the Noodles
- Chow mein noodles – can be fresh or dried; this ingredient is crucial for that authentic chow mein experience.
For the Veggies
- Bell peppers – choose vibrant colors for a beautiful presentation and sweet crunch.
- Carrots – julienned for quick cooking and a touch of sweetness.
- Snap peas – their crispness adds delightful texture and nutrition.
- Garlic – minced for a fragrant, savory kick.
- Fresh ginger – minced to provide a warm, spicy undertone.
For the Sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce – keep it lighter for a healthier option while still delivering umami flavor.
- Oyster sauce – adds depth and a hint of sweetness that complements the chicken.
- Cornstarch mixed with water – creates a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles and veggies.
For Cooking
- Vegetable oil – high smoke point oil ideal for stir-frying, ensuring everything fries up nicely!
How to Make Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Prepare your ingredients. Begin by thinly slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Don’t forget to chop the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, and get the snap peas ready in bite-sized pieces.
Cook the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chow mein noodles. Cook according to package instructions until they’re just tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain and drizzle with a little oil to keep them from sticking.
Stir-fry the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
Add the vegetables. Toss in the bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are vibrant and slightly crisp.
Mix the sauces. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixed with water to create a smooth mixture. Pour this savory sauce over the stir-fried chicken and vegetables.
Combine everything. Finally, add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together for an additional minute or two until heated through and well coated with the flavorful sauce.
Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Fridge: Keep your leftover Quick Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, add a little water or broth to the skillet to moisten the dish and reheat on low heat for even warming. Enjoy the delicious flavors as if it were freshly made!
Quick Chicken Chow Mein Variations
Unleash your creativity and transform this recipe with tantalizing twists that will make your taste buds dance!
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based option. Marinate for extra flavor!
Adding a hearty protein like tofu not only enriches the dish but also makes it accessible to our veggie-loving friends.Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles for a gluten-free delight.
This swap ensures that everyone can savor the familiar tastes of chow mein without compromising on their dietary needs!Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to heat things up! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
For those who crave a kick, this little addition makes all the difference, giving your chow mein an exciting zing.Extra Crunch: Add toasted cashews or sesame seeds for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender veggies.
This texture twist takes your chow mein to the next level, creating a multi-layered experience that’s simply irresistible.Coconut Curry: Stir in a splash of coconut milk and curry powder for a fusion twist of flavors that’s rich and aromatic.
Embrace the tropical vibes with this variation, making it a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside.Pineapple Salsa: Top with a fresh pineapple salsa to add a sweet and tangy brightness that elevates the entire dish.
This fruity spark creates a refreshing balance against the savory notes, introducing a tropical flair to your meal.Herbaceous Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fragrant finish that brightens up the flavors beautifully.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only adds colors but infuses your chow mein with a lively freshness that’s hard to resist!Mushroom Medley: Incorporate shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich depth that enhances the flavor profile.
Mushrooms add both texture and richness, making each bite hearty and satisfying—perfect for mushroom lovers!
What to Serve with Quick Chicken Chow Mein?
Bring your family around the dinner table with these delightful pairings that will elevate your homemade experience.
Steamed Broccoli: The soft texture and slight bitterness of steamed broccoli balance the savory chow mein beautifully, adding a nutrient boost.
Crispy Egg Rolls: These are a classic side that offers a satisfying crunch, filled with coleslaw veggies and protein, perfectly complementing the soft noodles.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: Drizzling a bit of sweet and sour sauce on the side enhances flavors with its tangy sweetness, creating a delightful dip!
Mango Salad: The tropical sweetness of fresh mango tossed with lime and cilantro provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chow mein and brightens up the meal.
Sesame Ginger Dressing: A light drizzle of this dressing on a side salad adds a vibrant zing, balancing out the richness of the chow mein.
Iced Green Tea: A chilled glass of subtly flavored green tea refreshes the palate, enhancing the meal with a light, herbal touch.
Fortune Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with crunchy fortune cookies—they’re not just fun, they also add a nostalgic touch that takes you back to your favorite takeout spots.
Make Ahead Options
These Quick Chicken Chow Mein ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the chicken and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance; store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Additionally, you can cook the chow mein noodles and toss them with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply stir-fry the chicken and vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, add the sauces, and toss in the pre-cooked noodles until everything is heated through. This make-ahead approach ensures that your dinner is just as delicious with minimal effort after a busy day!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Quick Chicken Chow Mein recipe, make sure to slice the chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when stir-frying to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- When cooking the chow mein noodles, aim for them to be just tender to prevent them from becoming mushy in the final dish.
- Finally, remember to toss the noodles with a little oil after draining to prevent them from sticking together while you finish cooking the stir-fry.
Quick Chicken Chow Mein Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely! For the freshest Chicken Chow Mein, choose chicken breasts that are pink without any dark spots, indicating freshness. Pick bell peppers that are firm and colorful, and julienne carrots that have a vibrant orange hue. When it comes to snap peas, look for those that are bright green and crunchy—the fresher, the better!
What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Chow Mein?
Very good question! To keep your Quick Chicken Chow Mein fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, divide your Chicken Chow Mein into portions and place them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my Chicken Chow Mein is too soggy?
If your dish turns out too soggy, it might be due to overcooked noodles or an excess of sauce. To fix this, you can try using a skillet over high heat to evaporate the excess moisture. Stir-fry it for an additional minute or two, allowing steam to escape. You can also sprinkle a bit of cornstarch mixed with water during reheating to help thicken the sauce.
Is this Chicken Chow Mein recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, indeed! This Quick Chicken Chow Mein can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. Additionally, if you have any allergies, you can replace the oyster sauce with a homemade alternative (like a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of vinegar) for a similar flavor without the allergens. Always check labels if you’re feeding anyone with specific dietary needs.
Can I add more vegetables to the Chicken Chow Mein?
The more the merrier! Feel free to customize this dish by adding any leftover vegetables you have at home such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. This versatility makes the dish even more delicious and nutritious!
Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your ingredients. Begin by thinly slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Don’t forget to chop the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, and get the snap peas ready in bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chow mein noodles. Cook according to package instructions until they're just tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain and drizzle with a little oil to keep them from sticking.
- Stir-fry the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the vegetables. Toss in the bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Mix the sauces. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixed with water to create a smooth mixture. Pour this savory sauce over the stir-fried chicken and vegetables.
- Combine everything. Finally, add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together for an additional minute or two until heated through and well coated with the flavorful sauce.
