Chicken Chow Mein

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Introduction:

Chicken Chow Mein is a popular dish featuring stir-fried noodles, chicken, and a medley of vegetables. The dish is tossed in a flavorful sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional)

For the Chow Mein:

  • 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
  • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • ¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine (if using). Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Noodles:

  • Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, carrots, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the cabbage, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

5. Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch mixture.

6. Combine Everything:

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything.
  • Toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are coated and the sauce thickens.

7. Serve:

  • Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

Tips for Success:

  • Prep everything in advance: Stir-frying is quick, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Use fresh noodles if possible: Fresh chow mein or egg noodles give the best texture, but dried noodles work well too.
  • Customize the vegetables: You can add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference.

Recommendations:

Chicken Chow Mein is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Chow Mein!

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