Ingredients
Scale
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless) – This tender protein adds a rich, savory element to the dish. You can also substitute chicken with beef if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
- 3 tbsp oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles) – The backbone of this dish. These noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and add the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 cups cabbage – Cabbage adds a slight crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor to the dish. It softens while cooking but still retains a satisfying texture.
- 1 large carrot, julienned – Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, balancing out the savory elements of the dish.
- ½ batch green onions – Green onions add a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves – Garlic brings depth and a fragrant aroma to the dish.
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce – This rich, umami-packed sauce is the base for our chow mein sauce. It brings a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and complexity to the sauce. The low-sodium version helps control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted) – Sesame oil provides a nutty, earthy flavor that elevates the dish. Make sure to use light sesame oil, as toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor that may overpower the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth – This helps to thin out the sauce and adds a bit more savory depth.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the noodles and vegetables for the perfect texture.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness balances out the savory and salty flavors in the sauce, creating the ideal taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, light sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
- Ensure that the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved in the liquid. Set the sauce aside. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
- Cook the Chow Mein Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside and let the excess water drain off.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the julienned carrots and cabbage, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pressed garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Combine Ingredients and Cook Together:
- Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the cooked chicken and chow mein noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the top and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it heats up, coating the noodles, vegetables, and chicken in a delicious, glossy layer.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is evenly coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chow mein with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Chicken Chow Mein straight from the pan while it’s still piping hot, and enjoy this savory, satisfying dish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Noodles:While you can use dried chow mein noodles, fresh chow mein noodles will provide a softer, more authentic texture. If you’re using fresh noodles, be sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. If you opt for dried noodles, follow the package instructions carefully to avoid undercooking or overcooking them.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:When cooking the chicken, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less crispy texture. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets golden and crisp on all sides.
- Control the Heat:When stir-frying the vegetables, maintain medium heat to prevent burning the garlic. High heat is essential for quickly cooking the vegetables while keeping them tender yet crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add More Vegetables:If you want to add more nutritional value or simply increase the volume of the dish, feel free to include extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t get overcooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes