Mouthwatering Chow Mein Recipes with Chicken: A Culinary Adventure

Chow Mein is a beloved Chinese dish known for its irresistible combination of tender noodles, savory sauces, and a medley of fresh vegetables. When you add succulent chicken to the mix, you’ve got a meal that’s not only delicious but also simple and easy to prepare. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of recipes for chow mein with chicken, ranging from the simple and easy to the more traditional Chinese versions. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, you’ll find something here to satisfy your cravings. So, put on your apron and get ready to discover the secrets of creating the perfect chicken chow mein!

Chapter 1: Simple and Easy Recipes for Chow Mein with Chicken

When you’re short on time but still want a mouthwatering meal, these simple and easy chicken chow mein recipes come to the rescue.

Recipe 1: Quick Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli until tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

This quick chicken chow mein is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe 2: One-Pot Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
5. Add the carrot, cabbage, and bean sprouts to the pot. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
8. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pot and toss everything together until well combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

This one-pot chicken chow mein is not only easy to make but also easy to clean up.

Recipe 3: 15-Minute Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

This 15-minute chicken chow mein recipe is perfect for when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.

Chapter 2: Chinese Recipes for Chow Mein with Chicken

Now, let’s dive into some authentic Chinese recipes for chow mein with chicken. These recipes will take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese cuisine.

Recipe 4: Classic Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fresh chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
8. In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a simmer.
9. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
10. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
11. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.

This classic chicken chow mein recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese flavors.

Recipe 5: Cantonese Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fresh chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced snow peas
• 1/2 cup sliced bok choy
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Sliced red chili for heat (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the shiitake mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, snow peas, and bok choy. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
8. In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a simmer.
9. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
10. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced red chili for extra heat if desired.

This Cantonese chicken chow mein recipe embodies the flavors of southern China.

Chapter 3: Chow Mein Ingredients

Before we continue with more delicious recipes, let’s take a moment to explore the key ingredients that make up a fantastic chicken chow mein dish.

Essential Chow Mein Ingredients

1. Noodles

Chow mein is all about the noodles. You can use either fresh or dried chow mein noodles, depending on your preference. Fresh noodles have a chewy texture, while dried noodles are thinner and cook quickly.

2. Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used in chicken chow mein. Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

3. Vegetables

A variety of colorful vegetables add freshness and crunch to chow mein. Common choices include bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts.

4. Aromatics

Garlic and ginger are the aromatic foundations of most chow mein recipes. They add depth and fragrance to the dish.

5. Sauces

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil are typical flavor enhancers in chow mein. They provide the savory and slightly sweet notes that balance the dish.

6. Seasonings

Seasonings like sugar, salt, and pepper are used to adjust the taste of the sauce to your liking.

Now that we’ve explored the essential ingredients let’s continue with more delicious chow mein recipes.

Chapter 4: How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Like the Takeaway

Many of us love the irresistible allure of takeaway chicken chow mein. The good news is that you can recreate that same delicious experience at home.

Recipe 6: Takeaway-Style Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (a mix of colors)
• 1/2 cup sliced snap peas
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a simmer.
9. Add the cooked chow mein noodles and bean sprouts to the wok. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

This takeaway-style chicken chow mein recipe captures the familiar flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Chapter 5: Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Let’s simplify things further with an easy chicken chow mein recipe that’s perfect for beginners.

Recipe 7: Beginner’s Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced snow peas
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and ground ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
8. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

This beginner’s chicken chow mein recipe is a great starting point for those new to Chinese cooking.

Chapter 6: The All-Purpose Chow Mein Recipe

Now that we’ve covered a variety of chicken chow mein recipes, let’s explore a versatile all-purpose chow mein recipe that you can customize to your heart’s content.

Recipe 8: Customizable Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• Assorted vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.), thinly sliced or julienned
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add your choice of vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a simmer.
9. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

This customizable chicken chow mein recipe allows you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences.

Chapter 7: Easy Chow Mein Recipe

Let’s wrap up this guide with a quick and easy chow mein recipe that anyone can make.

Recipe 9: Effortless Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
8. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

This effortless chicken chow mein recipe is perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.

Conclusion

Chow mein with chicken is a versatile and delectable dish that can be tailored to suit your taste and cooking skill level. From quick and easy recipes to authentic Chinese versions, we’ve covered a wide range of options in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re craving the flavors of a Chinese takeaway or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, these recipes have you covered. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create your own delicious chicken chow mein masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen. Enjoy your culinary journey, and may your chow mein always be flavorful and satisfying!