Chicken Chow Mein: A Classic Takeout Dish Made Easy at Home

ChickenChowMein

Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients

  • 1 lb refrigerated yakisoba or chow mein noodles*
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts**, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips
  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery (3 stalks)
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
  • 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots
  • 2/3 cup chopped green onions (about 5)
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce*** (or more to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Directions

  1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set it aside to infuse.
  2. Cook the noodles as per the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside.
  4. Heat oil in a wok or large, deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, ensuring that there’s a little space between pieces for even browning. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, then turn and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through, which should take about 2 - 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
  5. Reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add celery and sauté for 3 minutes.
  6. Next, add cabbage and sauté for another 2 minutes, then add carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 - 2 minutes more until all the veggies are crisp-tender.
  7. Finally, toss in the cooked noodles and chicken into the skillet. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the top and toss everything together to ensure that it’s well coated with the sauce. Serve the dish warm and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Protips

  • Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper infuses it with flavors and tenderizes the meat.
  • Sautéing the vegetables in stages according to their cooking times ensures that everything is perfectly cooked.
  • The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil gives this dish its signature savory flavor with a hint of sweetness and a delightful aroma.