Chicken Chow Mein (鸡肉炒面)
Chicken chow mein made with tender chicken, springy noodles, and crisp vegetables tossed in a rich savory sauce that tastes better than takeout.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish / Noodles
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
For Marinating
6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil), divided
4 cups shredded cabbage
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
10 oz fresh chow mein noodles (or 6 oz / 170 g dried chow mein noodles)
2 small carrots, julienned (about 1 cup)
1 Anaheim pepper or other hot pepper, sliced (optional)
4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces, white parts halved lengthwise
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well until evenly coated.
In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and set aside.
Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 1 minute less than recommended. Rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 30–45 seconds per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir in ginger and garlic until fragrant.
Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until slightly softened.
Add noodles and toss gently. Return chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce.
Toss until everything is evenly coated and the sauce is absorbed.
Add pepper and green onions. Toss briefly and serve hot.
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce if you want a deeper brown color (optional).
Swap cabbage and carrots with 5 cups coleslaw mix to save prep time.
Fresh chow mein noodles only need a quick dip in boiling water (about 1 minute).
