Speedy Chicken Chow Mein: Better Than Takeout!

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a cracking chinese recipes night in? are you wondering what to cook this week? honestly, forget the takeaway menus! we're making restaurant-quality chicken chow mein recipe right here, right now.

This isn't just any chow mein; it's packed with flavour and ridiculously easy.

Speedy Chow Mein: Fakeaway or the Real Deal?

This homemade chinese food recipe is inspired by authentic cantonese recipes . it's dead easy. this chow mein is ready in just 35 minutes , start to finish.

This recipe gives you 4 generous servings. perfect for a family feast!

Chow Down on the Benefits

One of the best bits? it's secretly healthy! packed with protein and those all-important veggies, this is takeout fakeaway recipes done right.

Quick chinese meals like this are amazing for busy weeknight chinese dinner when you want something tasty and easy. this recipe has been my favourite for years.

Let's get to it!

With the fresh, crisp veggies, and chicken it's an authentic and tasty meal that's quick and ready. its umami flavour is the real selling point! so, let's get started and see the simple ingredients.

Let's see what you need for easy chinese recipes .

Alright, let's talk chow mein! Everyone loves chinese recipes , right? Especially when it’s better than takeout. This Easy Chinese Recipes version is a game-changer. You won't be ordering in again.

Speedy Chicken Chow Mein: Better Than Takeout! Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced green bell pepper
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 8 oz dried chow mein noodles (or lo mein noodles)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine chicken and marinade ingredients in a bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge).
• Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
• Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from wok and set aside.
• Add garlic, ginger, and onion to the wok and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add cooked noodles, cooked chicken, bean sprouts, and sauce to the wok. Toss well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Chinese

Nailing the Ingredients & Equipment

Seriously, getting the right stuff makes all the difference. We're doing Homemade Chinese Food here, so quality matters.

Main Players in the Chow Mein Game

• Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless breasts, cubed. Get good quality chicken. It should look pink and fresh, not pale or slimy.
• Soy Sauce (Marinade): 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Cornstarch (Marinade): 1 tbsp (8g) .
• Sesame Oil (Marinade): 1 tsp (5ml) .
• White Pepper (Marinade): 1/4 tsp (a pinch!).
• Soy Sauce (Sauce): 3 tbsp (45ml) .
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Honestly, this is the secret weapon.
• Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . It adds colour and depth.
• Shaoxing Rice Wine (or Dry Sherry): 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Cornstarch (Sauce): 1 tbsp (8g) .
• Sugar: 1 tsp (4g) .
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• White Pepper (Sauce): 1/4 tsp (a pinch!).
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Ginger: 1 inch , peeled and minced.
• Yellow Onion: 1 small , thinly sliced.
• Carrots: 1 cup (100g) , sliced.
• Celery: 1 cup (100g) , sliced.
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 cup (100g) , sliced.
• Bean Sprouts: 1 cup (50g) . Adds a lovely crunch.
• Chow Mein Noodles: 8 oz (225g) dried. Cook 'em al dente! Follow the packet for Chinese Cooking Recipes .
• Green Onions: 2 , sliced for garnish.

Seasoning Secrets of Quick Chinese Meals

The sauce is everything, innit? soy, oyster sauce, a bit of dark soy... heaven. if you don't have shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry works.

For that umami hit, don't skip the oyster sauce! it's what gives the flavour those cantonese recipes vibes. this combo will give you a takeout fakeaway recipes that's spot on every time.

These tips are what makes this recipe a go to for fast dinner recipes .

Essential Kit for a Weeknight Chinese Dinner

• Wok or Large Skillet. A good wok is worth its weight in gold.
• Large Pot. For boiling noodles, obvs.
• Mixing Bowls.

Don't have a wok? no worries! a large skillet will do the job just fine. the most important thing is getting it nice and hot.

If you're short on measuring spoons, just eyeball it. this cabbage stir fry twist will become the star of your chicken chow mein recipe .

Speedy Chicken Chow Mein: Better Than Takeout!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good takeout fakeaway recipe ? but sometimes, that takeaway just leaves you feeling a bit…bleh.

This speedy chicken chow mein is the answer. it's packed with flavour, uses fresh ingredients, and it's ready faster than ordering in.

Trust me, once you try this, you'll be saying goodbye to soggy noodles forever. plus, it’s inspired by classic cantonese recipes .

This isn't your typical greasy chow mein. this recipe delivers proper chinese cooking recipes with minimal effort. think tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles, all in a savory sauce.

Perfect for a weeknight chinese dinner when you need something comforting. this chow mein recipe can be made in just 35 minutes .

It's also incredibly easy.

Nailing the Prep for Brilliant Chow Mein

Good prep is key to fast dinner recipes . Honestly, it makes all the difference.

Essential Mise en Place

First, cube your chicken. marinate it. chop all your veggies. whisk together your sauce. cook your noodles according to the package.

Having everything ready to go will make the actual cooking process a breeze.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Marinate the chicken while you chop the veg. it saves time and lets the flavour really sink in. honestly, you can do this ahead of time and keep the chicken marinating in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Safety Reminders

Be careful when stir-frying at high heat. Keep a close eye on your pan. Don't overcrowd it. Small batches are best for even cooking.

Step-by-Step to Chow Mein Perfection

Making homemade Chinese food doesn't have to be intimidating. I promise, this is easier than it looks.

1. Marinate: Combine chicken and marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes .
2. Sauce it Up: Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Noodle Time: Cook noodles until al dente . Drain well.
4. Chicken Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok over high heat . Add chicken. Cook until done (165° F/ 74° C ), about 3- 4 minutes . Set aside.
5. Veggie Sauté: Add garlic, ginger, and onion to the wok. Sauté for 1 minute . Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3- 4 minutes .
6. Combine and Simmer: Add noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, and sauce to the wok. Toss well. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 2- 3 minutes .
7. Serve: Garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Chow Mein Glory

These simple tricks will elevate your Easy Chinese Recipes .

Expert Techniques

A super-hot wok is essential for that smoky stir-fry flavour. Don't be afraid to crank up the heat. A good cabbage stir fry goes so well with Chow Mein

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the noodles is a crime ! They should be al dente. Also, don't overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches. And remember, high quality soy sauce is key!

Make-Ahead Options

You can prep the veggies and sauce up to a day in advance. store them separately in the fridge. this cuts down on cooking time during the week.

Making this a great one for quick quick chinese meals .

So there you have it. this speedy chicken chow mein is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. forget the takeaway. whip this up and enjoy a delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal in minutes.

Your taste buds will thank you! especially when using my chicken chow mein recipe . and if you are new to chinese recipes , this is a must try!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Speedy Chicken Chow Mein Sing

So, you're about to whip up some cracking easy chinese recipes ? fantastic! honestly, this speedy chicken chow mein recipe is proper easy.

But, like any good dish, a few extra notes can turn "good" into "oh my gosh, this is better than takeout!" i like to think of these as little nudges to help you nail it.

They can help you to turn easy homemade chinese food into masterpieces. remember that time i accidentally set off the smoke alarm? yeah, pay attention to these!

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation!

Presentation matters, even for quick chinese meals . think about it. no need to get all fancy like a michelin-star chef.

But a little effort goes a long way. i like to serve my chow mein in shallow bowls, piled high.

Garnish with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra "oomph." a side of crispy spring rolls never goes amiss.

And a nice pot of jasmine tea? sorted! it cuts through the richness.

Storage Tips: Batch Cooking for the Win

Got leftovers? lucky you! this chow mein keeps well. pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, just microwave it until it's piping hot. or, for a crispier result, stir-fry it in a pan with a bit of oil.

Freezing is possible, but the noodles might get a bit softer upon thawing. but hey, it's still delicious.

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to mix things up a bit? go for it! for a vegetarian chow mein , swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms and bok choy.

A dash of chilli oil will turn these chinese cooking recipes into firecrackers. need a takeout fakeaway recipes ? add a bit of sriracha to the sauce for a kick.

For dietary swaps, you could use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition Basics: What You're Getting

Each serving is roughly 550 calories. you also get protein, fat and carbohydrates. it is a balanced meal. this cabbage stir fry is a great way to sneak more veggies in.

Of course, exact values vary. particularly based on the sauce brands you use. do not forget that chicken chow mein recipe is a good source of energy.

So, you will be ready to face the day!. these cantonese recipes have incredible health benefits. all of this make this recipe a perfect weeknight chinese dinner .

Right then, you're armed with all the info you need to make this Fast Dinner Recipes shine. Get stuck in, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment. You've got this!