A dish with chicken chow mein, a side dish with sauce and wooden chopsticks photographed from above
Photography, Stacey Brandford

Chicken Chow Mein

Our better-than-takeout chicken chow mein is perfect for busy weeknights.

Chow mein” translates to “fried noodles.” This springy egg noodle is a great one-pan dinner that includes protein, veggies, carbs and aromatics. It’s also a meal that perfectly satisfies the next day, whether it’s rewarmed or served cold. We like to serve this with our spicy, garlicky chili crisp.

A dish with chicken chow mein, a side dish with sauce and wooden chopsticks photographed from above

Chicken Chow Mein

This springy egg noodle dish is a great one-pan dinner that includes protein, veggies, carbs and aromatics.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into small chunks or strips
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine Chinese cooking wine
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • pinch salt

Noodles

  • 450 g pkg Hong Kong-style fresh chow mein noodles see note #1
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp white pepper or black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • cups sodium-reduced chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions cut into chunks, white and light-green parts separated
  • 1 bunch choy sum (see note #2) or baby bok choy (450 g) washed, trimmed and torn in half

Instructions
 

  • In bowl, add chicken, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, cornstarch and salt, tossing to coat. Let marinate 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Place chow mein in a large bowl; cover with hot tap water and let stand 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
  • In a 2-cup measure, stir together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper and salt; stir in chicken stock. In small bowl, stir together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water.
  • Heat 2½ tbsp of the vegetable oil in extra-large skillet over high heat until hazy. Spread noodles in an even flat circle and fry until brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip using large spatula and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes. Slide onto platter.
  • Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil over high heat until hazy. Add chicken, spreading out evenly, and cook, stirring, until browned, 2 to 3 minutes; add garlic and white parts of green onions, stirring for 30 seconds. Add chicken stock mixture and bring to a boil.
  • Stir in choy sum, then cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring; bring to a boil. Stir in green onions and immediately pour over crispy noodles.
  • Serve with chili crisp or hot sauce.

Notes

  1. Look for bags of fresh chow mein noodles – sometimes called “Hong Kong style” or “Cantonese style” – in the refrigerated section of large grocery stores or Asian markets.
  2. Choy sum is a tender and slightly sweet Chinese leafy green; it has a texture that’s close to bok choy and is a member of the brassica mustard family.

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