Name: Easy chicken chow mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 150 g medium egg noodles (or 5oz); 300 g skinless chicken breast fillets (sliced into strips or 11oz); 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp five-spice powder; 1 tsp chilli sauce (optional); 1 tbsp cornflour; 1 tbsp groundnut oil; 1 medium red pepper (seeds removed and thinly sliced); 150 g beansprouts (or 5oz); 1 medium spring onion (sliced lengthways); dash toasted sesame oil (for drizzling); freshly ground black pepper

Introduction to Easy Chicken Chow Mein

If you're a young professional juggling a busy schedule, easy chicken chow mein is your new best friend. Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a delicious, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes! This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile; you can toss in any seasonal veggies you have on hand. Whether it's crunchy bell peppers or fresh bean sprouts, the options are endless.

The best part? This recipe is designed with nutrition in mind. Each serving is packed with 49g of protein, making it a health-conscious choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while on the go. Plus, it's dairy-free and pregnancy-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.

Why not check out more on nutritious meals from BBC Good Food or explore additional quick recipes on EatingWell? These resources can inspire you to mix things up in your kitchen and cater to your dietary preferences.

So, if you're ready to elevate your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen, let’s dive into this easy chicken chow mein recipe that promises big flavors and minimal fuss!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Essential ingredients for a delicious chow mein

Creating a delightful easy chicken chow mein is all about having the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you'll need:

Medium egg noodles (150g/5oz): They provide that classic chewy texture.
Skinless chicken breast fillets (300g/11oz): Slice them into strips for a quick cook.
Light soy sauce (2 tbsp): This brings depth of flavor without overpowering.
Five-spice powder (1 tsp): Adds a unique aromatic touch.
Groundnut oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying and contributes a subtle nuttiness.
Dash of toasted sesame oil: This final drizzle enhances the dish beautifully.
Fresh vegetables like red pepper (1) and beansprouts (150g/5oz) for crunch and color.
Spring onion (1): Sliced lengthways, it adds brightness.
Cornflour (1 tbsp): For a light coating that helps in browning the chicken.

Optional ingredients to customize your dish

Want to make your chow mein even more special? Consider these optional ingredients:

Chilli sauce: Spice it up if you love heat!
Additional vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or snap peas can give more texture and nutrients.
Eggs: Scramble in an egg for a protein boost and added richness.

Feel free to mix and match based on your taste or what you have in your pantry. It's all about enjoying the cooking experience! For more tips on stir-frying techniques, you might want to check out this article from Serious Eats. Happy cooking!

Preparing Easy Chicken Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that ticks all the boxes, easy chicken chow mein could be your new go-to recipe! In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of this savory noodle dish brimming with flavor and essential nutrients. Let’s dive right in!

Cook the noodles

Start off by cooking your medium egg noodles. Bring a pan of water to a rolling boil, then add the noodles. They should only take about 2 to 3 minutes to cook until al dente, but it’s always a good idea to check the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and give them a good rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. This not only cools them off but also prevents sticking. To keep things tasty, drizzle a dash of toasted sesame oil over the noodles and toss them gently. This little trick adds a great aroma!

Prepare the chicken and season

While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Grab about 300 grams of skinless chicken breast fillets and slice them into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, season the chicken with a splash of light soy sauce, a teaspoon of five-spice powder for that distinct flavor, and chili sauce if you're feeling adventurous. It’s sounding good already, right? After seasoning, dust the chicken lightly with some cornflour; this creates a lovely texture when it’s stir-fried.

Stir fry the chicken

Next, heat up your wok (make sure it’s super hot!) and add a tablespoon of groundnut oil. As soon as the oil shimmers, toss in the chicken strips. Stir fry them for around 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden-brown and are cooked through. This quick cooking method keeps them juicy and tender while sealing in the flavor.

Add vegetables and combine

Once your chicken is beautifully cooked, it’s time to add some vibrant colors! Throw in sliced red pepper and stir-fry for about a minute, then add the bean sprouts and spring onion. Cook these for an additional 30 seconds—just long enough for them to soften slightly but still be crunchy. Now for the grand finale: stir in those noodles and season with a little extra soy sauce, another dash of sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure everything is well-cooled.

Serve the chow mein

Your easy chicken chow mein is almost ready to shine on the dinner table! Pile it onto a serving plate or bowl and dig in while it’s hot. You might want to have some extra soy sauce or chili sauce on hand for those who love a bit more zing.

This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, like broccoli or carrots. For additional inspiration, check out BBC Food for more stir-fry ideas. Happy cooking!

Variations on Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Vegetarian Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a meat-free alternative that still packs a flavor punch, try a vegetarian chow mein! Simply swap out the chicken for your favorite plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Toss in colorful veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, and don’t forget the bean sprouts for that delightful crunch. With the same easy chicken chow mein recipe base, you can create a dish that’s nutritious and satisfying. Check out more vegetarian stir-fry ideas at BBC Good Food.

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein

For those who crave heat, a spicy chicken chow mein will hit the spot! Just add more chili sauce to the marinade or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor. This fiery variation will surely elevate your weeknight dinners while keeping the beloved essence of chow mein intact. To explore more spicy Asian dishes, head over to Serious Eats.

Cooking tips and notes for Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Tips for getting the noodles just right

To achieve perfectly cooked noodles for your easy chicken chow mein, pay close attention to cooking time — usually, 2-3 minutes in boiling water will do the trick. Make sure to rinse them under cold water right after draining; this helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from getting sticky. A dash of toasted sesame oil won’t just add flavor but will also ensure they remain separate and easy to stir-fry later.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common pitfall is overcrowding the wok with chicken or vegetables. It’s essential to cook in batches if your ingredients don’t fit comfortably. Also, don’t skip the step of seasoning the chicken with cornflour beforehand; this will keep it tender and enhance the overall texture. Remember, a hot wok is your best friend — the higher heat encourages that delicious stir-fried aroma and quick cooking, preventing sogginess. For further insights, you can find helpful cooking advice from BBC Good Food.

Serving suggestions for Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Pairing with Side Dishes or Sauces

To elevate your easy chicken chow mein, consider pairing it with some delicious side dishes. Spring rolls or crispy vegetable dumplings make for a great start. If you're craving a little zing, a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce can enhance the flavors beautifully. For an added crunch, try serving it alongside some pickled vegetables; they add a delightful contrast to the tender noodles.

Presentation Tips for Your Chow Mein

Going beyond taste, make your easy chicken chow mein visually appealing! Use a vibrant plate to contrast with the dish’s colors. Garnish with fresh herbs like coriander or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop. Serving it in a nest of lettuce leaves not only looks impressive but also adds a refreshing crunch. Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so take a moment to make your meal as stunning as it is tasty.

For more inspiration on quick meal ideas, check out BBC Good Food’s guide.

Time Breakdown for Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Preparation Time

Getting everything ready for your easy chicken chow mein is a breeze! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients. This includes slicing your chicken, veggies, and getting those noodles nice and ready.

Cooking Time

Once you’re prepped and primed, the cooking process is quick! You’ll spend around 8 minutes stir-frying everything to perfection.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at about 18 minutes from start to finish. This means you can whip up this delicious meal in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!

Now, if you’re interested in exploring more delicious, quick recipes that fit your busy lifestyle, check out resources like BBC Food for inspiration. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Calories per serving

Each serving of this easy chicken chow mein packs in 580 calories, making it a satisfying meal without being overly indulgent. Perfect for a quick dinner!

Protein content

With an impressive 49g of protein, this dish supports muscle repair and growth, making it ideal for those leading an active lifestyle.

Key nutrients

Beyond protein, this chow mein is a treasure trove of nutrients:

Carbohydrates: 67g (including 8.5g of sugars)
Fats: 11g (2g saturated)
Fiber: 7g, essential for digestive health
Sodium: 3.3g

For a deeper understanding of nutritional needs, consider checking resources like The American Heart Association for balanced diet tips.

Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy chicken chow mein is both hearty and nutritious!

FAQs about Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! To create a gluten-free version of this easy chicken chow mein, simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce option. Additionally, ensure your egg noodles are gluten-free, or you can use rice noodles instead for a delightful twist.

What can I substitute for chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken, there are plenty of options! You could use tofu for a plant-based protein, shrimp for a seafood flair, or even a lean cut of beef for those who enjoy red meat. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.

How can I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is easy! Simply place your chicken chow mein in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, a quick stir-fry in a hot pan or a few minutes in the microwave will bring back that delicious flavor. For more storage tips, check out resources on Food Storage Safety for safe practices.

Conclusion on Easy Chicken Chow Mein

In just a few simple steps, easy chicken chow mein transforms into a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish highlights how effortless cooking can truly be. Try it tonight, and you may just discover your new favorite weeknight recipe!