In today’s fast-paced world, you often find yourself pressed for time but still wanting to enjoy a delicious meal at home. Enter Savory Chicken Chow Mein, a dish that is not only quick to prepare—taking just 20 minutes to whip up—but also is packed full of flavor and wholesome ingredients. This delightful stir-fry will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, especially on those busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful yet uncomplicated.
Why We Love This Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat Recipe
First, let’s talk about the flavors. The combination of dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of five-spice creates a mouthwatering umami experience that will keep you coming back for more. The addition of fresh vegetables not only adds color but also provides a great crunch and extra nutrition, making it a well-rounded dish.
The best part? You can have this dish on your table in under 20 minutes, making it your new go-to recipe for a quick dinner. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to prepare this dish. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, you can impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients about Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
To make this delicious Savory Chicken Chow Mein, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (mixed with water for consistency)
- 2 tablespoons soft dark brown sugar (light brown sugar works too)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce (you can reduce sodium if preferred)
- ¼ cup oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup chicken stock (homemade if you can)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (substitute with vegetable oil if needed)
- 300 g chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice (reduce if you’re sensitive to strong flavors)
- 1 bag stir-fry vegetable mix (or fresh diced veggies like bell peppers and bean sprouts)
- 200 g dry noodles (dried egg noodles or straight-to-wok noodles)
How to Make Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat Directions
Cooking Savory Chicken Chow Mein is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by measuring and preparing all your ingredients. Having everything ready to go will streamline your cooking process and ensures a smooth flow.
- Cook the Noodles: If you’re using dried noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them. Generally, you’ll want to boil them for a few minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If you’re using straight-to-wok noodles, you can skip this step.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, soft dark brown sugar, chicken stock, and cornflour mixture. Stir until combined and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan and sprinkle with the Chinese five-spice powder. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in your stir-fry vegetable mix or fresh diced veggies. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the vegetables are still crisp and colorful.
- Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly. Finally, add in the cooked noodles and toss everything together for another minute or so, ensuring that the noodles are evenly distributed and warmed through.
- Serve Immediately: Once everything is well mixed and heated through, your tasty Savory Chicken Chow Mein is ready to serve.
How to Serve Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
Serving Savory Chicken Chow Mein can be as creative as you like! Here’s how to do it:
- On Individual Plates: For a more upscale presentation, serve individual portions on separate plates, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
- In a Large Serving Bowl: If you prefer a family-style meal, transfer the chow mein to a large bowl and let everyone help themselves.
- Add Extra Crunch: Consider serving it with a side of crispy prawn crackers or spring rolls for added texture and flavor.
Pair it with a refreshing beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, to make a complete meal experience.
Expert Tips: Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
To elevate your Savory Chicken Chow Mein, consider these expert tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate your chicken strips in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: While a pre-packaged stir-fry mix is convenient, using fresh vegetables will give you a superior taste and texture. Feel free to swap in your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
- Toast Your Noodles: If you like crispy noodles, try toasting them in the pan before adding the sauce. This gives a delightful crunch to the final dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you find that you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce in the sauce mix.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep: This dish makes excellent leftovers, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe. You can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
How to Store Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
Storing your Savory Chicken Chow Mein is quite straightforward:
- Cooling Down: Allow the chow mein to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer it to airtight containers. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from your fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you would like to keep it longer, consider freezing.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to keep it moist. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variation of Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
The beauty of chow mein lies in its adaptability. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetable-Only Chow Mein: For a vegetarian take, simply skip the chicken and load up on more vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini can be delicious substitutes.
- Add Proteins: If chicken isn’t your thing, you could use shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different protein option.
- Fruit Twist: Add some pineapple or cashews for a sweet and savory contrast, taking your chow mein to a new level of flavor.
- Regional Twist: You can also play around with regional spice variations, such as adding a bit of curry powder for an Indian-inspired version or sesame oil for a more Asian flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Savory Chicken Chow Mein in Just 20 Minutes Flat
What are the key ingredients in Savory Chicken Chow Mein?
The key ingredients are chicken breast, a blend of sauces (soy and oyster), garlic, and a variety of vegetables. Noodles complete the dish, giving it a satisfying texture.
How long does it take to make Savory Chicken Chow Mein?
You can make Savory Chicken Chow Mein in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option for busy nights.
Can I make Savory Chicken Chow Mein in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge. It also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
What kind of noodles are best for chow mein?
Dried egg noodles or straight-to-wok noodles are commonly used. They provide the right texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or just load up on additional vegetables for a tasty vegetarian version of chow mein.
Savory Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce can reduce sodium if preferred
- ¼ cup oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option
- 2 tablespoons soft dark brown sugar light brown sugar works too
- 1 cup chicken stock homemade if possible
- 2 tablespoons cornflour mixed with water for consistency
Main Ingredients
- 300 g chicken breast cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil substitute with vegetable oil if needed
- 1 bag stir-fry vegetable mix or fresh diced veggies like bell peppers and bean sprouts
- 200 g dry noodles dried egg noodles or straight-to-wok noodles
- 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice reduce if you’re sensitive to strong flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by measuring and preparing all your ingredients.
- If you’re using dried noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them. Generally, boil for a few minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If using straight-to-wok noodles, skip this step.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, soft dark brown sugar, chicken stock, and cornflour mixture. Stir until combined and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large wok or frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken strips and sprinkle with Chinese five-spice. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink.
- Toss in your stir-fry vegetable mix or fresh diced veggies and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly, then add in the cooked noodles.
- Toss everything together for another minute, ensuring the noodles are evenly distributed and warmed through.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
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