Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chow Mein Sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, optional, for color
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-fry

12 ounces chow mein noodles, fresh or dried
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 garlic, cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
2 cups napa cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste, for serving

Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
⏱️ 5 min
2
In a small bowl, whisk together all the Chow Mein Sauce ingredients: chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), granulated sugar, white pepper, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min
3
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions. For fresh noodles, this usually involves boiling for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm. For dried noodles, follow the specific instructions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Toss with 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to keep them from clumping.
⏱️ 8 min
4
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
⏱️ 5 min
5
Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 min
6
Add the julienned carrots and sliced celery to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
⏱️ 3 min
7
Add the shredded napa cabbage and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage has wilted.
⏱️ 3 min
8
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked and drained chow mein noodles. Pour the prepared Chow Mein Sauce over everything.
⏱️ 1 min
9
Toss all the ingredients together vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are thoroughly coated with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.
⏱️ 2 min
10
Stir in the green parts of the chopped green onions. Toss once more and remove from heat.
⏱️ 1 min
11
Serve the Chicken Chow Mein immediately, garnished with chili flakes if desired.