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Chicken Chow Mein

Ready in 40 mins

Recipe by Graham 

In southern China from where this recipe originates, the words Chow Mein literally mean "stir-fried noodles" and it has become a very popular dish worldwide. It is a quick, versatile and a tasty way to cook egg noodles (which are readily available in the shops). In fact, with Chow Mein, you can add almost any ingredient you want, such as vegetables, fish, meat or poultry.

There are lots of Chow Mein recipes out there, but this is how I like to make it. It's as good as any you'll get in a top Chinese restaurant. I call for chicken here, but use whatever protein you like- or none at all!

Preparation Time

30 Minutes

Cooking Time

10 Minutes

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein

If you are not familiar with any ingredients, please check our International Cooking Terms page.

Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements

To serve 4:

8 oz dried egg noodles
1 large boneless chicken breast
2 tablespoons groundnut oil *
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 clove garlic
2 oz mange-tout **
2 rashers (slices) smoked bacon
½ teaspoon sugar
2 spring onions (a.k.a. scallions or salad onions)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Cook Chicken Chow Mein

  1. Cook the dried noodles according to the instructions on the packet (usually boiled for about 4-5 minutes) then drain the water from the pan and replace it with cold water. The noodles will keep this way for several hours.
  2. Remove any skin from the chicken breast then slice it into fine shreds about 2" (5cm) long. Mix the chicken with 2 teaspoons of the light soy sauce and the dry sherry together in a small bowl and leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes (longer f possible). Meanwhile, trim the ends ff the mange-tout, finely chop the spring onions, cut the bacon rashers (slices) into thin strips and finely chop the garlic.
  3. Heat a large frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of the groundnut oil and then the chicken shreds. Stir fry for about two minutes then remove the chicken from the pan with a slotted spoon and place into a sieve (strainer) or colander to drain.
  4. Drain the noodles, shaking off as much excess water as possible. Add another tablespoon of groundnut oil to the pan then reheat it and add the chopped garlic. Stir fry for about 10 seconds, add the mange-tout and the bacon strips. Stir fry for a further 1 minute then add the noodles, the remaining teaspoon of soy sauce, sugar and spring onions. Continue to stir fry for about 2 minutes then add the chicken to the mixture.
  5. Continue to stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes to thoroughly cook the ingredients, add the sesame oil and give the whole mixture a few final stirs. Turn this into a warmed dish and serve with Chicken with Sesame Seeds.
  6. * Groundnut oil enhances the flavour of any stir-fried food. You can, however, substitute corn oil if necessary.
  7. ** Whilst I have suggested mange-tout in this recipe, in fact, almost any finely-sliced green bean would be just as good.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
As with almost all Chinese cooking, there are many ingredients so you will find it useful to have everything already prepared and at hand when you begin cooking.