Chicken Chow Mein

This is the real deal. I have tasted more than my fair share of Chicken Chow Mein over the years, so when I say this tastes exactly like the best Chicken Chow Mein you have tasted; you can trust me! This tastes so delicious there aren’t enough ways for me to rave about it! 

Chicken Chow Mein is one of my all time favourite meals 

Ever since I can remember, Chicken Chow Mein has been one of my favourite meals.

As I’ve grown up, my favourite things to eat have changed but Chicken Chow Mein has always remained up there. Anytime we have a Chinese takeaway or go to a Chinese restaurant, I have to order it because it is hands down the best part of a Chinese meal for me. 

I have eaten so many Chicken Chow Mein’s over the years that I feel qualified to give a trusted opinion.

In an attempt to recreate it myself at home, I have tried numerous different chow mein recipes. Each one was a disappointment. They tasted nice enough, but they weren’t what I think of as being a proper Chicken Chow Mein. 

Finding an amazing recipe 

I don’t remember exactly how I stumbled across The Woks of Life blog, but I am so pleased I did! It’s a blog run by a family who all come up with delicious authentic Chinese cooking.

I was initially sceptical after being let down by Chicken Chow Mein recipes so many times before. But the step of frying the noodles was something I hadn’t seen before and was what convinced me to give it a go.

Oh my goodness it was amazing. The flavours are exactly what you want from a Chicken Chow Mein. I have tried quite a few of their recipes now and they are all delicious. 

I have adapted their Cantonese Soy Sauce Pan-Fried Noodle recipe to create my Chicken Chow Mein recipe. I’ve tweaked the sauce slightly and added chicken.

Chicken Chow Mein cooking tips 

There are a few tips you really should stick to when making this recipe. Firstly it is essential to get the correct ingredients.

They’re not very expensive and can easily be found at your local Chinese supermarket, or even in the world food aisle of large supermarkets. If you are able to go to a Chinese supermarket I would definitely recommend doing so as things seem very reasonably priced.

Also you can pick up some great things you wouldn’t find in standard supermarkets. The other thing to remember is to keep your wok/pan hot. Turn it up as high as it will go!

Definitely do not skip the step of crisping up the noodles in the pan. I think this is an essential step that is the secret behind their amazing taste. It isn’t much effort to do this; Mr Curly often makes this by himself! 

This is a great way of using up leftover roast chicken, but if you don’t have any leftover chicken do not panic! Just cook a chicken breast in the oven at 180ºC for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Leave to cool for 10 minutes or so until it is cool enough to shred and then you’re ready to make the dish!

What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

The main difference between chow mein and lo mein are the methods of cooking. 

Authentic chow mein involves crisping the noodles before you add the rest of the ingredients. 

Lo mein noodles are usually just boiled so they are soft. 

Which noodles are best to use?

Chicken Chow Mein is traditionally made with medium egg noodles.

You can buy egg noodles in all standard supermarkets but I prefer to buy them from an Asian supermarket. This is because you can get larger bags for a really reasonable price.

In my local Asian supermarket they are labelled as chow mein noodles which makes it really easy to make sure you are buying the right ones!

Like I said you can buy egg noodles in any supermarket, but make sure you buy the medium noodles and not the fine ones for this recipe.

Easy to find ingredients

I know a lot of people worry when they are looking to try new recipes that they might struggle to find the ingredients they need.

The great thing about this Chicken Chow Mein is that all of the ingredients you will be able to find in a large supermarket.

Over the last few years, supermarkets have really improved the range of ingredients they provide. Remember to check out the world food’s aisle as this is where you usually find the better priced and more authentic brands.

Although you can find all of the ingredients in your supermarket, I would really recommend visiting your local Asian supermarket.

I absolutely love browsing the aisles and looking at ingredients I might not have seen before.

Can I add more vegetables?

Although it isn’t traditional to add any other vegetables apart from spring onions and beansprouts, you can add them if you would like.

You should add these to the pan or wok after you have added the spring onions. Cook them for a couple of minutes, stirring often before continuing with the recipe.

Make your own Chinese feast at home with these recipes 

• Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Steamed Pork Buns
• Tenderstem Broccoli with Oyster Sauce & Garlic

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