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Quick And Easy Chow Mein

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  • #89566

A great use for leftover chicken. Combine with onion, celery, and your choice of veggies for an easy dinner recipe.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  30-60 minutes
Rating: 4/5

5 reviews

ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons chopped onions
1 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken
1 cup diced celery
2 cups vegetables, of your choice (bean sprouts, sliced carrots, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, etc.)
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
chow mein noodles or rice

directions

Melt the butter in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft.

Add the chicken, celery, and remaining vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.

Combine the broth, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl or measuring cup and mix well to dissolve the sugar. Add to the chicken and bring to a simmer. Let simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine the cornstarch and water and add to the liquid in the pan. Stir well then let simmer for 4-5 minutes longer or until the sauce has thickened.

Serve the chow mein over rice or noodles.

recipe tips


Try marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.

Toasting the chow mein noodles before serving adds a nice crunch.

Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for a light, nutty flavor.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth to thin it out.

Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Use a high heat when cooking the vegetables to retain their crunch.

If using sugar substitutes, adjust the quantity according to preference. Make sure it is a heat-safe substitute or it may add a bitter flavor to the sauce.

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

Prepping all ingredients before cooking makes the process smoother and faster.

Try different protein sources like tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a pescatarian variant.

common recipe questions


What can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe?

Tofu, shrimp, or beef can be used as substitutes for chicken.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use different vegetables than the ones listed?

Feel free to use any vegetables you like such as bell peppers, peas, or broccoli.

What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How should this dish be served?

Serve over cooked chow mein noodles or rice.

What's the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, though the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Is there a low-sodium alternative to soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or a soy sauce substitute such as liquid aminos.


nutrition data

185 calories, 8 grams fat, 8 grams carbohydrates, 19 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Sherea REVIEW:

    Turned out pretty good!

  2. pitman5 REVIEW:

    Very bland. Needs a lot more seasoning.

  3. JillJ REVIEW:

    Just like my mom made!! Thanks so much.

  4. leftyg REVIEW:

    I don't know if this was supposed to be a copycat recipe necessarily, but it tasted just like the canned La Choy chow mein I used to eat in college. I sprinkled in some firm chow mein noodles and could not taste the difference.

  5. Valerie REVIEW:

    A very flexible recipe. I used sort of your standard chow mein veggies like water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. For a little color I was wishing I'd added some red bell pepper but it still tasted great!

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