Chicken Chowmein
A classic Indo-Chinese street food favorite! Stir-fried noodles tossed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeaway right to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
Prepare Noodles and Chicken
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt and the hakka noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until al dente, as per package directions. Do not overcook.
- Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 tsp of oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. This process, called velveting, keeps the chicken tender.
Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, red chili sauce, and white vinegar. Set this sauce mixture aside for later.
Stir-fry Aromatics and Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it's shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the wok. Spread it in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
Stir-fry Vegetables
- In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute on high heat.
- Add the julienned carrots and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry for 2 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but still crisp.
- Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another minute until it just begins to wilt.
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles, the prepared sauce mixture, 0.5 tsp salt, and the remaining 0.5 tsp black pepper powder.
- Using two spatulas or tongs, toss everything together vigorously on high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and everything is well-coated in the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the green parts of the spring onions.
Serve
- Serve the Chicken Chowmein immediately, garnished with extra spring onion greens if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en place is key! Have all your vegetables chopped, chicken marinated, and sauce mixed before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Use a wok for the best results. Its shape allows for high heat and easy tossing of ingredients.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. If you don't have a large wok, cook the ingredients in batches to ensure they stir-fry rather than steam.
- 4High heat is crucial for that authentic 'wok hei' flavor and to keep vegetables crisp.
- 5To make the chicken extra tender, you can add 1 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of oil to the marinade.
- 6Rinsing noodles in cold water not only stops the cooking but also removes excess starch, preventing them from becoming gummy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the chicken and add paneer, tofu, or mushrooms. Sauté them after the aromatics until golden brown. Ensure your noodles are egg-free for a vegan version.
Prawn ChowmeinPrawn Chowmein
Substitute chicken with 300g of peeled and deveined prawns. Marinate them similarly and stir-fry for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl up.
Spicy SchezwanSpicy Schezwan
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce along with the other sauces for a fiery and pungent flavor.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or snow peas.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and capsicum, this dish offers a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and immunity.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Chowmein can be a balanced meal as it contains protein from chicken, carbohydrates from noodles, and vitamins from vegetables. However, it can be high in sodium and fat due to sauces and oil. To make it healthier, use whole wheat noodles, load up on vegetables, use low-sodium soy sauce, and reduce the amount of oil.