Quick Chicken Chow Mein is the ideal stress-free weeknight meal. Tender slices of chicken breast are stir-fried with veggies and noodles in a delicious garlicky soy sauce.
1tspbicarbonate of soda (baking soda) (optional, see note 1)
250gthin noodles (any type)
1tbspcornflour (cornstarch)
3tbspall-purpose soy sauce or tamari
1tspdark soy sauce
1tbspShaoxing wine
1tbspsesame oil
1tbspsugar
2garlic cloves, minced
2tbspolive oil
150gshredded green cabbage
90gjulienned carrot
90gbean sprouts
3spring onions (scallions), sliced into 2 cm (¾ inch) pieces
Instructions
Prepare the chicken – Put the chicken in a bowl. Sprinkle it with the bicarbonate of soda and toss so that it is evenly coated. Set aside for 20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This will produce soft, tender chicken that will rival your favourite local takeout (this method works with beef, also). This step is optional (see note 1).
Rinse the chicken with tap water in a colander and dab it with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
Prepare the noodles – Prepare the noodles as per the packet instructions. Rinse in cold water to stop them from cooking, then set aside.
Make the sauce – Prepare the sauce by first mixing the cornflour and 3 tablespoons of water together in a bowl. Add the all-purpose soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil and sugar.
Toss the chicken in the sauce – Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the sauce over the chicken and add the minced garlic. Toss so the chicken is evenly coated.
Start cooking the chicken – Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan over high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 1 minute until the chicken is sealed (it will still be raw in the centre).
Add the cabbage and carrot – Add the cabbage and carrot and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until the cabbage softens.
Add the noodles – Add the noodles and sauce and toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
Finish cooking – Add the bean sprouts and spring onion and stir them through. Cook for 30 seconds.
Serve – Serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1 – The time spent allowing the chicken to soften in the bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is well worth the results. If you are short on time you can skip step 1. The chicken won’t be as soft but it will still be delicious.Hot tip – Top with extra soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil and chilli oil (optional) for extra flavour!
MAKE AHEAD
Prepare the chicken and shred the vegetables up to 2 days before cooking for an extra-fast, easy-to-put-together dinner.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
Nutrition Facts
Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Amount per Serving
Calories
602
% Daily Value*
Fat
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
9
g
Cholesterol
74
mg
25
%
Sodium
1510
mg
66
%
Potassium
667
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
74
g
25
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
37
g
74
%
Calcium
57
mg
6
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.