Savory Chicken Chow Mein Delight
Indulge in our Savory Chicken Chow Mein Delight recipe, a perfect meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, all coated in a flavorful sauce, bringing a taste of Chinese cuisine to your table. Quick and easy to prepare, this one-dish meal is both satisfying and nutritious, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Serve it over fluffy rice or crispy chow mein noodles to complete the experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh celery
1 package (sliced)
olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
bean sprouts
1 cup (washed)
canned mushroom pieces
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
sliced water chestnuts
1 (7 ounce) can (drained)
cooked chicken
2 cups (cut up)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
water
1/4 cup (for cornstarch mix)
condensed chicken broth
1 (10 ounce) can (for flavoring)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (for seasoning)
hot cooked rice
as needed (for serving)
chow mein noodles
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive or vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced celery and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes crisp-tender.
3
Stir in the bean sprouts, drained mushroom pieces, sliced water chestnuts, and cut up cooked chicken, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
5
Gradually stir in the condensed chicken broth and soy sauce into the cornstarch mixture, blending until thoroughly mixed.
6
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the pot.
7
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
8
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
9
Serve the chicken chow mein over hot cooked rice and top with crispy chow mein noodles for added texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Chow Mein Delight?
It is a vibrant Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a savory thickened sauce.
How long does it take to saute the celery?
The sliced fresh celery should be sauteed for approximately 5 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
What kind of oil should I use?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil for this recipe.
Is the chicken cooked before starting?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of cut up cooked chicken to be added to the vegetable mixture.
How do I prepare the bean sprouts?
The bean sprouts should be washed before being stirred into the pot.
Do I need to drain the mushrooms?
Yes, the 4-ounce can of mushroom pieces should be drained before use.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to create the sauce's consistency.
How do I prevent lumps in the cornstarch?
Whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth.
What liquids make up the sauce?
The sauce is a blend of cornstarch, water, condensed chicken broth, and soy sauce.
How do I thicken the chow mein sauce?
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
How long should the dish simmer?
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
What should I serve this dish with?
It is traditionally served over hot cooked rice and topped with crispy chow mein noodles.
Can I use a skillet instead of a pot?
Yes, a large skillet or a large pot is suitable for preparing this one-dish meal.
What size can of chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of condensed chicken broth.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of soy sauce for seasoning.
Do the water chestnuts need preparation?
They should be sliced and drained from their 7-ounce can before being added.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While the recipe specifies celery, sprouts, and mushrooms, you can easily incorporate other vegetables for added nutrition.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables in a smooth, thick sauce with a crunchy noodle topping.
How much oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes, though the recipe calls for canned, fresh mushrooms can be substituted if sauteed properly.
What if I don't have chow mein noodles?
While they provide texture, the dish is also served over rice which provides a substantial base.
Is the celery supposed to be soft?
No, the goal is to saute it until it is crisp-tender to maintain some texture.
What temperature should I simmer at?
Simmering should be done on a low heat setting with the pot covered.
How many cups of chicken are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cut up cooked chicken.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe as written is savory and mild, but you can add spice if desired.
Does the recipe include salt?
The sodium primarily comes from the soy sauce and condensed chicken broth.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, it is noted as being a great meal for weekend gatherings.
What kind of rice is best?
Any hot cooked rice, such as white or brown rice, works well as a base.
Why must I stir continuously while boiling?
Stirring prevents the cornstarch from burning or clumping as the sauce thickens.