Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic – A Flavorful, Quick Weeknight Dinner

Introduction

Recipe for Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic—a delicious combination of tender noodles, savory teriyaki chicken, and crisp vegetables. This dish takes the best of two favorite Asian-inspired meals—teriyaki chicken and chow mein—and merges them into a satisfying, one-pan dinner. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors and a variety of textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty option to impress guests, this chow mein has you covered. Let’s get started with some tips from Elonore Chef IA to guide you through this magical dish!

Elonore Chef IA’s Tip:

“Marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes helps lock in the flavors and makes the chicken extra juicy. For an even deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight!”

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic : A Brief History 

Chow Mein, meaning “fried noodles” in Mandarin, originated in China and quickly became a popular dish around the world due to its simple preparation and versatility. Traditionally made with egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and proteins like chicken, pork, or shrimp, chow mein is a comforting, savory dish that can be adapted with a variety of ingredients.

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique in which foods are grilled, broiled, or stir-fried with a soy sauce-based glaze that often includes sugar, ginger, and garlic. The sweet and savory flavor of teriyaki sauce has made it a favorite around the world, particularly in fusion dishes that blend Asian and Western flavors.

By combining these two classic dishes, Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic brings the best of both worlds together into one flavorful meal.

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic : Perfect Occasions

This Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic is perfect for:

• Busy Weeknights: With minimal prep and cook time, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family Dinners: The combination of sweet teriyaki chicken and savory chow mein noodles makes it a kid-friendly dinner option that’s both healthy and delicious.
• Meal Prep: Make a large batch and portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week. The noodles and chicken hold up well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.
• Casual Gatherings: Serve this dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls or dumplings for a fun and flavorful dinner party menu.

Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to round out the meal. You’ll love how easy it is to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips) 🐓
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced) 🧄
• 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)

For the Chow Mein:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles 🍜
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion (thinly sliced) 🧅
• 1 cup shredded cabbage 🥬
• 1 large carrot (julienned) 🥕
• 1/2 cup snap peas or bell peppers (sliced) 🌶️
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish 🌿

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic : Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic 🧄, and minced ginger. Add the sliced chicken breasts 🐓 to the marinade, stirring to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Elonore Chef IA:

“Marinating the chicken allows it to soak up all the flavors, making each bite juicy and flavorful. For even more flavor, stir-fry the chicken over high heat to caramelize the sauce.”

2. Cook the Chow Mein Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions 🍜. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion 🧅, shredded cabbage 🥬, julienned carrots 🥕, and snap peas (or bell peppers) 🌶️. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch.

4. Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

In a separate pan, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken 🐓 and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the outside. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Combine the Noodles and Chicken

Add the cooked chow mein noodles 🍜 to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, tossing everything together to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly. Finally, add the cooked chicken and any remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan, stirring gently to combine.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions 🌿 for extra flavor and a bit of crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic : Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic offers a well-balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C from bell peppers and carrots. The chow mein noodles offer a satisfying base, making this dish both filling and nutritious. You can also adjust the recipe by adding more vegetables, substituting whole wheat or gluten-free noodles, or reducing the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking

• Large Wok or Skillet: For stir-frying the chicken, noodles, and vegetables together.
• Pot for Boiling Noodles: To cook the chow mein noodles to the perfect texture.
• Tongs or Stir-Fry Spatula: To toss the ingredients evenly and ensure everything cooks through.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the vegetables and chicken.

Health Considerations and Precautions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and teriyaki sauce to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein alternative. Stir-fry the tofu until golden and crisp before adding it to the noodles.

FAQ

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components of this dish—marinate the chicken and cook the noodles—up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry them together just before serving for the freshest flavor.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein?

While the noodles might lose some texture, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables. Simply reheat them in a hot skillet, then add fresh noodles for best results.

3. What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work wonderfully in this dish. You can also add bean sprouts for extra crunch!

This Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein Magic recipe is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and quick to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Try it out today and don’t forget to tag #Recipesify to show off your cooking creations! For more Asian-inspired dishes, check out our Stir-Fry Vegetable Noodles Recipe for another easy, tasty meal idea.