Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavorful Marinade: The five-spice powder adds a complex, aromatic flavor to the chicken skewers that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Balanced Meal: A combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs makes this a complete, satisfying dinner.
- Quick Cooking: Both the skewers and chow mein come together in under 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and fun skewer presentation make this a hit with younger diners.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy skewering. Cut them into uniform pieces for even grilling.
- Soy sauce: Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor in both the marinade and the chow mein.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements in the marinade.
- Five-spice powder: This aromatic blend of spices adds depth and complexity to the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the marinade’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Used for both grilling the skewers and stir-frying the chow mein.
- Chow mein noodles: Dried noodles are quick to cook and perfect for a speedy meal.
- Onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and cabbage: These vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrition to the chow mein.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the chow mein.
- Sesame oil: A small amount adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Used as a garnish to add freshness and texture.
For substitutions, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, and maple syrup or agave can replace honey if needed.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If time allows, marinate overnight for the best results.
- Grilling Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C) for perfect char and juicy chicken.
- Skewer Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Stir-Frying: Keep your wok or skillet hot and stir constantly to achieve the perfect texture for your vegetables and noodles.
- Visual Cues: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice char. The vegetables should be slightly crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken, marinating similarly and grilling until golden brown.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicier version of the chicken skewers.
- Seafood Twist: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, seafood-based meal.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Swap out the vegetables in the chow mein based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Beef Skewers: Use beef sirloin cut into cubes for a heartier protein option.
- Noodle Swap: Try using lo mein noodles or even spaghetti for a different texture in the chow mein.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh cilantro or Thai basil to the chow mein for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinner: Serve the skewers and chow mein on a large platter for a fun, family-style meal.
- Weeknight Meal: Pair with a simple side salad for a complete, balanced dinner.
- Party Appetizer: Serve the chicken skewers as an appetizer, with the chow mein as a side dish.
- Presentation: Arrange the skewers on a bed of chow mein, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an eye-catching presentation.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a cold glass of Asian beer or a light, crisp white wine like a Riesling.
- Kid-Friendly: Cut the skewers into smaller pieces for younger children and serve with chopsticks for a fun dining experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The chicken skewers can be frozen before grilling. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The chow mein can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. The chicken skewers can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the chow mein a day ahead. Reheat before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of five-spice powder?
You can use a combination of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns if you don’t have five-spice powder.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Brush the skewers with oil before grilling and ensure your grill is well-oiled and preheated.
Q: Can I use different vegetables in the chow mein?
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer, such as broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini.
Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken skewers?
The skewers should take about 6-8 minutes on a medium-high grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken skewers can be frozen, and the chow mein can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti if you prefer.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice char on the outside.
Conclusion
Five-Spice Chicken Skewers with Speedy Chow Mein is the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. The combination of aromatic chicken skewers and a vibrant, speedy chow mein will satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me for a chance to be featured. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Five-Spice Chicken Skewers with Speedy Chow Mein
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers
- Large wok or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for skewers
- 8 oz dried chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for chow mein
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 carrots julienned
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 3 tbsp soy sauce for chow mein
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and minced garlic to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Brush the skewers with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the chow mein. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and red bell pepper, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the wok and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken skewers on a bed of the speedy chow mein, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
