If you're looking for a tasty and filling meal, there's nothing quite like a serving of chicken chow mein. With just 190 Calories, it's a great choice for anyone who wants a satisfying meal without overdoing the calorie count.
Beyond being low in Calories, chicken chow mein is also a decent source of several key nutrients. A single serving contains around 12 grams of Protein, as well as plenty of fiber, vitamin A, and iron.
In this article, we'll explore some tips for preparing and enjoying chicken chow mein, as well as some key nutritional information and potential Allergens to be aware of.
Calories in Chicken Chow Mein Entree
As mentioned earlier, a typical serving of chicken chow mein contains around 190 Calories. However, this can vary depending on how the dish is prepared and what other ingredients are added. For example, if you use a lot of oil in the cooking process or add sugar or sauce to the finished dish, the calorie count will go up. On the other hand, if you use lots of veggies and lean Protein and don't add any extra fats or sugars, you may be able to keep the calorie count even lower.
In addition to being low in Calories, chicken chow mein also provides a range of other beneficial nutrients. For example, a typical serving contains:
- 12 grams of Protein
- 2.5 grams of fiber
- 50% of your recommended daily value of vitamin A
- 15% of your recommended daily value of iron
Overall, chicken chow mein can be a healthy and well-rounded meal choice, as long as you're mindful of how it's prepared and what other ingredients you include.
Ingredients of Chicken Chow Mein Entree
The exact ingredients in a chicken chow mein dish can vary depending on the Recipe or restaurant where you get it. However, some common components typically include:
- Chicken (cooked and shredded or diced)
- Chinese egg noodles or other thin noodles
- Various veggies like onions, bell peppers, and bean sprouts
- Garlic and ginger for flavoring
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, or other sauces to add flavor
Of course, you can always customize the recipe to include other ingredients you love or omit ones you don't care for. Just be aware that this may affect the flavor and nutritional content of the final dish.
Serving Size of Chicken Chow Mein Entree
A typical serving of chicken chow mein is around 1 cup or 8 ounces in size. However, this can also vary depending on how the dish is prepared and served. If you get chicken chow mein at a restaurant, you may end up with a larger portion size than if you make it at home. It's also possible to vary the serving size based on your own appetite or nutritional goals.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, it's important to be aware of the potential Allergens in a chicken chow mein dish. Some ingredients you might want to watch out for include:
- Wheat in the noodles
- Soy sauce or other soy products
- Shellfish if included
- Eggs if included
If you're not sure whether a particular dish contains allergens, it's always best to ask the cook or waitstaff for assistance.
Preparation Method for Chicken Chow Mein Entree
The exact steps for making chicken chow mein can vary depending on the Recipe you follow or the ingredients you have on hand. However, some general tips to keep in mind include:
- Cook the chicken first and set it aside
- Cook the noodles and add them to the chicken
- Saute your veggies in a wok or skillet
- Add the noodles and chicken back in once the veggies are cooked
- Add flavorings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil as desired
Overall, chicken chow mein is a relatively simple and straightforward dish to prepare, even if you don't have a ton of cooking experience.
If you end up with leftovers after making chicken chow mein, it's important to store them properly to keep them safe to eat. Here are some general tips:
- Transfer the leftovers to an air-tight container
- Refrigerate them promptly (within 2 hours of cooking)
- Use or freeze the leftovers within 3-4 days
- Reheat the leftovers thoroughly before eating again
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your leftovers don't go to waste and don't pose a food safety risk.
Benefits of Chicken Chow Mein Entree
There are several reasons why you might want to consider including chicken chow mein in your meal rotation. Some potential benefits include:
- Low in Calories and high in Protein and fiber
- Customizable to include your favorite veggies and sauces
- Can be a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare
- Great for using up leftover chicken or veggies
Of course, everyone's nutritional needs and dietary preferences are different, so it's important to consider your own goals and constraints when deciding whether or not to include chicken chow mein in your diet.
Alternatives to Chicken Chow Mein Entree
If you're not a fan of chicken or chow mein specifically, there are plenty of other tasty Asian-inspired dishes you might enjoy. Some ideas to consider include:
- Beef or shrimp stir-fry
- Veggie fried rice or lo mein
- Miso soup
- Chicken teriyaki
- Spring rolls or dumplings
Experiment with different
Recipes and ingredients to find the dishes that work best for your taste buds and dietary needs.
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Chicken Chow Mein Entree
If you're looking for some inspiration for how to use chicken chow mein in your meals, here are 10 ideas to consider:
- Pair it with some steamed or stir-fried veggies for a well-rounded meal.
- Drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the top for a spicy kick.
- Eat it cold as part of a lunchtime salad.
- Add some peanuts or cashews for crunch.
- Try making it with zucchini noodles or another low-carb noodle alternative.
- Add some sauteed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
- Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or spring rolls.
- Add a fried egg to the top for extra Protein.
- Try varying the protein by using shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
- Make it into a one-pan meal by adding scrambled eggs and stirring it all together.
Of course, these are just a few ideas to inspire your creativity. Feel free to experiment with your own flavor combinations and serving styles to make chicken chow mein work for you.
Chicken chow mein is a tasty and filling meal that provides plenty of key nutrients like protein and fiber, and can be customized to suit your own tastes and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Chow Mein Entree
1. What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine which typically consists of noodles stir-fried with sliced chicken, vegetables, and sometimes eggs.
2. How many Calories are in a serving of Chicken Chow Mein?
A serving of Chicken Chow Mein Entree contains 190 calories.
3. Is Chicken Chow Mein healthy?
It can be a healthy option if you choose to use lean Protein such as chicken breast and load up on vegetables while keeping the amount of added sauces and oils to a minimum. However, it can also be high in sodium and fat depending on how it's prepared.
4. Can Chicken Chow Mein be made gluten-free?
Yes, it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
5. What is the best way to reheat Chicken Chow Mein leftovers?
The best way to reheat Chicken Chow Mein leftovers is by using a wok or non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil, and stir-fry the leftover noodles and vegetables until they're heated through.