Chicken Chowmein – Guyanese Style

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Carefully remove the meat from the chicken legs and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Season Chicken

To the cut chicken, add 1/2 teaspoon of blended celery and shallots, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of Chinese sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken. For best results, let it marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Chop the celery, shallots, onion, and wiri wiri pepper (if using) into small pieces. Slice the red bell pepper into strips. Chop the long beans (bora) into small, manageable pieces. Keep these prepared vegetables separate until needed.

Step 4: Boil Chowmein Noodles

Add 4 cups of water to a large pan and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the entire pack of chowmein noodles and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover the pan and boil the noodles for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm (al dente). Strain the cooked noodles and rinse them immediately with cold water to prevent further cooking and sticking. Let them drain well.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir-fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked, browned, and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6: Add Bell Pepper and Bora

To the cooked chicken, add the sliced red bell pepper and chopped long beans (bora). Stir-fry for a few minutes, just enough to slightly soften the vegetables while retaining their crispness and vibrant color. Do not overcook.

Step 7: Incorporate Remaining Vegetables and Noodles

Add the chopped celery, shallots, onion, and wiri wiri pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Then, add the drained chowmein noodles to the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of chowmein seasoning over the noodles. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of Chinese sauce over everything. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and seasonings.

Step 8: Final Mix and Serve

Remove the pan from the stove. Give the chowmein a final mix to ensure all flavors are well distributed. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. Serve your delicious Guyanese-style chicken chowmein hot.

• Marinate the chicken for at least 20-30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

• Do not overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp to add texture to the chowmein.

• Adjust the amount of Wiri Wiri pepper to your preferred spice level.

• Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or a combination of meats.

• Add other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms for more variety.