Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Chow Mein—the ultimate stir-fried noodle dish that hits all the right notes of savory, satisfying, and colorful! With tender strips of chicken, crunchy veggies, and slippery-soft noodles tossed in a rich, aromatic sauce, this homemade version brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, Chicken Chow Mein is guaranteed to impress anyone who gathers around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Chicken Chow Mein is how it takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding flavor, crunch, or that signature chewy-silky noodle feel. Get these basics, and you’re halfway to wok-heaven!
- Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles (8 ounces): The noodle texture is key—look for ones with a satisfying bite, perfect for soaking up that gorgeous sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Sliced thinly, this stays juicy and tender—just how you want it in every forkful.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons extra): This essential savory note runs through both the marinade and the sauce for a punch of umami.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and sweetness that takes your chow mein from good to irresistible.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps make the chicken extra silky and gently thickens your sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Onion (1 medium, sliced): Gives a slightly sweet, aromatic base that blends beautifully with the other veggies.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a little goes a long way with its unbelievable fragrance and depth.
- Shredded cabbage (1 cup): Brings crunch and a gentle earthiness that soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Julienned carrots (1 cup): Adds color, a touch of sweetness, and a satisfying snap to every bite.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup): That classic, fresh finish and extra crunch makes them ideal for stirring in at the end.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Sprinkle these in for a pop of color and mellow onion flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/4 cup): Makes your sauce extra savory and coats the noodles just right.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Slightly sweet and tangy—adds a layer of complexity to the finished dish.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A little drizzle elevates everything with toasty richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right amount of gentle heat to tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles) just as the package directs—they should be soft but still have a pleasant bite. Once drained, set them aside so they’re ready to join the stir-fry fun. The texture at this stage is key to a great Chicken Chow Mein.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your thinly sliced chicken breasts into a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Give them a little stir so every piece is coated, then let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This simple step keeps the chicken supremely tender and infuses every bite with flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat up your wok or a large skillet over medium-high with vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, add all the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. You want the chicken just cooked through—it should be golden on the outside and irresistibly juicy. Scoop the chicken out and keep it close by; you’ll need it again soon.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables
Into that same wok (no need to wash out the tasty bits!), toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about a minute until your kitchen smells amazing. Next, add shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’re just starting to soften but still have good bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slide the chicken back into the wok, then pile in your cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and sliced green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper—this is the magic sauce. Pour it over everything, then toss gently but thoroughly until the sauce coats all the noodles and everything’s steaming hot. That’s it! Time to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Chicken Chow Mein with extra sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch. For those who love a kick, a drizzle of chili oil or scatter of chopped fresh chilies is perfection—totally customizable!
Side Dishes
Chicken Chow Mein is delicious enough to stand on its own but loves a good partner. Stir-fried Chinese greens, simple cucumber salad, or a steaming bowl of egg drop soup complement the noodles beautifully and bring the meal full circle.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Chow Mein piled high on a family-style platter for a cozy, shareable meal, or portion it into individual bowls for easy, casual dining. If you’re feeling playful, use chopsticks and let everyone add their own garnishes—the interactive fun is especially great for kids and noodle lovers alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The noodles will soak up even more of the delicious sauce—making tomorrow’s lunch as tempting as tonight’s dinner!
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Chow Mein, but for best texture, do so before adding the bean sprouts and green onions (add those after reheating). Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your chow mein in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. For the best texture, though, a few minutes in a hot skillet or wok will bring back that just-cooked freshness and revive any slightly softened noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely! While traditional chow mein or egg noodles offer the best texture, you can substitute with lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti in a pinch—they’ll still soak up that amazing sauce.
How can I make Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version (like tamari) and use gluten-free noodles. Double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces as well, as some brands are not gluten-free.
What vegetables can I add to my Chicken Chow Mein?
Feel free to mix things up! Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or even baby corn are all fantastic additions. This recipe is a great way to use up whatever’s in your vegetable drawer.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely—slice your chicken, mix the marinade, and chop all the veggies earlier in the day. Store everything separately in the fridge, and you’ll be able to pull the whole dish together in a flash when dinnertime comes.
Is Chicken Chow Mein spicy?
By default, Chicken Chow Mein is flavorful but mild. If you want extra spice, serve it with chili oil or chopped chilies—your kitchen, your rules!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and downright delicious, Chicken Chow Mein has you covered every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—you might just find this becomes your new go-to dinner any night of the week!
Print
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade Chicken Chow Mein that’s better than takeout! This classic Chinese stir-fry dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
For the noodles:
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the stir-fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: Toss sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch; let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir-fry the chicken: Cook marinated chicken in a wok until done; set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Stir-fry onion, garlic, cabbage, and carrots until tender.
- Combine all ingredients: Add chicken, cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and green onions to the wok.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Finish the dish: Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, toss to combine, and heat through. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas.
- Enhance the dish with chili sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
