Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Asian noodle dish filled with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. This homemade version delivers all the flavors you love in takeout, but with the freshness and quality of a home-cooked meal. Perfectly balanced with a mix of crunchy and soft textures, this dish comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table.
The first time I made Chicken Chow Mein at home, my family couldnโt believe how close it was to our favorite takeout spot! My husband kept saying it tasted like a restaurant meal, and now itโs one of our go-to weeknight dinners. We love the way it fills the kitchen with savory aromas and brings us all together at the table. Every time I make it, my kids race to get seconds before itโs gone!
Why Youโll Love Chicken Chow Mein
โขQuick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
โขBetter Than Takeout: Fresh ingredients and balanced flavors make it a winner!
โขCustomizable: Adjust veggies, protein, and spice levels to suit your familyโs taste.
โขOne-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet or wok.
Ingredients Notes for Chicken Chow Mein
โขChicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor.
โขNoodles: Fresh chow mein noodles work best, but spaghetti or ramen noodles are great substitutes.
โขVegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutrients.
โขSoy Sauce: Use both light and dark soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
โขOyster Sauce: Adds umami richness to the dish.
โขSesame Oil: Just a dash enhances the aroma and flavor of the chow mein.
Recipe Steps
1. Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sautรฉ Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil. Add minced garlic and sliced vegetables (cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers) and stir-fry until theyโre tender-crisp.
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4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
5. Combine Everything: Add cooked chicken and noodles back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce, tossing everything together until well coated.
6. Serve Hot: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Storage Options
โขRefrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
โขReheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
โขFreeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations & Substitutions
โขAdd Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha for extra heat.
โขSwitch the Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
โขUse Different Veggies: Snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms make great additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Q: What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
A: Hoisin sauce or a bit of soy sauce mixed with sugar can be a good substitute.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prep all ingredients in advance, and cook just before serving for the best flavor.
Chicken Chow Mein
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 1 cup cabbage shredded
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts optional
- 3 green onions sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece ginger minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the bell pepper, carrot, cabbage, bean sprouts (if using), green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken chow mein hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.