Name: Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Chow Mein noodles (fresh or dried); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips); 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1-inch piece ginger (grated); 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup julienned carrots; 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers; 3 green onions (chopped); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Chicken Chow Mein is one of those dishes that instantly transports me to my favorite Chinese takeout spot, but making it at home is even more rewarding. The combination of tender chicken, crispy stir-fried noodles, and a savory sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and soy is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, all coming together in one satisfying dish.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can switch up the protein, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein

Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Better than takeout – Fresh ingredients, less oil, and fully customizable.
One-pan meal – Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Customizable – Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu, and add your favorite veggies.
Full of flavor – A rich, savory sauce that coats every bite.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Chicken Chow Mein?

The best noodles for Chicken Chow Mein are thin egg noodles that have a slightly chewy texture when stir-fried. You can usually find them labeled as “Chow Mein noodles” in the Asian section of grocery stores. If those aren’t available, fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles work well too.

In a pinch, you can use spaghetti or thin wheat noodles, but they won’t have the same authentic texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, rice noodles or zucchini noodles can be a great substitute, though they will change the dish’s consistency slightly.

Options for Substitutions

Protein Swap – Instead of chicken, try shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for a different twist.
Vegetables – Bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and baby corn all work well.
Noodles – If you can’t find Chow Mein noodles, substitute with lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti.
Sauce Variations – Use oyster sauce for extra depth, add a bit of hoisin sauce for sweetness, or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Low-Sodium Alternative – Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a healthier option.

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in bringing out the bold flavors and perfect texture of Chicken Chow Mein.

Chicken Breast or Thighs – Provides a tender and juicy protein base for the dish.
Chow Mein Noodles – The star of the dish, these noodles soak up the sauce while staying slightly crispy.
Soy Sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
Oyster Sauce – Enhances the richness of the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Sesame Oil – Gives the dish a signature nutty aroma and authentic taste.
Garlic & Ginger – Essential for adding a fragrant, zesty kick.
Vegetables (Cabbage, Carrots, Green Onions, Bell Peppers) – Provide crunch, color, and freshness to balance the flavors.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and coat the chicken for a silky texture.
Chicken Broth – Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Sugar – Balances the saltiness and enhances the overall taste.
White Pepper – Adds a mild heat without overpowering the dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips for even cooking. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, sugar, and white pepper to make the sauce. Set it aside. Chop the vegetables into thin strips for quick stir-frying.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

If using fresh Chow Mein noodles, blanch them in hot water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and set aside. For dried noodles, cook according to the package instructions, drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with a little soy sauce, and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked noodles, and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

How Long to Cook Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein comes together quickly, making it a perfect meal for busy days. Here’s the general cooking time breakdown:

Chicken: 4-5 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
Vegetables: 2-3 minutes, keeping them crisp and vibrant.
Noodles & Sauce: 2-3 minutes, just enough to coat everything evenly and heat through.

In total, the stir-frying process takes under 10 minutes, so make sure to have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

Use a hot pan or wok – High heat helps achieve the signature stir-fry texture and prevents soggy noodles.
Prep everything beforehand – Stir-frying is fast, so have all ingredients sliced, mixed, and ready to go.
Don’t overcook the vegetables – Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
Toss noodles gently – Over-mixing can break the noodles, so use tongs or chopsticks to mix them evenly.
Adjust the sauce to your taste – If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more soy sauce or a dash of hoisin sauce.
Use fresh noodles if possible – They provide a more authentic texture compared to dried ones.
Add a hint of spice – If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Noodles – They should be just tender; overcooked noodles become mushy when stir-fried.
Not Using High Heat – A wok or pan should be very hot to achieve the signature smoky flavor and prevent sogginess.
Skipping the Cornstarch on Chicken – Lightly coating the chicken with cornstarch keeps it tender and juicy.
Adding Sauce Too Early – Pour it in at the end to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Overloading the Pan – Stir-frying works best in small batches to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
Not Draining Noodles Properly – Excess water can make the dish too wet and dilute the sauce.
Using Too Much Oil – A little oil goes a long way; too much can make the dish greasy.
Forgetting to Taste & Adjust – Always do a final taste test and adjust seasoning as needed.

What to Serve With Chicken Chow Mein?

1. Egg Rolls

Crispy and golden, these make a delicious appetizer alongside Chow Mein.

2. Hot and Sour Soup

A tangy and spicy soup that perfectly balances the savory noodles.

3. Dumplings

Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or veggies complement this dish well.

4. Garlic Green Beans

A simple side of stir-fried green beans adds freshness and crunch.

5. Fried Rice

Pairing with fried rice makes for an ultimate Chinese takeout-style feast.

6. Spicy Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, chilled cucumber salad helps balance out the rich flavors.

7. Sweet and Sour Chicken

For those who love variety, this dish pairs well with the tangy, crispy chicken.

8. Jasmine Tea

A warm cup of jasmine tea helps cleanse the palate and completes the meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Reheating

Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until hot.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a little water or soy sauce if needed to prevent dryness.

Freezing

Chicken Chow Mein is not ideal for freezing as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on a standard recipe):

Calories: 450-500
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 800mg

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Adjust sauces and oil to fit your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients in advance by slicing the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and mixing the sauce. Cooked Chow Mein is best fresh but can be reheated if needed.

2. What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?

Chow Mein is stir-fried, giving the noodles a slightly crispy texture, while Lo Mein uses softer, boiled noodles tossed in sauce.

3. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Try shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for a different take on this dish.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil to bring the heat.

5. What vegetables go well in Chicken Chow Mein?

Classic choices include bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, and snow peas, but feel free to mix in your favorites.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) and swap the noodles for rice noodles or zucchini noodles.

7. Why are my noodles too soft?

Overcooking or not draining them well enough can make them mushy. Rinse with cold water after boiling and stir-fry on high heat for a firmer texture.

8. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred it and toss it in at the end to warm it up with the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you customize it with different proteins, adjust the spice level, or pack it with your favorite veggies, this homemade version is sure to be a hit. Skip the takeout and enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal right at home!