Chicken Chow Mein

If you’re craving a quick and satisfying stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe delivers! Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles, it’s a better-than-takeout classic you can whip up in under 30 minutes at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in 25 minutes or less.
Family Favorite – A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.
Loaded with Flavor – Savory, slightly sweet sauce with juicy chicken and crunchy veggies.
Healthier Than Takeout – Less oil, lower sodium, and totally customizable.
One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one skillet or wok for easy cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp ground white pepper (or black pepper)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles, cooked and drained)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onions
• Chili flakes or chili oil (for heat)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Pot for cooking noodles
• Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine sliced chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Chow Mein Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, water, cornstarch, and pepper.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions.
Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. Toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
Sauté garlic and onions for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add cabbage and carrots, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Stir in bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for another minute.

Step 6: Add the Noodles & Chicken
Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the veggies.
Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss everything together using tongs or a spatula.
Stir-fry for 2–3 more minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Taste and Finish
Taste the chow mein and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
Slice Chicken Thinly – Thin, uniform slices cook quickly and stay tender.
Prep Everything First – Have all ingredients ready before cooking—it moves fast!
Don’t Overcook the Veggies – Keep them slightly crisp for texture and freshness.
Use High Heat – A hot wok or skillet gives you that classic stir-fry char.
Double the Sauce – Love extra saucy noodles? Make a 1.5x batch of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions
With Spring Rolls – A crispy side that pairs perfectly with chow mein.
Simple Soup – Try a light egg drop or miso soup for a full meal.
Chili Oil Drizzle – Add some spice with homemade or store-bought chili oil.
Pickled Veggies – Add a refreshing crunch with pickled carrots or cucumbers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled noodles in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen.
Microwave: Warm in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add it in Step 6 with the noodles and heat until warmed through.

2. Are chow mein noodles necessary?
Nope—thin egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti can work in a pinch.

3. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all. But feel free to spice it up with chili flakes or sriracha.

4. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms are great additions.

5. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make it gluten-free-friendly.

Final Thoughts
This Chicken Chow Mein is a go-to recipe for busy nights, offering the perfect mix of comfort and speed. With juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly stir-fried noodles in a savory sauce, it’s everything you love about takeout—made better at home.

Try it tonight and see why it’s a family favorite. Don’t forget to tag your creations and share your own twist on this classic dish!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 680mg

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