Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish featuring stir-fried noodles tossed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and easily customizable to suit your preferences. This recipe brings the perfect balance of texture and taste, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thighssoy saucesesame oilcornstarchvegetable oilgarlicgingeronioncarrotbell peppercabbagegreen onionschow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)oyster saucehoisin saucechicken broth

directions

Slice the chicken thinly and toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of sesame oil. Set aside to marinate.

Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Add onions, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked noodles.

Pour in a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of sesame oil.

Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for more veggie variety.

Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter salt content.

Swap oyster sauce with vegetarian stir-fry sauce for a plant-based version.

storage/reheating

Store Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles.Microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?

Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles work best. You can also use yakisoba or spaghetti as alternatives.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it in after the vegetables are cooked and heat through with the noodles.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Chow Mein holds up well and can be made a day in advance.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking the noodles and rinse them with cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor.

Why is my chow mein too salty?

Try using low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the sauces to taste.

Can I add eggs to this?

Yes, scrambled eggs can be added for extra protein and texture.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s flavorful without being too spicy or exotic for most children.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use tofu instead of chicken and skip oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With its mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and perfectly seasoned noodles, it’s a reliable favorite that can be easily adapted to your tastes. Quick, versatile, and always delicious—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.