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There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of Chicken Chow Mein on a busy weeknight—it’s that comforting stir-fry that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen table. I’ve been making this Chicken Chow Mein for years, and every time, it reminds me of family dinners from my childhood, where the crispy noodles and tender chicken never failed to make everyone happy. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up this homemade version, packed with fresh veggies and that savory sauce that clings to every bite.
In my experience, the key to the best Chicken Chow Mein is using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, like chicken breasts, chow mein noodles, and a mix of colorful vegetables. It’s a recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something delicious. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to method for preparing Chicken Chow Mein that’s not only quick but also healthier than your average delivery order. If you’re ready to elevate your stir-fry game, let’s dive in—you won’t be disappointed!
For more quick chicken inspiration, check out our 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or Chicken Lo Mein Recipe to mix things up.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- This recipe uses fresh ingredients for bold flavors without the need for takeout.
- It’s customizable with your favorite veggies, keeping it healthy and versatile.
- Tender chicken and crispy noodles make every bite satisfying and restaurant-quality.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—easy reheating keeps it fresh.
Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Chow Mein
Quick and Effortless Prep: You’ll love how fast this Chicken Chow Mein comes together—it’s ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for those hectic evenings when cooking feels like a chore. In my kitchen, I’ve perfected the steps to minimize mess and maximize flavor, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special again.
Bursting with Authentic Flavors: The savory soy-ginger sauce coats every noodle and piece of chicken, creating that irresistible umami taste we all crave. What I find interesting is how simple pantry staples transform into something so restaurant-worthy—let’s be honest, it’s better than delivery. You’ll be hooked after the first forkful!
Healthy Yet Indulgent: This Chicken Chow Mein balances protein-packed chicken with vibrant veggies, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing comfort food vibes. I always add extra cabbage for that crunch, and it keeps things light yet filling. It’s my go-to when I want to eat well but still feel pampered.
Family-Pleasing Versatility: Whether you’re feeding kids or hosting friends, this dish adapts easily to picky eaters or spice lovers. Here’s the thing: you can tweak the heat or veggies to suit your crowd, turning it into a hit every time. I’ve seen it bring smiles around the table more times than I can count—pure magic!
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein here, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum tenderness. They soak up the sauce beautifully, adding juicy bites throughout the dish. In my experience, marinating them briefly in soy sauce enhances the flavor without overpowering the other elements. This keeps your Chicken Chow Mein light yet satisfying.
Chow Mein Noodles: These are the backbone of the recipe—dried or fresh, they provide that perfect chewy texture with a hint of crispiness when stir-fried. I prefer the thinner variety for easier sauce adhesion, but thicker ones work if you like more bite. They’re readily available at most grocery stores and elevate the entire stir-fry. Without them, it just wouldn’t be authentic Chicken Chow Mein.
Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and onions brings freshness and crunch to balance the savory elements. These veggies not only add nutrition but also vibrant color that makes the plate pop. Slicing them thin ensures even cooking, so nothing gets mushy. In this Chicken Chow Mein, they contribute to the classic stir-fry appeal that’s both healthy and delicious.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Prep the Chicken and Veggies
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips—this ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the wok. In a bowl, toss them with a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce for that tender, flavorful result I swear by. Meanwhile, chop your veggies: shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. This Chicken Chow Mein relies on these fresh cuts for its signature crunch and color.
Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering— that’s the key to that wok hei flavor. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside. Toss in the veggies next, stirring vigorously for 2-3 minutes; you’ll hear the satisfying sizzle as they soften slightly but stay crisp. The aroma at this stage is heavenly, filling your kitchen with hints of ginger and garlic.
Combine with Noodles and Sauce
While the veggies cook, boil your chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Return the chicken to the wok, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar—stir everything together for 2 minutes until coated. This step melds all the flavors, creating the glossy, delicious Chicken Chow Mein you love. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
For a similar noodle twist, try our 15-Minute Pad See Ew Noodles Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Chicken Chow Mein Instructions
- Prep chicken by slicing into thin strips and marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Boil noodles until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok over high heat; stir-fry chicken for 3-4 minutes until cooked, remove.
- Add remaining oil, stir-fry veggies and ginger-garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken, add noodles and sauces; toss for 2 minutes until well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
High Heat is Key: Always use high heat for stir-frying to get that smoky flavor and keep veggies crisp—don’t overcrowd the wok.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook them al dente so they hold up when mixed in; rinsing stops the cooking process.
Taste as You Go: Adjust the sauce with a splash more soy or sugar to match your preference for salty or sweet Chicken Chow Mein.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Chow Mein serves 4 and clocks in at about 450 calories per portion.
- Use fresh ginger for the brightest flavor—it makes a huge difference in authenticity.
- Cornstarch in the marinade tenderizes the chicken without altering the taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra texture and heat.
How to Store Chicken Chow Mein
Let your Chicken Chow Mein cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container—this prevents sogginess in leftovers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days; for longer storage, freeze portions for up to a month. To reheat, stir-fry in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth to revive the crispness and flavors you love.
Customizing Your Chicken Chow Mein
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to make your Chicken Chow Mein vegetarian or seafood-focused—it’s incredibly flexible. Add heat with fresh chilis or swap veggies like broccoli from our Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for variety. If you prefer gluten-free, use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. These tweaks keep it exciting while staying true to the classic dish.
What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein
Pair this stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice for a heartier meal, or keep it light with a side of cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. For drinks, iced green tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, add egg rolls or spring rolls on the side—they soak up that delicious sauce perfectly. It’s a combo that always wows at my dinner table.
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Chicken chow mein is so much better than takeout! It is filled with chicken, veggies, classic chow mein noodles and the best homemade chow mein sauce. You will love this one pan dinner!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 02 3 Tbsp oil
- 03 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles)
- 04 2 cups cabbage
- 05 1 large carrot (julienned)
- 06 1/2 batch green onions
- 07 2 garlic cloves
- 08 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste*)
- 09 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 10 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 11 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 13 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cook your noodles according to package instructions then drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Heat a large wok or pan with olive oil over medium-heat. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and cook them in the oil until golden brown. Remove strips and set aside.
Add carrots, cabbage and pressed garlic and saute for a few minutes until veggies are slightly softened and the cabbage is a bit translucent.
Add chicken and noodles back into the pan. Pour sauce over the top and continue cooking all the ingredients together for another 2 minutes.
Garnish your chow mein with chopped green onions and serve the noodles straight from the pan and piping hot!
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Chow Mein
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and sauce a day ahead, but cook the noodles fresh to avoid sogginess. Assemble and stir-fry just before serving for the best texture. It’s a great meal prep option that saves time without losing flavor.
How long does Chicken Chow Mein last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the noodles might soften, so freezing is better for longer storage. Always reheat thoroughly to ensure safety.
Is Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?
Traditional versions aren’t due to soy and oyster sauces, but you can make it gluten-free with tamari and gluten-free alternatives. Check noodle labels too—rice noodles work well as a sub. This keeps the dish accessible for everyone.
What’s the best oil for Chicken Chow Mein?
Vegetable or peanut oil handles high heat best for stir-frying, giving that authentic wok flavor. In my experience, it prevents burning while enhancing taste. A neutral oil like canola is a solid everyday choice for this Chicken Chow Mein.
Can I use frozen vegetables in Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely, frozen veggies save time and work great—just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. They still add crunch if not overcooked. It’s a convenient hack for busy nights.
How do I make Chicken Chow Mein spicier?
Add sliced fresh chilis, chili oil, or sriracha to the sauce for heat that builds nicely. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste—this way, your Chicken Chow Mein packs a punch without overwhelming the savory notes. It’s perfect for spice lovers.
What’s the difference between Chicken Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chow Mein uses crispy-fried noodles, while Lo Mein features soft, boiled ones—both delicious but with different textures. My Chicken Chow Mein leans traditional with that slight crisp. Try both to see which you prefer!
Can kids eat Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, it’s mild and customizable—omit spice and use kid-friendly veggies like peas. The sweet-savory sauce often wins them over. I’ve had great success serving this family-style.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, this Chicken Chow Mein is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable way to bring joy and flavor to your table any night of the week. I’ve shared it with friends and family countless times, and it always gets rave reviews for its ease and taste. Give it a try tonight; you might just find your new favorite go-to meal—who knows, it could become a staple in your home too!