Chicken Chow Mein is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, featuring stir-fried noodles tossed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. The name “Chow Mein” translates to “fried noodles,” which is a staple of Chinese cuisine. This dish is loved for its flavorful combination of crispy yet chewy noodles, juicy chicken, and a rich umami sauce.
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a few cooking tricks, you can create an authentic, restaurant-style dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving classic takeout flavors or looking for a homemade alternative, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
The Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
The Chow Mein Noodles:
- 10 oz (280g) chow mein noodles or egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to prevent sticking)
The Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparation
1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This process tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
2: Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside for later use.
4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aroma. Then, add the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the vegetables. Add the prepared chow mein noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce and everything is evenly combined.
7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add red pepper flakes or Szechuan chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Chow Mein: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Seafood Chow Mein: Swap chicken for shrimp or a mix of seafood for a different twist.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for additional texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of chow mein noodles.
Cooking Notes
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot to create a smoky, restaurant-style flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them slightly underdone before stir-frying to prevent mushiness.
- Keep the Vegetables Crisp: Stir-fry them quickly to retain their color and crunch.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to your preference.
- Soy Sauce Type: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Chicken Chow Mein with a side of hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
- Pair it with spring rolls or dumplings for a Chinese takeout experience.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra nutrition.
- Enjoy it with a glass of iced green tea or jasmine tea to complement the flavors.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
- For Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes instead of 15 for deeper seasoning.
- For Crispy Noodles: Let some noodles sit in the pan without stirring for a minute to create crispy edges.
- For a Thicker Sauce: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce.
- For Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
1. Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! If chow mein noodles are unavailable, cooked spaghetti or ramen noodles are good substitutes.
2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce. Also, check that your noodles are gluten-free.
3. Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. When ready to eat, cook everything fresh in 10 minutes.
4. What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chow Mein is stir-fried with minimal sauce, while Lo Mein has softer noodles tossed in more sauce.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, but the texture of the noodles may change. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat in a pan with a little water.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious, quick, and easy stir-fried noodle dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout to your home. The combination of tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles makes this a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it spicy, mild, or with extra vegetables, this recipe is versatile and sure to be a family favorite.
Try this authentic Chicken Chow Mein recipe today and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal bursting with bold flavors. Happy cooking!
Chicken Chow Mein – Authentic Chinese Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Chicken Chow Mein is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, featuring stir-fried noodles tossed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. The name “Chow Mein” translates to “fried noodles,” which is a staple of Chinese cuisine. This dish is loved for its flavorful combination of crispy yet chewy noodles, juicy chicken, and a rich umami sauce.
Making Chicken Chow Mein at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a few cooking tricks, you can create an authentic, restaurant-style dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving classic takeout flavors or looking for a homemade alternative, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
The Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
The Chow Mein Noodles:
- 10 oz (280g) chow mein noodles or egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to prevent sticking)
The Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This process tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
2: Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside for later use.
4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aroma. Then, add the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the vegetables. Add the prepared chow mein noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce and everything is evenly combined.
7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Notes
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot to create a smoky, restaurant-style flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them slightly underdone before stir-frying to prevent mushiness.
- Keep the Vegetables Crisp: Stir-fry them quickly to retain their color and crunch.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to your preference.
- Soy Sauce Type: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g