Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that is loved for its crispy noodles, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. This Chicken Chow Mein recipe brings the authentic taste of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen! It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Instead of ordering from a restaurant, follow this homemade Chicken Chow Mein recipe to create a healthier and fresher version in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
For the Chow Mein:
- 8 oz (225g) Chow Mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (for flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
- ½ cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions (chopped)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
1: Prepare the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the Chow Mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle with a little sesame oil and toss to prevent sticking.
2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- Add the chicken to the mixture and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth.
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it heat up.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add the drained noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks to evenly coat the Chicken Chow Mein in the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
- Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Chow Mein: Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free option.
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink.
- Extra Crunchy Version: Fry the noodles separately in a little oil before mixing them with the sauce.
Cooking Notes for Chicken Chow Mein
- High Heat is Key: Stir-fry everything over high heat to get that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
- Do Not Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Keep them slightly firm for the best texture.
- Use a Large Wok or Pan: A large cooking surface allows even stir-frying and prevents overcrowding.
- Pre-Chop Everything: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Chow Mein
- Serve Chicken Chow Mein hot and fresh from the wok with a side of egg rolls or dumplings.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or additional green onions for extra flavor.
- Pair with a cup of hot and sour soup or wonton soup for a complete Chinese meal.
- Drizzle with a bit of chili oil for those who enjoy spicy food.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Chow Mein
- Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, buy fresh Chow Mein noodles from an Asian market for the best results.
- Marinate the Chicken: A quick marinade enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce, double the ingredients for a saucier Chicken Chow Mein.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace oyster sauce with a gluten-free alternative.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs About Chicken Chow Mein
1. Can I use spaghetti instead of Chow Mein noodles?
Yes! If you can’t find Chow Mein noodles, thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta makes a great substitute. Just be sure to cook them al dente.
2. Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to stir-fry everything fresh for the best texture and flavor.
3. What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is stir-fried with crispy noodles, while Lo Mein is softer and tossed in sauce without being fried as much.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
It’s not recommended to freeze Chow Mein as the noodles can become mushy upon reheating. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. How do I reheat Chicken Chow Mein?
Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out.
Conclusion
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this homemade version is just as good—if not better—than takeout. With its combination of tender chicken, crispy noodles, and savory sauce, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Try this easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein! 🍜🥢
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Chicken Chow Mein is one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes, known for its crispy stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has been adapted to suit various tastes worldwide. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a staple at Chinese restaurants and a favorite homemade meal.
The best part? You don’t need to order takeout to enjoy this delicious dish! With the right ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques, you can make an authentic Chicken Chow Mein right in your own kitchen. This recipe will guide you through the process of making restaurant-style Chow Mein with maximum flavor and the perfect balance of crispy noodles and juicy chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein:
- 8 oz (225g) Chow Mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (for flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
- ½ cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions (chopped)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
1: Prepare the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the Chow Mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle with a little sesame oil and toss to prevent sticking.
2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- Add the chicken to the mixture and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth.
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it heat up.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add the drained noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks to evenly coat the noodles in the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- High Heat is Key: Stir-fry everything over high heat to get that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
- Do Not Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Keep them slightly firm for the best texture.
- Use a Large Wok or Pan: A large cooking surface allows even stir-frying and prevents overcrowding.
- Pre-Chop Everything: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 30g