Craving the savory, satisfying flavors of takeout but want something made fresh at home? You can easily create a classic Chicken Chow Mein in your own kitchen!
This recipe highlights how simple and quick it is to whip up a delicious meal. Using fresh ingredients, you achieve a superior taste that beats any restaurant version. Best of all, it comes together as a convenient one-pan meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
- Faster than ordering takeout. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes, quicker than delivery!
- Healthier homemade version. Control your ingredients for a lighter, fresher meal.
- Simple, customizable ingredients. Use what you have on hand or adjust to your taste.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners. It is a stress-free option after a busy day.
- Bursting with savory, authentic flavor. Each bite offers that beloved Chinese takeout taste.
- One-pan cleanup for convenience. Less washing up means more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
To make this incredible Chicken Chow Mein at home, gather these simple ingredients. You likely have most of them already! This recipe makes preparing a homemade chow mein dish easy and accessible for any beginner cook.
- For the Noodles & Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., olive, vegetable)
- 12 oz chow mein noodles, uncooked
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped (divided for cooking and garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or to taste)
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to tailor this Chicken Chow Mein to your liking.
- Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles are ideal for chewiness, but dried varieties work great too. You can even use spaghetti or linguine in a pinch. Prepare them al dente.
- Chicken: Feel free to swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use sliced beef, shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian chow mein.
- Vegetables: Additions like sliced bell peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, or bean sprouts boost flavor and nutrition.
- Sauce: If you do not have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of hoisin sauce and a touch more soy sauce and sugar. Ensure you use light sesame oil, not toasted, for cooking; toasted is a finishing oil.
- Dietary: Opt for gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. Use vegetable broth and omit the oyster sauce (or find a vegan alternative) for a vegetarian version of chow mein.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking smooth and enjoyable. You need minimal equipment for this delicious Chicken Chow Mein.
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Instructions For The Best Chicken Chow Mein
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful homemade Chicken Chow Mein. It is a straightforward process, perfect for any beginner cook wanting to master Chinese cuisine. Enjoy every savory bite of this amazing chicken chow mein!
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your chow mein noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain the cooked noodles well in a colander, then rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Cut your chicken breast into bite-sized strips and add them to the hot oil. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken strips from the pan and set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Return the wok to medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots and sliced cabbage to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the cabbage becomes a bit translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken and prepared noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Give your reserved sauce another quick whisk, then pour it evenly over all the ingredients in the wok. Toss everything thoroughly using tongs or two spatulas for about 2 minutes. Ensure all the noodles and chicken are coated in the delicious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the remaining chopped green onions right before serving. Serve your homemade Chicken Chow Mein piping hot directly from the pan.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making delicious Chicken Chow Mein is simple with a few helpful pointers.
- Noodle texture: To prevent soggy or clumpy noodles, cook them just until al dente and rinse thoroughly with cold water. A little oil tossed with the drained noodles also keeps them from sticking.
- High heat cooking: Achieve that signature stir-fry effect by cooking over medium-high heat. This ensures your ingredients caramelize nicely and cook quickly.
- Vegetable crispness: Avoid overcooking your vegetables. They should retain a slight crisp bite for the best texture in your chow mein.
- Sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin, mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the simmering sauce. If it is too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth.
- Flavor balance: Always taste your sauce and the final dish before serving. Adjust soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or add a dash of rice vinegar for brightness.
- Prevent sticking: Ensure your wok or skillet is hot and use enough oil before adding ingredients. Constant stirring also helps prevent sticking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is incredibly versatile and makes fantastic leftovers.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your flavorful chow mein as a satisfying main course on its own. Pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes like homemade egg rolls, steamed potstickers, or a simple side salad with a ginger dressing for a complete meal.
- Storage: Let any leftover Chicken Chow Mein cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to help rehydrate the noodles and sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet method yields better texture.
- Meal Prep: Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce and chopped vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, cook the noodles fresh and combine everything in the wok.
- Protein Variations: Easily swap the chicken for thin strips of beef, shrimp, or pork. For a vegetarian option, use crispy tofu or extra mushrooms.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Boost your chow mein with snap peas, broccoli florets, water chestnuts, or thinly sliced mushrooms for added crunch and nutrients.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to the wok when you add the main sauce.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your homemade Chicken Chow Mein can help you make informed dietary choices. This recipe provides a balanced meal with good protein and vegetables. By making it at home, you control the amount of sodium and oil, making it generally healthier than most takeout versions.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 36mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Potassium | 295mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 1315IU |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 18mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chow Mein noodles?
These are typically thin or medium-thick egg noodles, either fresh or dried. They are perfect for stir-fries because they hold up well to tossing and absorb the sauce.
The term “Chow Mein” itself provides insight into the dish’s preparation, meaning “stir-fried noodles” in the Taishanese dialect.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Popular additions for chow mein include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli florets. Add them to the pan with the carrots and cabbage.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, easily! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and look for a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative, or omit it and adjust other seasonings.
Conclusion
Making homemade Chicken Chow Mein is a game-changer for busy weeknights! This recipe proves that you can create incredibly flavorful dishes with simple ingredients and minimal effort. You get all the delicious taste you crave, but with the added benefits of fresh ingredients and knowing exactly what goes into your meal.
Say goodbye to takeout and hello to your new favorite homemade chow mein! We would love to see your creations, so do not forget to share your photos and experiences.
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, broth, cornstarch, and sugar. Set aside.
- Cook noodles per package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high. Cook chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
- Add another tbsp oil, then sauté carrots and cabbage until slightly softened. Stir in garlic, cooking 30 seconds more.
- Return chicken and noodles to the wok. Whisk sauce again, then pour over contents. Stir-fry 2 minutes to coat evenly.
- Stir in remaining green onions. Serve hot straight from the wok.
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