If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting Asian-inspired dish that comes together in minutes, Chicken Chow Mein is your perfect choice. This classic Chinese noodle stir-fry is beloved worldwide for its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
The term Chow Mein translates to “stir-fried noodles” in Cantonese — a perfect name for this delightful dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a few fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a delicious sauce that ties everything together.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or want to impress guests, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe guarantees restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Plus, it’s much healthier and more customizable than takeout — you control the ingredients, salt, and oil.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?
Here’s why this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe will become your new weeknight favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious and Flavor-Packed: Savory soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic create a rich umami balance.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, swap proteins, or even make it vegetarian.
- Healthy: Less oily and salty than restaurant takeout but equally satisfying.
- Perfect Texture: Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles combine in every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this dish is easy to master. Once you learn the method, you can make endless variations by changing the sauce or ingredients.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or egg noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp grated ginger
Optional Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped cilantro or green onions
Lime wedges
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process simple, fun, and fast!
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
Boil noodles according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes for chow mein noodles). Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Stir-fry onions, garlic, and ginger for 30 seconds. Then add carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together using tongs until well-coated and heated through.
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
🍜 Variations
There are endless ways to personalize your chow mein. Try these ideas:
- Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables like mushrooms and snap peas.
- Beef or Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef or shrimp for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of chow mein noodles.
- Extra Crunch: Add bean sprouts or water chestnuts for added texture.
🍽️ Cooking Note
- Noodle Choice: Authentic chow mein noodles are slightly crispy; you can also use thin egg noodles or even spaghetti if necessary.
- High Heat is Key: Cook everything on high heat to achieve that signature “wok hei” smoky flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if your pan is small to keep the ingredients crisp instead of soggy.
🧆 Serving Suggestions
Chicken Chow Mein pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes or sides:
- Serve with Steamed Dumplings or Spring Rolls for a complete meal.
- Pair with Hot and Sour Soup or Egg Drop Soup.
- Add a side of Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice if you want to make it heartier.
- For a refreshing touch, serve with a Cucumber Salad or Asian Slaw.
This dish is versatile — perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
💡 Helpful Tips
- Prep Ahead: Slice all vegetables and chicken before heating your wok. Stir-frying happens fast!
- Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles give the best texture and flavor.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the soy sauce and sugar to your taste preference.
- Keep it Hot: Wok cooking works best at high temperatures to lock in flavor and texture.
- Toss, Don’t Stir: Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss noodles and sauce together for even coating.
🌟 Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
- Marinate the Chicken: A 15-minute soak in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil gives it a silky, restaurant-style texture.
- Use a Wok if Possible: Its curved shape allows even heat distribution for perfect stir-frying.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles absorb sauce better and don’t turn mushy.
- Add Sauce Gradually: Pour half first, mix, then add more if needed. This prevents sogginess.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end adds authentic aroma and richness.
⏰ Timing Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 29g
Sodium: 720mg
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti works well as a substitute. Just cook it al dente and toss with a bit of sesame oil.
Q2: What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chow Mein noodles are stir-fried to create a slightly crispy texture, while Lo Mein noodles are soft and tossed in sauce.
Q3: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles.
Q4: How long does it last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
Q5: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add chili oil, crushed red pepper, or Sriracha for heat.
🍴 Conclusion
There’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of hot, flavorful Chicken Chow Mein made fresh at home. With just a few ingredients and a simple stir-fry method, you can recreate your favorite takeout dish in under 30 minutes.
It’s the perfect blend of textures — chewy noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables all enveloped in a savory, glossy sauce. Once you make this once, you’ll never go back to store-bought or takeout versions.
Whether you enjoy it solo, serve it to guests, or meal prep for the week, this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is guaranteed to please every time.
30-Minute Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts thinly across the grain. This helps them cook quickly and stay tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Boil noodles according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes for chow mein noodles). Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Stir-fry onions, garlic, and ginger for 30 seconds. Then add carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together using tongs until well-coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
