Introduction
Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved Chinese stir-fry dish that combines tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The balance of flavors — soy, garlic, and sesame — creates that signature takeout-style taste everyone loves. This version gives you the perfect chow mein sauce that coats every strand of noodle without being greasy or heavy. It’s fast, fresh, and absolutely delicious — an ideal weeknight dinner that beats takeout any day.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chow Mein:
8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
1 cup julienned carrots
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Noodles:
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions, just until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 2 – Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, sugar, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4 – Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Stir in the onion, carrots, and cabbage, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5 – Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the noodles and pour the chow mein sauce over the top. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6 – Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately while hot.
Description
This Chicken Chow Mein is bursting with flavor — tender noodles, perfectly seared chicken, and crisp vegetables tossed in a rich, glossy sauce. The sauce is the star of this recipe: savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich, clinging beautifully to each noodle. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced dish that brings together texture, flavor, and aroma in every bite. Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep.
Tips
Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve that restaurant-style texture.
Don’t overcook noodles — slightly underdone noodles hold up better when stir-fried.
Toss quickly once you add the sauce to avoid mushy noodles.
Use fresh garlic and sesame oil for authentic flavor.
Add spice with chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat.
Variations
Beef Chow Mein: Substitute beef strips for chicken.
Shrimp Chow Mein: Use peeled shrimp and cook for only 2–3 minutes.
Vegetable Chow Mein: Skip the meat and add bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon chili paste or sambal oelek to the sauce.
Peanut Chow Mein: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty flavor twist.
Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt.
Correction (Common Mistakes & How to Fix)
Mushy noodles: Overcooked — boil for 1 minute less than package instructions.
Sticky noodles: Rinse with cold water and toss with a little oil after cooking.
Watery sauce: Sauce didn’t thicken — make sure cornstarch is dissolved and let it simmer briefly.
Bland flavor: Add a splash more soy sauce or oyster sauce at the end to boost umami.
Overcooked veggies: Stir-fry quickly at high heat; keep vegetables crisp-tender.
Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce hot and fresh out of the pan. Each forkful is filled with tender noodles, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible savory sauce. It’s a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meal that brings takeout-style perfection straight to your table — no delivery needed!