This easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in 35 minutes!
I have a confession: I used to be a total takeout addict. And my order? Chicken Chow Mein, every single time. Something about those saucy, slurpable noodles and crisp veggies tossed in that glossy, umami-packed sauce just hit the spot. Every. Single. Time.
But here’s the thing—after one too many disappointing, lukewarm deliveries (you know, the kind where the noodles are soggy, the veggies are sad, and the sauce is… questionable?), I figured it was time to take matters into my own hands.
And honestly? Game. Changer.
This homemade Chicken Chow Mein is not only ridiculously easy, but it’s also fresher, faster, and completely customizable. Plus, no mystery ingredients—just real, simple food that tastes better than takeout. Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe?
- Quick & Easy – 35 minutes from start to finish. No waiting for delivery!
- Unbelievably Flavorful – The homemade sauce? Next-level good.
- Crisp & Chewy – Perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and chewy noodles.
- Customizable – Swap the protein, add extra veggies, make it your own!
- No Fancy Ingredients – Just real pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Ingredient Notes:
This is a simple, flexible recipe—use what you have and make it work for you!
The Essentials
- Chicken Breast – Sliced thin for quick cooking. Chicken thighs work too if you like extra-juicy bites.
- Chow Mein Noodles – Classic and chewy. No chow mein? Use spaghetti or ramen noodles!
- Cabbage & Carrots – Classic veggies that add color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Garlic & Green Onions – For that zingy, fresh flavor that makes everything better.
For the Sauce (Aka, the Secret Weapon)
- Oyster Sauce & Soy Sauce – The backbone of chow mein flavor. Don’t skip these!
- Sesame Oil – Adds a rich, nutty depth (just don’t use toasted sesame oil—it’s too strong!).
- Chicken Broth – Helps create that silky, restaurant-style sauce.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings to every
noodle . - Sugar – Balances the salty, umami flavors. Trust me, you need it!
Pro Tip: Want to go all out? Add a drizzle of hoisin sauce or sriracha for an extra flavor punch!
How To Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside and fight the urge to taste it with a spoon.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil your chow mein noodles according to the package instructions—but don’t overcook them! Drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from turning mushy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the chicken strips until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, sauté the carrots, cabbage, and garlic for a minute or two—just enough to keep them crisp-tender.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the chicken and noodles back into the pan. Pour in the Chow Mein sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the noodles soak up all that goodness.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh green onions, and serve it up while it’s hot.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the noodles won’t hold up well.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Want it spicier? Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil.
- Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu or extra mushrooms.
- No oyster sauce? Use hoisin sauce or a little extra soy sauce.
- Beef or Shrimp Chow Mein? Go for it! Just cook accordingly.
What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein?
This dish stands on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, here’s what pairs perfectly:
- Egg Rolls – Because crispy rolls and noodles are a perfect match.
- Hot & Sour Soup – Tangy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Dumplings – Because why not? Dumplings make everything better.
- Steamed Broccoli – A fresh, crunchy side to balance things out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Absolutely! Just cook them al dente so they don’t turn mushy.
What if I don’t have a wok?
No worries—a large skillet works just fine. Just make sure it’s big enough to toss everything together.
How do I get that restaurant-style “wok hei” flavor?
Use high heat and keep everything moving in the pan! That’s the key to that perfect stir-fry texture.
And there you have it—homemade Chicken Chow Mein that’s quick, easy, and better than takeout.
So tell me—are you team extra sauce or extra crispy noodles? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk chow mein!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chicken Chow Mein with Best Chow Mein Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 12 ounces of uncooked chow mein noodles
- 2 cups of cabbage
- 1 large carrot julienned
- Half a batch of green onions
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of light sesame oil ensure it's not toasted!
- Half a cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, broth, and cornstarch. Set this flavor bomb aside.
- Cook noodles as per the pack's wisdom, then cool them with a quick rinse.
- In a heated wok, sizzle chicken strips to a beautiful golden hue. Set aside.
- In the same wok, sauté carrots, cabbage, and garlic until they start to shimmer and soften.
- Reunite chicken, noodles, and that sauce. Mix for a couple of minutes, ensuring a lovely coat.
- Top with green onion confetti. Dive in while it's steaming!
- There you go, a whirlwind journey to the perfect Chow Mein!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
