Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its irresistible combination of stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce. It’s a staple on takeout menus worldwide and now, you can recreate it in your own kitchen with ease.

This homemade version captures the true flavor of traditional Chow Mein but offers healthier ingredients, customizable flavors, and that unbeatable homemade touch.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something quick and satisfying, this chicken chow mein recipe is perfect. It’s fast, delicious, and cooks in under 30 minutes once the prep is done. Ready to ditch takeout and bring this classic noodle dish home?

Let’s dive in!

🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment

To make this Chicken Chow Mein recipe at home, you’ll need:

• Large non-stick wok or deep frying pan
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Cooking tongs or spatula
• Saucepan (for boiling noodles)
• Colander (to drain noodles)
• Measuring spoons and cups

These basic kitchen tools help make your prep and cooking process smooth and efficient.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Chow Mein ?

Here are the essential ingredients for our chicken chow mein recipe:

For the Noodles and Chicken:

• 200g (7 oz) chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
• 1 small cabbage (or Napa cabbage), shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 spring onions, sliced diagonally
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

🍜 How to Make Easy Chicken Chow Mein Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Boil chow mein or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a few drops of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, then stir-fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the noodles and cooked chicken back into the wok. Pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together using tongs until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. Add spring onions in the final minute.

🔄 Variations

One of the best parts of this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is its flexibility. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or dietary preferences. Try these delicious variations:

• Vegetarian Chow Mein: Replace chicken with tofu or simply increase the vegetable quantity.
• Spicy Chow Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or sliced red chilies to the sauce for a kick.
• Beef or Shrimp Version: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef strips or shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce to reduce salt content.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

This makes it easy to adapt the dish to your tastes or dietary needs while keeping it delicious.

🍽️ Cooking Note

Stir-frying is a high-heat, quick-cooking method, so preparation is key. Make sure all ingredients are chopped and ready before you start cooking.

Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying cook in batches if necessary. Chow Mein is traditionally made with thin, crispy egg noodles, but you can use ramen or spaghetti in a pinch.

Another critical element is balancing the sauce. Tweak the sugar and soy levels depending on your preference for sweetness or saltiness. Oyster sauce brings depth and umami, while hoisin adds sweetness and complexity. Cornstarch in the sauce helps coat the noodles evenly and gives them that glossy, silky finish.

Using a non-stick wok helps prevent noodles from sticking and allows even cooking. Always heat your wok before adding oil for the best stir-fry results.

🍱 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chow Mein is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with side dishes. Pair it with spring rolls, hot and sour soup, or a fresh Asian cucumber salad. For family-style dining, serve alongside fried rice, kung pao chicken, or steamed dumplings.

Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a wedge of lime for a refreshing finish. A drizzle of chili oil or a spoonful of sambal can take the heat up a notch if you love spice.

This dish is best served immediately while the noodles are hot and slightly crispy on the edges. If you’re making it ahead, reheat in a hot wok with a splash of water or soy sauce to freshen it up.

💡 Helpful Tips

1. Prep Ahead: Cut all vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance to make cooking quicker and more enjoyable.
2. Use High Heat: Chow mein needs to cook fast to preserve the crunch of the vegetables and the chew of the noodles.
3. Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercook your noodles before stir-frying so they hold up better during the final cooking phase.
4. Dry Your Veggies: Moisture from wet vegetables can dilute your sauce and make your noodles soggy.
5. Customize Your Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding to the wok and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to match your preference.
6. Use Tongs: Tongs work best for tossing noodles and getting an even distribution of sauce and ingredients.
7. Double the Sauce (Optional): If you love saucy noodles, double the sauce ingredients.
8. Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These add authentic flavor don’t skip them!

With these tips, your Chicken Chow Mein will taste like it’s straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

🍜 Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein

• Thin Slicing: Cut chicken into thin, even strips for quick, uniform cooking.
• Noodle Selection: Use authentic chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles for best results.
• Wok Over Pan: A wok distributes heat more evenly and adds that signature stir-fry aroma.
• Quick Tossing: Don’t let the noodles sit too long. Toss continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor.
• Sauce Timing: Always add the sauce after the noodles and protein are in the wok. This helps lock in the flavors.
• Serve Hot: Chicken chow mein is best served fresh off the stove. Prep ingredients ahead, then cook just before serving.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

🧪 Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

❓ FAQs

Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?

Yes! If you can’t find chow mein noodles, thin spaghetti or ramen noodles are good substitutes.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil and spread them out while cooling to prevent clumping.

Can I make chicken chow mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients in advance. Reheat in a wok or skillet before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?

It’s not recommended, as noodles tend to lose their texture after freezing. For best taste, enjoy fresh.

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein is stir-fried for a slightly crispy texture, while lo mein is usually tossed with sauce after boiling.

🏁 Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, tasty, and versatile dish you can make at home with simple ingredients. This recipe is a complete guide from preparation to plating allowing you to create that authentic takeout flavor without leaving your kitchen.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cravings. Packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and flavorful noodles, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

Try it once, and you’ll never want to order takeout again!