Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a flavorful sauce. It’s better than takeout, made in under 30 minutes, and can easily be customized to your taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, diced
• Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Green onions, chopped
• Vegetable oil
• Cornstarch (optional, for marinating chicken)
• Sugar

directions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and a splash of water to make the sauce.
3. In a separate bowl, toss diced chicken with a little soy sauce and cornstarch.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan.
6. Add more oil if needed, then stir-fry garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, add cooked noodles, and pour in the sauce.
8. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add mushrooms, cabbage, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
• Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce for a different flavor.
• Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water to loosen the noodles if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it during the final steps to avoid overcooking.

Are chow mein noodles the same as lo mein?

Not exactly. Chow mein noodles are typically thinner and crispier when pan-fried, while lo mein noodles are softer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat just before serving.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can be used.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and sauces to make it gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sauce if desired.

What vegetables go best in chow mein?

Bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, onions, and bean sprouts are common additions.

Can I freeze chicken chow mein?

It’s not ideal, as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. Fresh storage is preferred.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Toss cooked noodles with a bit of oil to keep them separate.

Can I add sauce after cooking?

Yes, but it’s better to toss noodles in the sauce while cooking for even coating.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and easy stir-fry dish that brings Chinese takeout flavors to your own kitchen. Customizable and quick to prepare, it’s a go-to recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal anytime.

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