Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting stir-fry meals that feels fast, fresh, and satisfying all at once. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles come together in a savory sauce that tastes like takeout, made right at home.
Chicken Chow Mein
Equipment
- 1 Wok or large skillet
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs sliced thin
- 10 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles uncooked
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
- 1 tbsp sesame oil plus more for finishing
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cups cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 3 green onions chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Main
- Boil the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well, then toss lightly with a little oil so they do not stick together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar if using, and black pepper. Set it aside so it is ready when you need it.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then cook the sliced chicken until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the onion, garlic, and ginger for a short moment until fragrant. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper, then stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve warm right away for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This Chicken Chow Mein is a weeknight favorite because it uses simple ingredients, cooks quickly, and brings plenty of color and texture to the table. It is the kind of meal that looks impressive, but comes together with very little fuss.
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast or chicken thighs, sliced thin for quick cooking
- Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- Sesame oil, for flavor
- Vegetable oil, for stir-frying
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Onion, sliced
- Cabbage, thinly sliced
- Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Chicken broth
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch, to thicken the sauce
- Sugar, optional, for balance
- Black pepper
If you do not have chow mein noodles, use thin spaghetti or lo mein-style noodles instead. You can also swap the vegetables based on what you have, like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well, then toss lightly with a little oil so they do not stick together.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar if using, and black pepper. Set it aside so it is ready when you need it.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then cook the sliced chicken until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Stir-fry the vegetables
Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the onion, garlic, and ginger for a short moment until fragrant. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper, then stir-fry until crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Stir in the green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve warm right away for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
Keep the heat fairly high so the vegetables stay vibrant and the noodles do not turn soft. It also helps to prep everything before you start cooking, since stir-frying moves quickly. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of broth to loosen them at the end.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
You can make this dish your own in so many easy ways. Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor, swap the chicken for shrimp, or use tofu for a meatless version. For extra heat, add a spoonful of chili paste or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is great on its own, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides. I like serving it with steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or a light bowl of soup. If you are feeding a crowd, add spring rolls or dumplings to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through.
Memories Made Around the Table
There is something special about a big pan of noodles shared at the table. Meals like this always seem to invite conversation, with everyone reaching in for just one more bite before the plates are cleared.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables, slice the chicken, and mix the sauce ahead of time. For the best texture, cook the noodles and stir-fry everything just before serving.
What noodles work best for Chicken Chow Mein?
Chow mein noodles are ideal, but thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work well in a pinch. The key is to cook them until just tender.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
After draining, toss the noodles with a small amount of oil. This helps them stay separated until you are ready to add them to the pan.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and bean sprouts all fit in nicely and make the dish even more colorful.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is a simple, reliable dinner that delivers big flavor with everyday ingredients. Once you make it at home, you may find yourself skipping takeout and coming back to this version again and again.