Chicken Chow Mein

Craving takeout-style noodles but want something healthier and homemade? This Chicken Chow Mein recipe brings all the savory, saucy goodness right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly stir-fried noodles come together in a flavorful sauce that’s better than your favorite restaurant. It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to become a staple on your weeknight menu.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Flavorful – Ready in less than 30 minutes for the perfect busy-day meal.
Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients and bold flavors without the extra oil or sodium.
Versatile – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.
Kid-Friendly – Savory noodles that even picky eaters will devour.
Great for Meal Prep – Makes delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Pinch of black pepper

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Pot to cook noodles
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and pepper.
Mix well and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while prepping the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients—soy sauces, oyster sauce, hoisin, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions.
Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add marinated chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly golden.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan.
Add cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
Toss everything together using tongs or a spatula until well coated and heated through (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with the green parts of the onions and sesame seeds, if using.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
Slice Chicken Thin – This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
Use High Heat – Stir-frying at high heat gives that authentic wok-charred flavor.
Don’t Overcook Veggies – Keep them crisp for the best texture.
Prep Ahead – Chop all veggies and measure ingredients before starting to cook.
Toss Noodles Gently – Use tongs to avoid breaking the noodles while mixing.

Serving Suggestions
Asian Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the savory noodles.
Egg Drop Soup – A quick and comforting starter.
Spring Rolls – Pair with sweet chili sauce for a fun appetizer.
Green Tea or Iced Jasmine Tea – A light beverage to complement the meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended as noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Stir-fry in a pan with a splash of water until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other noodles?
   Yes! Yakisoba, ramen, or spaghetti can be used in place of chow mein noodles.
2. What protein alternatives work well?
   Try it with shrimp, tofu, ground beef, or even rotisserie chicken.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely—skip the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make it fully gluten-free.
5. What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
   Chow mein is stir-fried with a slight crisp, while lo mein noodles are softer and mixed with sauce after cooking.

Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is a fast, flexible, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy days or casual dinners. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory, umami-rich sauce coating every strand of noodle, it’s no wonder this dish is a global favorite. Making it at home lets you skip the takeout and enjoy a fresher, healthier version that’s tailored to your taste.

Try this once and you’ll ditch delivery for good! Share your results in the comments and tag us in your kitchen creations.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 680mg

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