Description
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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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tsp cornstarch
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½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
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Pinch of black pepper
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
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3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp cornstarch
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¼ cup chicken broth or water
For the Stir-Fry:
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8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
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1 medium carrot, julienned
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1 cup shredded cabbage
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½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
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!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Chinese-American