Name: Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300 grams Dried egg noodles or 2 servings noodles; 250 grams Chicken breast, boneless; 1 Onion, thinly sliced; 2-3 cloves Garlic, finely chopped; 2-3 Spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 Bell pepper, red or green, thinly sliced; 1 Carrot, julienned; 2-3 Cabbage leaves, thinly sliced; 2-3 tbsp Cooking oil, neutral flavor; 2 tbsp Light soy sauce; 2 tsp Dark soy sauce; 4 tbsp Oyster sauce; 1 tbsp Sesame oil; 1 tbsp Brown sugar; 1 tbsp Water; 1/4 tsp White pepper; 1 tbsp Light soy sauce; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1/4 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Brown sugar; 1/4 tsp White pepper; 2 tsp Sesame oil

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that balances savory, sweet, and a hint of smokiness, this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Loaded with tender strips of marinated chicken, a rainbow of crisp vegetables, and those irresistible golden noodles soaked in an addictive chow mein sauce, every bite feels like a treat. The best part? You won’t believe how quick and simple it is to achieve takeout-worthy magic in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe comes down to thoughtfully chosen, everyday ingredients that work together for maximum flavor and unbeatable texture. Each brings its own element: crunch, fragrance, richness, or that signature savory sauce you crave from a great chow mein!

Dried egg noodles: These are the backbone of chow mein, delivering springy bite and soaking up all those delicious flavors. You can substitute fresh egg noodles if you have them on hand.
Chicken breast: Opt for boneless chicken breast or thigh for juicy, tender morsels after a quick marinade and stir-fry.
Onion: Sliced thin, the onion brings gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
Garlic: A punch of finely chopped garlic infuses every strand and morsel with warming perfume.
Spring onions: Their vibrant color and slight sharpness make the perfect fresh finish.
Bell pepper: Choose red or green for pops of color and a subtle sweet crunch.
Carrot: Julienned carrots add both texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
Cabbage leaves: Thinly sliced, cabbage brings a classic noodle-shop crunch and silkiness when stir-fried.
Cooking oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil for clean taste and high heat tolerance; don’t hesitate to add a little extra for that glossy finish.
Chow Mein Sauce: This star element is a blend of:
- Light soy sauce: Salty, umami-rich base for your sauce.
- Dark soy sauce: Deep color and a richer soy flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Thickness and sweet-salty punch (sub hoisin or mushroom sauce if needed).
- Sesame oil: Adds an unmistakable toasty aroma.
- Brown sugar: Gives balance and hints of caramel.
- Water: Helps thin out the sauce to coat every noodle.
- White pepper: Traditional gentle heat and aroma.
Chicken Marinade: Take those chicken pieces to the next level with:
- Light soy sauce: Tenderizes and flavors the chicken from the inside out.
- Corn starch: Ensures that signature velvety texture on the outside after cooking.
- Baking soda: Another tenderizing trick for juicier chicken.
- Brown sugar: A subtle touch for complexity.
- White pepper: Enhances fragrance and spice.
- Sesame oil or cooking oil: Works as a moistener and flavor boost.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless chicken breast or thigh into thin, even strips. In a bowl, combine the chicken with light soy sauce, corn starch, baking soda, brown sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Give everything a good mix and set it aside while you prep the veggies—this gives the marinade time to work its magic, ensuring each piece is succulent and infused with flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Noodles and Veggies

Boil your dried egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain, then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together (toss with a touch of oil if needed). Now, slice your onions, peppers, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and spring onions so everything is ready to go—chop now for easy, fast cooking later!

Step 3: Mix the Chow Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and a dash of white pepper. This mixture is your savory sauce powerhouse; set it close by so it’s ready to pour over your noodles when the time comes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a swirl of neutral oil, then stir-fry the marinated chicken until just cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken to a clean bowl, keeping it juicy and ready for the grand noodle toss later.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Drizzle a bit more oil into the pan. Toss in your garlic and onions, stirring just until fragrant. Next, add your harder vegetables—carrots and bell peppers—sautéing for a minute to preserve their crunch. Follow quickly with the shredded cabbage for plenty of color and freshness.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked noodles to the wok, pour your prepared Chow Mein sauce over the top, and add in your cooked chicken. Toss everything together using tongs or two spatulas to mix well. The noodles should be evenly coated, and the vegetables and chicken should be distributed for balance in every forkful. Finish by tossing in the spring onion pieces right at the end.

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle with extra sliced spring onions or a shower of sesame seeds. A final drizzle of sesame oil or a dash of chili flakes takes your Chicken Chow Mein Recipe from great to unforgettable, offering a fresh crunch, a pop of color, and a burst of aroma with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken chow mein with simple steamed edamame, a bright cucumber salad, or classic Chinese scallion pancakes. For a more filling spread, try steamed dumplings or hot-and-sour soup—each one highlights the chow mein’s balanced flavors without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small noodle boxes or deep bowls with chopsticks tucked alongside. You can also plate chow mein on a large communal platter, garnished with a generous bouquet of herbs, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. Lay out a DIY toppings bar (think toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, crispy shallots) to let guests customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Chicken Chow Mein Recipe into airtight containers as soon as it cools to room temperature. Pop them in the fridge for up to three days—these noodles reheat like a dream and even make the perfect next-day lunch!

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? Once completely cooled, portion your chow mein into freezer-safe zip bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making busy-night dinners a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles to revive their spring, then microwave in short bursts, tossing halfway through. Alternatively, toss leftovers in a hot skillet for a few minutes, stirring gently until warmed through for that “just cooked” texture again.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try it with thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu—just adjust cooking times as needed for your protein of choice.

Do I really need to rinse the noodles in cold water?

Yes, giving the noodles a cold rinse stops them from cooking further and prevents them from sticking—a small step that makes all the difference for truly perfect chow mein texture.

How can I make the chow mein sauce less salty?

If you’re sensitive to salt, use low-sodium soy sauces and cut back slightly on the oyster sauce. Taste as you go, and remember: you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

What vegetables can I add or swap in?

Chow mein is a flexible canvas! Try adding snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli, or bean sprouts. Use whatever’s in your fridge for a colorful, personalized take on this classic.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes—with a few simple tweaks. Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles, and be sure to check your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other condiments for gluten-free labels. The Chicken Chow Mein Recipe will still be just as flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a quick, flavor-packed Chicken Chow Mein Recipe that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout, right from your own kitchen. If you’ve ever wanted to master a dish that brings people together and sparks pure joy with every forkful, definitely give this chow mein a try. You’ll be surprised at just how easily it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!