Name: Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 8 oz chow mein noodles (or ramen noodles, cooked); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1/2 cup snow peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 19 reviews

If your tastebuds are craving classic takeout comfort, this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce absolutely delivers on every level. Imagine juicy strips of chicken mingling with vibrant, crisp vegetables and bouncy golden noodles, all tossed together in a lusciously savory sauce that hits the sweet, salty, and umami notes perfectly. It’s hearty, colorful, and totally irresistible—one of those meals you’ll go back to again and again, whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so satisfying about making a restaurant-worthy dish at home with simple ingredients. Each element in Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce plays a vital role: from the protein-packed chicken and snappy veggies, down to the rich, aromatic sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly, these soak up all that delicious flavor while remaining juicy and tender.
Chow mein noodles (or ramen): The backbone of this dish—go for classic chow mein noodles if possible for that authentic chew.
Vegetable oil: Ensures everything cooks up with a subtle, neutral flavor and helps prevent sticking.
Onion: Adds sweetness and deep flavorful undertones with every bite.
Bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and crispy-fresh texture.
Carrot: Julienne cuts create a delicate crunch and a lovely hint of sweetness.
Snow peas: These keep their snap and add brightness, making every forkful more exciting.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with freshly minced garlic for its rich, warm aroma.
Fresh ginger: It’s the secret to that signature zing and depth in classic chow mein!
Soy sauce: Forms the salty-savory backbone of the best chow mein sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds irresistible umami and a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of richness and a subtle tangy-sweet taste.
Rice vinegar: Balances out the richness with gentle acidity.
Sesame oil: Adds fragrant, nutty notes that linger after each bite.
Brown sugar: Just a touch makes the sauce vibrant and perfectly balanced.
Chili paste or sriracha (optional): Add as much or as little as you like for that customizable kick of heat.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Start things off by cooking your chow mein noodles (or ramen) according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente and ready, drain them and set aside. This gives them the perfect texture for tossing later and prevents them from sticking together as you get the rest of your ingredients ready.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and, if you like a kick, add your chili paste or sriracha. Set this magic aside, letting the flavors meld and deepen while you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok, making sure it’s nice and hot but not smoking. Add the thin-sliced chicken and let it cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the pieces golden and just cooked through, locking in that juicy tenderness. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate—it’s going back into the party soon!

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe anything out, all those tasty brown bits add flavor!), toss in the onions, bell pepper, carrot, and snow peas. Stir-fry for three to four minutes, just until they’re brightly colored and still retain a little crispness. They’re the heart of what makes Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce taste so vibrant and fresh.

Step 5: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger

Add in your minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another minute or two until they become fragrant. This step perfumes your kitchen and gives the entire dish a signature aromatic backbone you just can’t skip.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Add the cooked noodles and chicken back to the skillet. Pour your chow mein sauce generously over top and toss everything together until well combined. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, ensuring all the noodles, chicken, and veggies are evenly coated and heated through. The final toss melds all those incredible flavors together, making each bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds on top add just the right fresh, nutty finishing touches. For extra flair, a squirt of sriracha or a twist of lime can make your bowl even more memorable!

Side Dishes

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce shines alongside simple, classic sides. Try pairing it with steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or even a quick homemade egg drop soup. The beauty is that it’s incredibly versatile and loves good company on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style, pile the chow mein high in a large serving platter with tongs for easy grabbing. For a fun, modern twist, twirl individual servings into noodle nests in shallow bowls, or serve in Chinese takeout boxes for a playful, at-home “takeout” treat. It’s also fantastic as part of a potluck-style meal—just set out plenty of chopsticks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will keep the noodles moist, and flavors often deepen overnight.

Freezing

While Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions for up to one month. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply toss leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen things up if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this chow mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with whatever you have on hand—broccoli, baby corn, cabbage, or mushrooms are fantastic extras or swaps. The recipe is wonderfully flexible.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein and choose vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce for depth. Your Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce will still be delicious and satisfying.

What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?

No worries! Ramen noodles, spaghetti, or even udon work in a pinch. The key is to keep the noodles chewy but not mushy, so don’t overcook them.

How spicy is the sauce?

The level of heat is totally up to you. The chili paste or sriracha is optional, so you can adjust or skip it depending on whether you like things mild or with more of a kick.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a real crowd-pleaser! Just make sure to stir-fry the chicken and veggies in batches so nothing gets overcrowded and soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about mastering Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce in your own kitchen—it’s comforting, customizable, and always a hit with family or friends. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving big flavor and a little bit of restaurant magic at home!