Name: Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless; 3 Tbsp oil; 12 oz chow mein noodles, uncooked; 2 cups cabbage; 1 large carrot, julienned; 1/2 batch green onions; 2 garlic cloves; 4 Tbsp oyster sauce, or to taste; 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 3 Tbsp light sesame oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 8 reviews

Bright, fresh chicken and crisp veggies tangled in golden noodles — this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is the weeknight dinner your family will beg for again and again. Packed with irresistible flavors, just the right balance of savory, sweet and umami, and leaps ahead of any takeout meal, this easy chow mein is one of those dishes that truly delivers on every promise. Trust me: once you discover how simple and rewarding it is to stir-fry it all in a single pan, you’ll wonder why you ever dialed for delivery in the first place.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s astonishing how pantry staples and a few fresh finds are transformed into something so vibrant and satisfying. These simple, essential ingredients each play a starring role in making every bite of Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce utterly craveable.

Chicken breast, boneless and skinless: Lean strips of chicken become juicy and tender when quickly stir-fried, soaking up every drop of that rich, flavorful sauce.
Oil: A little neutral oil keeps everything sizzling without overpowering the delicate flavors; use olive or vegetable oil for best results.
Chow mein noodles: These classic noodles have just the right chew to support the savory sauce and veggie mix.
Cabbage: Sliced thin, it softens yet keeps a light crunch, giving the dish natural sweetness and color contrast.
Carrot, julienned: Carrots bring tiny pops of color and a sweet undertone that livens up each forkful.
Green onions: Both the green and white parts lend subtle onion flavor and a delicious, fresh finish.
Garlic cloves: Pressed or minced, garlic is the aromatic backbone of the stir-fry, infusing everything with irresistible fragrance.
Oyster sauce: The key to achieving depth and umami in the best chow mein sauce — adjust to taste depending on your brand!
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds salty, complex flavor without overwhelming the balance — low sodium keeps things just right.
Light sesame oil (not toasted): This oil subtly perfumes the noodles and veggies without bitterness.
Chicken broth: Use a splash of broth to bring all the sauce elements together and keep the noodles deliciously moist.
Corn starch: For silky, glossy chow mein sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and vegetable.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch rounds out all the savory notes and brings balance to the sauce.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Chow Mein Sauce

The heart of this recipe truly is the sauce — so give it a little love from the outset! In a small mixing bowl, whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, light sesame oil, chicken broth, corn starch, and granulated sugar until everything is silky smooth. Set this aside while you prep the rest; that way, when it’s time to toss it all together, you can add the magical sauce in a flash.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re just tender, drain and rinse briefly with cold water to halt cooking and prevent stickiness. Set them aside — these gorgeous golden strands will be ready and waiting for their big moment in the pan.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a generous nonstick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips, then sear in batches if necessary for maximum golden-brown color. Let the pieces sit for a moment before stirring to let them really caramelize on the outside – flavor in every bite! Once the chicken is just cooked through and deeply golden, transfer it to a plate; it will return shortly.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a little extra oil to the pan if needed, then toss in the julienned carrots, thinly sliced cabbage, and pressed garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, just until the vegetables are starting to soften and the cabbage is a bit translucent but still vibrant. This step keeps everything bright, crisp, and colorful.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

Now for the showstopper! Return the golden chicken and cooked noodles to the pan with the veggies. Pour your whisked chow mein sauce evenly over the whole lot, and toss everything together. Let this simmer and sizzle for 2 minutes, stirring to coat every strand and bite with Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce. The sauce will thicken and cling, giving you that classic glossy, appetizing look and taste you crave.

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

Garnishes

Finish off your noodles with a festive flurry of freshly chopped green onions scattered over the top. If you want an extra pop of color and punch, toss on a handful of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes. The final flourish makes each plate utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is delicious on its own, but you can round out your meal with a fresh Asian cucumber salad, simple steamed edamame, or some crunchy spring rolls for a real takeout-style feast. White rice is never unwelcome, either, if you want a little extra comfort!

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by serving the chow mein straight from the sizzling skillet, letting everyone dig in family-style. Or, for a fun twist, portion noodles into small bowls, top with extra veggies, and set out chopsticks for an authentic bistro vibe. The beautiful colors of Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce make it a standout at any potluck or dinner party — and leftovers are perfect for lunchboxes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce cool completely, then pack it into airtight containers and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and honestly, sometimes the flavors deepen and get even tastier with a little time to meld.

Freezing

For longer storage, transfer cooled chicken chow mein into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to protect that lovely texture, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember the noodles may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a quick meal, reheat your chow mein in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to rehydrate the noodles and sauce. Stir gently until steaming hot — or use the microwave, stopping to toss everything for even warmth. You’ll have dinner on the table again in no time.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so your protein stays tender and delicious alongside the veggies and noodles.

What if I can’t find chow mein noodles?

No worries! You can substitute with thin egg noodles, yakisoba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. The goal is to capture that tender-chewy noodle vibe that makes Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce so satisfying.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes — replace regular chow mein noodles with your favorite gluten-free rice noodles and swap out the soy sauce and oyster sauce for gluten-free versions. The sauce will be just as tasty!

How can I make the sauce spicier?

Spice lovers can add a drizzle of sriracha, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh chilies directly to the sauce mixture before tossing. Start small and taste as you go to find your ideal heat level.

Can I prep Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! Prep veggies, sauce, and even the chicken strips ahead, then store each separately in the fridge. When you’re ready for dinner, simply cook and assemble as directed. Dinner in under 15 minutes!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for friends, you have to try Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce. Once you see (and taste!) how much better homemade can be, takeout nights may never be the same. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious, noodle-filled bite!