Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting noodle dishes that feels like takeout night at home, but fresher and more satisfying. It comes together fast with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that coats every strand of noodle.
Chicken Chow Mein
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or wok
Ingredients
Stir Fry
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh sliced thin
- 10 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 2 tbsp oil for cooking
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 4 green onions chopped (white and green parts separated)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook Noodles
- Boil the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain them well, then toss with a little oil so they do not stick together.
Prepare Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
Cook Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
Stir Fry Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions until crisp-tender.
Combine & Serve
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the remaining green onions and serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot while it is fresh and glossy.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This Chicken Chow Mein is quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet flavorful enough to make everyone at the table happy. It uses simple pantry ingredients, cooks in one pan, and gives you that classic mix of chewy noodles, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables.
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast or chicken thigh, sliced thin
- Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- Oil, for cooking
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Carrots, julienned
- Cabbage, shredded
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Chicken broth
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
If you need to make a swap, chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a juicier bite. You can also use any sturdy noodle you have on hand, then adjust the sauce slightly if the noodles soak it up quickly. Add snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli if you want to use up extra vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Chow Mein
1. Cook the noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain them well, then toss with a little oil so they do not stick together.
2. Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
4. Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions until crisp-tender.
5. Combine everything
Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish and serve
Stir in the remaining green onions and serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot while it is fresh and glossy.
Tips for Success
Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender. Keep the heat fairly high when stir-frying, since that helps the vegetables stay bright and crisp. If the noodles look a little dry, add a splash of broth before serving.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
You can make this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. For a little heat, add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. If you prefer extra vegetables, toss in bok choy, snow peas, or bean sprouts at the end.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a light soup. For a fuller meal, serve it with spring rolls or a fruit platter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles, or warm it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring once or twice.
Memories Made Around the Table
This is the kind of dinner that brings people into the kitchen before it even reaches the table. The sound of sizzling vegetables and the smell of garlic and ginger always seem to draw everyone in.
FAQs
Can I use a different noodle?
Yes, thin egg noodles, ramen noodles, or other sturdy noodles work well. Just cook them until barely tender so they do not turn soft when tossed with the sauce.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Drain them well and toss them with a small amount of oil right after cooking. If they sit for a while, give them a quick toss before adding them to the pan.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce ahead of time. For the best texture, cook the noodles and stir-fry everything just before serving.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, and bean sprouts all work nicely. Use what you have and keep the pieces thin so they cook quickly.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is a simple, cozy dinner that delivers big flavor with very little fuss. Once you make it at home, it may become one of those easy meals you come back to again and again.