Learn how to make Chicken Chow Mein just like your favorite takeaway! This easy recipe features tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick, delicious homemade meal!

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken chow mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish made with tender chicken, noodles, and a mix of crunchy vegetables like cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a savory sauce. The noodles are usually pan-fried for a slightly crispy texture, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick, tasty dinner!

Be sure to check out other delicious Asian-inspired dishes like Chicken Yakisoba Noodles, Chicken Lo Mein, or Shrimp Yaki Udon. They’re perfect for when you're craving more flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry meals!

✅Ingredient Notes

Chow Mein Noodles: You can use either chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles. Make sure to cook them just until al dente, as they will continue cooking in the stir-fry. Avoid overcooking to keep them from getting mushy.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or any neutral vegetable oil works best. They have a high smoke point, perfect for stir-frying.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized strips for quicker cooking and even browning. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add great flavor and aroma. Mince them finely to avoid large chunks.
Vegetables: Thinly slice the carrots and cabbage for quick and even cooking. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, but keep them thinly sliced.
Green Onions: Use them as a garnish for added flavor and color.
Chow Mein Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients (oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and white pepper) ahead of time. This ensures a smooth stir-fry process.
White Pepper: A small amount of white pepper adds subtle heat and an earthy flavor, which is common in traditional chow mein. It’s optional but recommended for authenticity.

🔪How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

Make the sauce by whisking together all the ingredients in a bowl.

Cook the noodles per package instructions, drain, and rinse.

Stir-fry the chicken until golden, then add garlic, ginger, and veggies.

Toss in the noodles and sauce, stirring everything together.

Garnish with green onions.

❗ For full details, refer to the recipe card!

👨‍🍳Expert Tips

Prep Ingredients First: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have all ingredients chopped and sauce mixed before you start cooking. This will help prevent overcooking.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Follow the package instructions for your noodles, but cook them just until al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when stir-fried.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a much brighter flavor than powdered versions, enhancing the dish's authentic taste.
High Heat for Stir-Frying: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat high. This ensures the chicken and vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy, giving them that perfect stir-fry texture.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan lowers the heat, causing the ingredients to steam rather than fry.
Add Sauce Last: After everything is cooked, toss the noodles, chicken, and veggies in the sauce at the end to ensure everything is evenly coated without turning soggy.

🗄️Storage and Reheating

To store, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, use a microwave, but for best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor.

If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

Print Recipe

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Like the Takeaway

Make your own chicken chow mein at home with this easy recipe that tastes just like your favorite takeaway! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and stir-fried noodles in a savory sauce, it's a quick and delicious dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!

Author: chefjar

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Servings:

Calories: 338kcal

Ingredients

12 oz. chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles, uncooked
3 tablespoons vegetable oil like Canola
1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic minced
½ tablespoon ginger minced
3 cups of mixed vegetables carrots thinly sliced into matchsticks, cabbage thinly sliced/shredded
½ batch green onions

Chow Mein Sauce

½ cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 tablespoons light sesame oil not toasted
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon white pepper powder

Instructions

Make the sauce: Whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and white pepper powder in a small bowl and set aside.
Cook the noodles: Follow the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Stir-fry chicken: Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
Add vegetables: Add the garlic, ginger and mixed veggies. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine with noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the wok with the chicken and vegetables. Add the prepared sauce. Stir well to combine everything.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Notes

To store, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, use a microwave, but for best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Course: Asian Recipes

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Asian chicken chow mein, chicken chow mein

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