Chicken Chow Mein is one of those cozy takeout-style meals that feels just right on a busy night. It is quick to make, full of colorful vegetables, and has that satisfying mix of tender noodles, savory chicken, and a glossy sauce.
Chicken Chow Mein
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or wok
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs sliced thin
- 10 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 0.5 onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 0.33 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp neutral oil for cooking
- 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside. A quick rinse helps keep them from sticking together while you finish the rest of the dish.
- Toss the sliced chicken with a little cornstarch and soy sauce. This helps the chicken brown nicely and gives the sauce a smooth, glossy finish later.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok, then cook the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage until just tender. Add the garlic and ginger near the end so they stay fragrant and do not burn.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly golden. Keep the heat fairly high so the meat sears instead of steaming.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of sesame oil. Stir everything together so the noodles and vegetables get coated evenly.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss well until everything is combined and warmed through. If the pan looks dry, add a small splash more broth.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve right away while the noodles are hot and silky.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This Chicken Chow Mein brings big flavor with simple ingredients. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, while the chicken stays tender and the vegetables add a fresh, crisp bite.
It is also easy to customize based on what you have in the fridge. You can keep it classic, add more vegetables, or make it a little saucier if that is how your family likes it.
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast or chicken thighs, sliced thin
- Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Carrot, julienned
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Cabbage, shredded
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Chicken broth
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Neutral oil for cooking
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
If you need to swap a few things, use broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms in place of the bell pepper or cabbage. You can also use rice noodles in a pinch, though the texture will be a little different. For a lighter sauce, reduce the oyster sauce slightly and add a splash more broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Chow Mein
1. Cook the noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside. A quick rinse helps keep them from sticking together while you finish the rest of the dish.
2. Prep the chicken
Toss the sliced chicken with a little cornstarch and soy sauce. This helps the chicken brown nicely and gives the sauce a smooth, glossy finish later.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok, then cook the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage until just tender. Add the garlic and ginger near the end so they stay fragrant and do not burn.
4. Cook the chicken
Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly golden. Keep the heat fairly high so the meat sears instead of steaming.
5. Add the sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of sesame oil. Stir everything together so the noodles and vegetables get coated evenly.
6. Toss in the noodles
Add the cooked noodles and toss well until everything is combined and warmed through. If the pan looks dry, add a small splash more broth.
7. Finish and serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve right away while the noodles are hot and silky.
Tips for Success
Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks fast and stays tender. Also, keep your vegetables prepped before you start cooking, because this recipe moves quickly once the pan gets hot.
If you like extra sauce, make a little more before you start and hold some back to add at the end. That is the easiest way to keep the noodles flavorful without making them soggy.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
You can make this recipe with shrimp, beef, or tofu if you want to change things up. Different vegetables work well too, especially mushrooms, bok choy, baby corn, and snap peas.
For a little heat, add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili sauce. For a sweeter flavor, stir in a tiny splash of grape juice with the broth-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides like steamed dumplings, cucumber salad, or a bowl of clear soup. If you are serving a crowd, add a fresh fruit plate or a light vegetable appetizer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to absorb sauce as they sit, so a little extra broth can help when reheating.
To reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring between each one until heated through.
Memories Made Around the Table
This is the kind of dish that often disappears fast in my house. It has that warm, familiar feel that makes everyone come back for seconds, and I love how a simple noodle dinner can still feel like a little weeknight treat.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, you can use thin egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or even rice noodles if that is what you have. Just cook them according to the package instructions and toss them gently so they do not break.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Drain them well, rinse briefly if needed, and toss them with the sauce soon after cooking. If they sit too long, a little oil or broth can help loosen them up before serving.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce ahead of time, which makes dinner come together quickly. The finished dish is best served fresh, but leftovers still reheat nicely.
What vegetables work best in Chicken Chow Mein?
Cabbage, carrots, onions, and bell peppers are classic choices, but broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and bok choy all work well too. Use what is fresh and colorful for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is a simple, satisfying dinner that brings comfort and flavor to the table without much fuss. Once you make it at home, you may find yourself reaching for this recipe any time you want a fast, cozy meal.