Chicken Chow Mein is a classic dish packed with tender chicken pieces, crispy veggies, and noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy and soft textures with a taste that’s both familiar and satisfying. Whether you’re craving something quick or a little bit special, this dish hits the spot.
I love making Chicken Chow Mein because it comes together in no time and always feels like a little celebration. The best part for me is getting the noodles perfectly coated in sauce while keeping the vegetables nice and crisp. I find that adding fresh bean sprouts or a splash of sesame oil really kicks it up a notch.
For serving, I usually like to pile it high on a big plate and enjoy it with chopsticks or a fork, whatever feels right. It’s great on its own but also pairs nicely with a side of steamed rice or some simple spring rolls. This dish reminds me of those cozy nights when a flavorful homemade meal warms you up after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken breasts for lean, tender meat. If you prefer, chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. Turkey can be a good substitute too.
Noodles: Chow mein noodles give a nice texture. If you can’t find them, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti work well.
Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and green onions add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Sauces: Soy and oyster sauce create the traditional taste. For a vegetarian option, replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: Just a little sesame oil adds a warm, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip or use a small drizzle of toasted sesame seeds for texture.
How Do You Get Crispy Vegetables While Keeping Noodles Tender?
Balancing crunchy veggies with soft noodles is key in chow mein. Here are some tips:
- Cook noodles separately until just tender and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Stir-fry vegetables on high heat but only for a few minutes to keep their snap.
- Add noodles last with sauce to gently warm and coat without overcooking.
- Use a hot wok or skillet to cook quickly and keep everything crisp and fresh.
These steps help keep each bite satisfying, with a nice contrast of textures.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or large skillet – great for high-heat cooking and stir-frying all ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing chicken and chopping vegetables easy and precise.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface for prepping your chicken and veggies safely.
- Colander – to drain and rinse noodles after cooking, stopping them from getting mushy.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for tossing ingredients without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a tasty seafood or vegetarian option that still pairs well with chow mein flavors.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color and an earthy, fresh crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with the garlic for a more aromatic, spicy kick.
- Top with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for a bit of texture and nuttiness.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g), thinly sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (thin sticks)
- 3 green onions (scallions), chopped into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. It includes 10 minutes to prep and cook the noodles and chicken, plus 15-20 minutes to stir-fry the vegetables and combine everything perfectly. A quick, wholesome meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles until they are just tender. Drain them well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and drain again. Set the noodles aside.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth (or water). Stir well and set aside for later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the smell of garlic and onions fills the air.
Add the julienned carrots and chopped cabbage. Stir-fry these for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly but still keep their crisp texture.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the noodles, green onions, and bean sprouts if you are using them. Pour your sauce evenly over the top.
Toss everything together thoroughly to make sure the noodles and vegetables are coated well with sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your chicken chow mein and adjust the seasoning with salt or a little more soy sauce if needed. Serve hot right away to enjoy the meal at its freshest.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture that can affect the stir-fry.
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
If you can’t find chow mein noodles, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work well. Just cook them as directed and make sure to rinse with cold water to prevent stickiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork to suit your taste.
