Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting takeout-style meals that feels just right on a busy night. It comes together quickly with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles tossed in a savory sauce that tastes fresh and satisfying.
Chicken Chow Mein
Equipment
- 1 Wok or large skillet
- 1 Pot for boiling noodles
Ingredients
Chicken Chow Mein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs thinly sliced
- 10 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles uncooked
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 medium bell pepper sliced
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt to taste
Instructions
Chicken Chow Mein
- Boil the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside. A quick rinse with cool water helps keep them from sticking together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will coat the noodles and bring everything together.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. Add the carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper, and stir-fry until just tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything well so the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle the green onions over the top and serve right away while hot.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This Chicken Chow Mein is fast, colorful, and packed with flavor. It uses simple ingredients, cooks in one pan, and gives you that classic noodle-house taste without much fuss.
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast or chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- Carrots, julienned
- Cabbage, shredded
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Chicken broth
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Black pepper
- Salt, if needed
If you do not have chow mein noodles, thin spaghetti can work in a pinch. You can also swap the vegetables for snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts depending on what you have in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside. A quick rinse with cool water helps keep them from sticking together.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will coat the noodles and bring everything together.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Stir-fry the vegetables
Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. Add the carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper, and stir-fry until just tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything well so the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Sprinkle the green onions over the top and serve right away while hot.
Tips for Success
Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender. Keep the heat fairly high when stir-frying, because that helps the vegetables stay crisp and the noodles pick up a little of that delicious wok-style flavor.
Do not overcook the sauce. Once it thickens and clings to the noodles, it is ready. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
You can make this dish your own in a few easy ways. Add mushrooms for extra savoriness, use zucchini for a lighter version, or stir in a handful of bean sprouts at the end for more crunch.
If you like a little heat, add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil just before serving. For a deeper flavor, swap part of the chicken broth with a little extra oyster sauce.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein works well on its own, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides. Try it with steamed dumplings, a cucumber salad, or a bowl of clear soup for a fuller meal.
If you are serving a crowd, add some fresh fruit or a light vegetable side so the whole table feels balanced and colorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some sauce as they sit, so a small splash of broth or water helps when reheating.
Warm the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one. Heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken from drying out.
Memories Made Around the Table
Meals like this always remind me of the comfort of gathering everyone together after a long day. There is something special about serving a big pan of noodles and watching the whole dish disappear faster than expected.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, thin spaghetti, lo mein noodles, or other long noodles can work if chow mein noodles are not available.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook them over high heat and only until tender-crisp. They should still have a little bite when you add the sauce.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce, slice the vegetables, and cook the chicken ahead of time. For the best texture, stir-fry everything just before serving.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
You can use a mix of soy sauce and a little extra chicken broth for a simpler sauce, though the flavor will be a bit lighter.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is the kind of easy, satisfying dinner that fits into real life. It is quick to make, easy to customize, and always a welcome meal at the table.