Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying Chinese-American stir-fry that features tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles tossed in a savory sauce. This quick and delicious dish brings the taste of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
• Delicious homemade alternative to takeout
• Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
• Loved by both adults and kids

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ cup chicken broth

directions

this recipe

1. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth to create the stir-fry sauce.
3. Toss sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add noodles and the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas
• Make it spicy with sriracha or red chili flakes
• Use gluten-free noodles and tamari for a gluten-free version
• Add a scrambled egg for extra texture and protein

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth
• Not recommended for freezing, as noodles may become soggy

FAQs

Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?

Yes, spaghetti works well as a substitute if chow mein or egg noodles aren’t available.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook the noodles and rinse them in cold water to stop cooking after draining.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for a similar taste.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just add it at the end of cooking to warm through—no need to stir-fry it separately.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper for heat.

Can I prep the ingredients in advance?

Absolutely. Chop all veggies and mix the sauce ahead to save time during cooking.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat noodles, add more vegetables, and reduce the amount of oil or sodium in the sauce.

Is Chicken Chow Mein gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari for soy sauce.

Can I add scrambled eggs?

Yes, scramble eggs in the pan before adding veggies for extra protein and texture.

What should I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?

It’s a full meal on its own, but a side of steamed dumplings or egg drop soup pairs well.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, customizable, and incredibly tasty meal that brings together crispy veggies, tender chicken, and savory noodles in every bite. With a simple prep and bold flavors, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your takeout cravings at home. Try it once, and it might just become a weeknight favorite.

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