Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Home-Cooked Asian Comfort Joy

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds, and this chicken chow mein recipe with an incredible chow mein sauce delivers exactly what you need.

Packed with savory flavors and crisp vegetables, the dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces dance alongside crunchy noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The secret weapon?

A mouthwatering chow mein sauce that infuses every bite with bold, umami-rich goodness.

Stir-frying transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Colorful bell peppers, green onions, and succulent chicken create a feast for both eyes and palate.

Dive into this easy, satisfying recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

What Makes This Chicken Chow Mein a Weeknight Favorite

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create One-Pan Dish: Minimal dishes and simplified cooking process make this recipe incredibly convenient and straightforward.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting sauce intensity to match personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, this chow mein appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

What Goes into Flavorful Chicken Chow Mein

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender meat that brings protein and flavor to the dish.
• Chow Mein Noodles: Delightful Chinese wheat noodles that form the base of the meal.

• Oyster Sauce: Rich and savory sauce with deep umami flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Classic Asian condiment that adds depth and saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty and aromatic oil that provides authentic taste.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that enhances overall sauce richness.
• Cornstarch: Smooth thickening agent for perfect sauce consistency.
• Sugar: Sweet element that balances the savory flavors.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Fresh aromatics that boost the dish's flavor profile.
• Cabbage, Carrots: Crisp vegetables that add texture and nutrition.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for stir-frying ingredients.

How to Cook Chow Mein with Homemade Sauce

Step 1: Craft Your Flavor Explosion

• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Sugar

Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until they blend into a silky smooth mixture.

Let it hang out while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Noodle Preparation

Boil chow mein noodles until they reach that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the noodles and give them a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process.

Set them aside and get ready for some serious stir-frying action.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up your wok or large skillet with vegetable oil.

Toss in minced garlic and chicken pieces, letting them dance around the pan.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Scoop out the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 4: Vegetable Magic

In the same sizzling pan, add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots.

Stir-fry these colorful veggies for 3-4 minutes, keeping them crisp and tender.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.

Toss in the prepared noodles and drizzle that amazing sauce you created earlier.

Mix everything thoroughly so each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to let all the flavors mingle and get to know each other.

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for that fresh, final touch.

Serve piping hot and get ready to impress everyone at the table with your culinary skills!

Best Tips for Great Chow Mein Texture

• Rinse boiled noodles with cold water immediately to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before adding to allow ingredients to blend and develop a deeper, more robust taste.
• Use high heat for quick cooking to preserve vegetable crispness and prevent soggy vegetables while creating a slight char.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Adjust cornstarch quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness – less for a lighter coating, more for a thicker glaze.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Chow Mein

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken chow mein stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep noodles separate from sauce when storing to maintain their texture. Place sauce in a separate container to prevent noodles from becoming mushy.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freeze chicken chow mein for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.

Side Ideas for Chicken Chow Mein

• Sip Complementary Crisp Riesling: Bright, slightly sweet white wine balances the savory umami flavors of chicken chow mein, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Enhance with Jasmine Tea Pairing: Light, fragrant jasmine tea cleanses the palate between bites, complementing the stir-fry's complex seasonings and providing a traditional Asian dining experience.
• Match with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing to echo the dish's vegetable components, adding textural contrast and refreshing brightness.
• Add Zesty Sriracha Drizzle: Create a spicy condiment option by mixing sriracha with a touch of honey, allowing diners to customize heat levels and add an extra flavor dimension to the chow mein.

Fun Takes on Classic Chow Mein

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat-based chow mein noodles with rice noodles or spiralized zucchini. Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to ensure gluten-free compliance.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash. Increase protein content by adding extra tofu or additional vegetables.
• Spicy Chow Mein Variation: Incorporate sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili peppers for a fiery kick. Add ginger and extra garlic to enhance the heat and complexity of the dish.

FAQs

• What makes the chow mein sauce unique?

The sauce combines oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth, creating a complex, savory flavor profile that perfectly balances sweet and umami notes.

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti if traditional noodles are unavailable. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains soy sauce and oyster sauce, which typically have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

• How spicy is this chicken chow mein?

The base recipe is not spicy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped fresh chili during the stir-frying process to customize the spice level.

Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken chow mein dances with authentic Chinese flavors, bringing street-market excitement to your dinner table. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken nestle among perfectly seasoned noodles, promising a delightful journey through classic Asian cuisine you can easily create at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast

Vegetables:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 batch green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Noodles and Cooking Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) chow mein noodles, uncooked
• 3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
2. Immerse chow mein noodles in boiling water, cooking until they reach a perfect al dente texture. Immediately cool the noodles under a gentle stream of cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious wok, bringing it to a high temperature. Introduce minced garlic and chicken pieces, sautéing until the chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok, temporarily setting it aside while maintaining its warmth.
5. Utilize the same cooking vessel to stir-fry shredded cabbage and julienned carrots, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant, typically requiring 3-4 minutes of careful manipulation.
6. Reintroduce the cooked chicken and prepared noodles into the vegetable-filled wok. Drench the ingredients with the previously crafted sauce, thoroughly tossing to guarantee uniform coating.
7. Allow the combined ingredients to meld together, stirring continuously for an additional two minutes to intensify flavor integration.
8. Transfer the aromatic chicken chow mein to serving plates, garnishing generously with freshly chopped green onions for a final burst of color and zest.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chow mein noodles for the best texture and authentic flavor profile.
• Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth, quick stir-frying process.
• Maintain high heat during cooking to achieve that classic wok-style sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine for an extra layer of depth and traditional Chinese flavor.
• Use a well-seasoned wok or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and achieve perfect caramelization.
• For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken breast and reducing oil quantity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg