Save This Recipe

Just drop your email here and We'll send it right away!

This Chicken Chow Mein has tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crunchy veggies, all tossed in a delicious sauce. That sauce — a salty combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce and light sesame oil — clings perfectly to both the noodles and the vegetables in a satisfying helping. Quick and easy to prepare, this homemade version is fresher and more flavorful than takeout. Hot Serve with sprinkle of green onions for extra pop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Truly Tasty: This sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil is a rich, savory sauce worth its weight in takeout.

In a Hurry: This recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Easily adapted: The chicken could be switched out for shrimp or beef, you could add in whatever vegetables you like best, and thus this dish would be your very own.

Order Healthy Instead: You can make this at home and control the ingredients — you can cut back substantially on sodium, for example, or adjust to your particular diet.

Key Ingredients:

Noodles: For this dish chow mein noodles are perfect, since they stir-fry fast and absorb the sauce without getting mushy. Lo mein noodles also work in a pinch, along with even spaghetti.

Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor than breast, or shrimp or beef strips for variation.

Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to add more color and crunch to the dish.

Sauce Adjustments: Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like heat.

All the ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Start with the sauce

Whisk the Sauce Ingredients Together:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:

6 tbsp oyster sauce

3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

3 tbsp of light sesame oil (not toasted)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp granulated sugar

Whisk until smooth, with no lumps, and the cornstarch completely dissolved. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil Noodles:

Steam 12 oz chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the noodles, rinsing under cold running water to halt further cooking and prevent sticking.

To the noodles, add the sage and parsley, (keep them separate for now—see note, below).

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Prepare the Pan:

In a large skillet or wok, heat 3 tbsp oil over high heat until hot and shimmering.

Fry the Chicken:

Cut 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Dump the chicken pieces into the hot skillet, and add minced garlic (2 cloves).

Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving it off to the side.

Step 4: Vegetables Stir Fry

Stir-Fry Vegetables:

In the same skillet, toss in the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and a little more of the minced garlic (optional).

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stir-frying until the vegetables are cooked through but still a little crunchy. This preserves some snap in the veggies and lends texture to the dish.

Step 5: Mix All Ingredients Well

Return the Cooked Chicken and Noodles to the Pan:

Add the cooked chicken and drained noodles back into the skillet with the stir-fry vegetables.

Add the Sauce:

Add the prepared chow mein sauce over chicken, noodles, and vegetables.

Then toss to coat all the ingredients.

For a Little More Flava — Cook an Extra Minute:

Cook and stir 2 minutes more so that the sauce clings to the noodles and chicken. Be careful not to overcook as the noodles can get mushy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To Drizzle On Top: Green onions

Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch finish.

Consume Immediately:

Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot, still sizzling from the skillet, for maximum crisp textures and deep, rich flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Chow Mein is tasty enough on its own, but if you want to add some traditional Chinese-inspired sides to complete your meal, here are some ideas:

Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls are an excellent appetizer or side.

Fried Rice: This can be served with vegetable fried rice or shrimp fried rice for a more hearty meal.

Soup: A bowl of hot and sour soup or wonton soup keeps the cook warm and rounds out the meal.

Steamed Dumplings: Pair with steamed or fried dumplings for a fun side.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to resuscitate the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out.

Freeze: Freezing chow mein isn’t advised because the noodles turn mushy; however, you can freeze the sauce and cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Meal Prep: You can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead for an even speedier version of this dish. In the refrigerator, stored in separate containers, for 2 days maximum. This means you’re just stir-frying and tossing tons of stuff together when it’s time to eat.

Recipe Variations:

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Stir in sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the chow mein sauce.

Vegetarian Chow Mein: Leave out the chicken, and toss in tofu, mushrooms or some other vegetable, like broccoli, bell pepper or snap peas.

Shrimp Chow Mein: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood option. Shrimp has a quick cook time, so you want to add it toward the end of the stir-frying process so it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion:

And this Chicken Chow Mein recipe makes fresh in-your-kitchen chow mein that is bursting with all the bold, savory flavor you love in an order-in favorite. With the magic combination of tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, all cloaked in a rich, glossy sauce, it will quell any desire for Chinese takeout, while also bringing the wholesome benefits of home cooking. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or prepping it ahead for easy meals throughout the week, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.