Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe features tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp veggies all tossed in a flavorful sauce. The sauce, a savory mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and light sesame oil, perfectly coats the noodles and vegetables for a satisfying dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this homemade version is fresher and more delicious than takeout. Enjoy it hot with a sprinkle of green onions for an extra burst of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Authentic Flavors: The combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu, or add your favorite vegetables to make this dish your own.
Healthy Takeout Alternative: By making this at home, you control the ingredients and can cut down on sodium or customize it to your dietary preferences.

Key Ingredients:

Noodles: Chow mein noodles are ideal for this dish because they stir-fry quickly and soak up the sauce without becoming mushy. You can also use lo mein noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute in a pinch.
Chicken: For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast, or try shrimp or beef strips for variation.
Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to bulk up the dish with more color and crunch.
Sauce Adjustments: If you like a spicier dish, you can add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Initiate Sauce Preparation

Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
6 tbsp oyster sauce
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Stir until smooth to prevent any lumps, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil Noodles:

Follow the package instructions to cook 12 oz of chow mein noodles until al dente.
Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking and to prevent sticking.
Set the noodles aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Prepare the Pan:

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

Fry the Chicken:

Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet along with minced garlic (2 cloves).
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Vegetables Stir Fry

Stir-Fry Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and a bit more minced garlic (optional).
Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy. This keeps the veggies vibrant and adds texture to the dish.

Step 5: Blend Everything Together

Bring the Cooked Chicken and Noodles Back Into the Pan:

Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.

Add the Sauce:

Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
Toss everything together to coat all the ingredients evenly.

For Extra Flavor – Cook a Bit Longer:

Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to meld with the noodles and chicken. Be cautious not to overcook as the noodles can become mushy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle On Top with Green Onions:

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp finish.

Consume Immediately:

Serve the Chicken Chow Mein hot off the skillet to enjoy the crisp textures and bold, rich flavors at their peak.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Chow Mein is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with some classic Chinese-inspired sides to complete the meal:

Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls make a perfect side or appetizer.
Fried Rice: Pair with vegetable fried rice or shrimp fried rice for a heartier meal.
Hot and Sour Soup: A bowl of hot and sour soup or wonton soup adds warmth and rounds out the meal.
Steamed Dumplings: Serve with steamed or fried dumplings for a fun, interactive side.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers 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 chicken broth to revive the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freeze: While freezing chow mein isn’t recommended due to the noodles becoming mushy, you can freeze the sauce and cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Meal Prep: To make this recipe even quicker, prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, you can just stir-fry and toss everything together when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations:

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the chow mein sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Chow Mein: Skip the chicken and add tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Shrimp Chow Mein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end of the stir-frying process to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe delivers all the bold, savory flavors you love in a takeout classic but made fresh in your kitchen. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, glossy sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings for Chinese takeout while offering the benefits of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or prepping it ahead for easy meals throughout the week, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.