Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting, colorful meals that comes together fast and always feels satisfying. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and saucy noodles, it is a takeout-style dinner you can make at home with simple ingredients.
Chicken Chow Mein
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Wok
- 1 Pot for boiling noodles
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles; use thin spaghetti or lo mein-style noodles if needed
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs sliced thin
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1 4 cup soy sauce
- 1 4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp neutral oil for cooking
Instructions
- Boil the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside. If needed, toss them with a little oil so they do not stick together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. This simple sauce is what gives the dish its glossy, savory finish.
- Heat a large skillet or wok with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the onion, carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, garlic, and ginger. Stir often so the vegetables soften slightly but still keep some crunch.
- Add the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss well until everything is coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust if needed, then top with green onions and serve right away.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
This dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight, but it still tastes like something special. The noodles soak up the savory sauce, the vegetables stay lively and fresh, and the chicken adds plenty of hearty flavor.
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast or chicken thighs, sliced thin
- Chow mein noodles, or thin egg noodles if needed
- Cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch
- Neutral oil for cooking
- Green onions, for finishing
If you do not have chow mein noodles, use thin spaghetti or lo mein-style noodles. You can also swap in snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn if you want to use up vegetables 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. If needed, toss them with a little oil so they do not stick together.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. This simple sauce is what gives the dish its glossy, savory finish.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Stir-fry the vegetables
Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the onion, carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, garlic, and ginger. Stir often so the vegetables soften slightly but still keep some crunch.
Step 5: Bring everything together
Add the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss well until everything is coated and heated through.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust if needed, then top with green onions and serve right away.
Tips for Success
Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender. Keep the heat fairly high when stir-frying, since that helps the vegetables stay crisp and gives the noodles better flavor. Also, have everything prepped before you start cooking, because this recipe moves fast once the pan gets hot.
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
You can make this recipe your own in so many easy ways. Try adding mushrooms for extra savoriness, cabbage for more crunch, or a handful of bean sprouts at the end for freshness. If you like a little heat, stir in chili flakes or a spoonful of chili 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 like cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a light vegetable soup. For a fuller meal, serve it with spring rolls or a small plate of fruit on the side.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Memories Made Around the Table
Dishes like this always remind me of relaxed family dinners, when everyone comes to the table hungry and leaves happy. There is something comforting about a simple noodle meal that brings people back for seconds without much fuss.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or even extra vegetables if that is what you have on hand.
How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them just until tender, drain well, and toss them with the sauce at the very end so they do not sit too long in liquid.
Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables, chicken, and sauce ahead of time. For the best texture, stir-fry and combine everything just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is the kind of simple, satisfying dinner that makes busy nights feel a little easier. Once you try it at home, you may find yourself making it again whenever you want a fast meal with comforting flavor.