When I think of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with eager appetites, Chicken Chow Mein instantly comes to mind. I remember the first time I made this dish at home—it was a rainy evening, and the kids were craving takeout. I wanted something warm, savory, and satisfying, but with the love and care of a homemade meal. That night, my kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling noodles and savory sauce, and this recipe became an instant family favorite.
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What makes this Chicken Chow Mein so special isn’t just the stir-fried noodles or the tender chicken—it’s the perfectly balanced sauce that ties everything together. Slightly sweet, wonderfully savory, and kissed with a hint of sesame, this sauce takes a simple noodle dish to a whole new level. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this chow mein is sure to become a staple in your home too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Better Than Takeout: No MSG, less oil, and full flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Customizable: Swap in different proteins or veggies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce and veggies can be prepped in advance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Chow Mein:
- 200g (about 7 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast – thinly sliced
Substitute: Chicken thighs for juicier meat - 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 200g (7 oz) chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot – julienned
- ½ red bell pepper – thinly sliced
- 3 green onions – chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger – grated (optional)
For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water with bouillon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles per package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, cook chicken 3–4 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook the Vegetables
Add remaining oil, then sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for 30 seconds. Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything
Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour sauce over and toss well. Stir-fry 2 minutes more.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle green onions on top before serving. Add sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve hot with green onions or toasted sesame seeds. Pairs well with cucumber salad or steamed dumplings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
Helpful Note
- No chow mein noodles? Use spaghetti or rice noodles.
- Add more veggies: Snow peas, bean sprouts, mushrooms.
- Make it spicy: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use tofu and mushroom-based sauces.
- Avoid mushy noodles: Don’t overcook and stir-fry briefly.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches.
- Prep ingredients first—stir-frying goes quickly.
- Taste and adjust your sauce before cooking.
Frequently Asked Question
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and sauces like tamari. - Why did my noodles turn mushy?
Likely overcooked or left too long in the pan. Cook just until tender. - Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking. - How do I keep the chicken tender?
Marinate with cornstarch and cook over high heat quickly. - Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, make the sauce and prep veggies ahead for faster cooking.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy to the table with every bite. It’s a satisfying blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles all tied together with a savory, homemade sauce that truly makes it special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers on both flavor and comfort.
It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed broccoli, egg drop soup, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~450 per serving
Servings: 4
