Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish full of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles all tossed together in a tasty soy-based sauce. It’s a classic takeout favorite that’s easy to make at home and always hits the spot when you want something warm and a little bit crunchy.
I love making Chicken Chow Mein because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Stir-frying the vegetables just right keeps them fresh and bright, and coating the chicken pieces in that savory sauce makes every bite delicious. I often add extra garlic and ginger to give it a little punch.
My favorite way to eat Chicken Chow Mein is straight from the pan while it’s still steaming hot. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a few chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. It’s great as a quick lunch or dinner any night of the week, and it’s perfect for sharing with family or friends who appreciate a good, comforting noodle dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Chow mein or egg noodles work best for their springy texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or even thin rice noodles can work as a substitute.
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat. Thighs can be used too for more flavor and juiciness.
Vegetables: Bok choy or napa cabbage adds crunch and freshness. You can swap in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli, depending on what you like or have on hand.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin create that classic chow mein flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can use mushroom soy and skip oyster sauce.
How Do I Keep the Noodles from Sticking and Get Great Texture?
Cooking the noodles just right is key. Boil them until they are tender but still firm (al dente), then rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking and remove surface starch. This helps prevent clumping.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly after rinsing to avoid sogginess.
- When adding noodles to the stir-fry, toss gently to coat them evenly without breaking them.
- Using high heat and a roomy pan or wok helps keep the noodles from steaming and getting mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or big skillet – perfect for stir-frying chicken and veggies quickly at high heat.
- Pot for boiling noodles – you’ll cook noodles easily without crowding them.
- Colander – to drain and rinse noodles fast, stopping them from sticking.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing chicken and veggies simple and safe.
- Mixing bowl – great for combining sauces or marinating chicken.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – stirs everything without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter, slightly sweet seafood taste.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in crushed peanuts or cashews at the end for a nutty texture and flavor.
- Use tofu instead of chicken to make it vegetarian while keeping protein rich.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Noodles and Chicken:
- 8 oz (about 225g) chow mein or egg noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots (julienned)
- 2 cups bok choy or napa cabbage, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
Sauces & Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ¼ tsp white pepper or black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and noodles, and about 15-20 minutes cooking the stir-fry and combining everything. It’s ready quickly, perfect for a tasty, home-cooked meal on busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the chow mein or egg noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the noodles from sticking together.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and pepper. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked completely and looks lightly browned. Take it out and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Use the same pan and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and slightly see-through, about 1-2 minutes. Then add shredded carrots and chopped bok choy or napa cabbage. Stir-fry everything for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp but tender.
5. Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Noodles:
Put the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Pour in the sauce mixture and the chicken broth or water, stirring to combine everything nicely. Add the cooked noodles, gently tossing them so they’re fully coated with the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, you can pour in the cornstarch mixed with water and stir until it thickens a bit.
6. Finish and Serve:
Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes to warm through. Remove from heat, stir in sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like. Serve your delicious Chicken Chow Mein hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing, then pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Substitute the Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap bok choy or cabbage with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Chow Mein?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables, and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian-friendly alternative like mushroom soy sauce to keep the flavors savory.
