If you are craving a dish that delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of classic Asian comfort, this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles that come together in a harmonious stir-fry. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to impress friends with a homemade takeout favorite, this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is your go-to for a quick and delicious meal packed with color and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each component of this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is simple but essential, bringing its own unique flavor, crunch, or silkiness to create a well-balanced and colorful stir-fry.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory base to the sauce, making it rich without overpowering.
- Soy sauce: Brings that salty, umami punch critical for authentic taste.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly sweet complexity that enhances the overall flavor.
- Shaoxing wine, mirin, or sherry vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to balance the savory notes beautifully.
- White pepper: Finishes with a mild heat and aromatic spice without overwhelming the palate.
- Chicken breast (thinly sliced): Cooks quickly and stays tender, making every bite juicy.
- Cornstarch: Helps the chicken marinade stick and gives a smooth texture when cooked.
- Chow mein noodles: The star carbohydrate that soaks up the sauce and adds that signature chewy bite.
- Oil (divided): Essential for stir-frying to develop flavor and prevent sticking.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Injects a punch of aromatic richness and warmth.
- Shredded cabbage: Offers a crisp, slightly sweet crunch that lightens the dish.
- Julienned carrot: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness with every forkful.
- Sliced green onions: Delivers fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green to finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for a nutty accent and a pretty garnish.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Combining the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, shaoxing wine (or your chosen substitute), and white pepper in a small bowl is your flavor foundation. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well integrated to ensure every bite carries a balanced, savory punch that defines this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, toss your thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce in a medium bowl. This gentle coating helps the chicken brown beautifully while locking in moisture. Letting it rest for 15 minutes gives the flavors time to penetrate and promises tender, flavorful meat when cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles until just al dente according to the package instructions. The key is not to overcook—rinsing them with cold water halts cooking and prevents stickiness. This step ensures the noodles retain a nice chewiness that is essential to the texture contrast in this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat half the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in a single layer until it’s lightly golden on one side—about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir and continue cooking for another couple of minutes until the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside so you can focus on building those vibrant veggies next.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil, then toss in the garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant, waking up your senses. Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still hold their crisp freshness. This step adds a delightful crunch and bright flavor that balances the dish.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Now comes the fun part! Return the noodles and chicken to the pan, pour in the remaining sauce, and toss everything together. Stir-fry until the noodles are fully coated and have absorbed the sauce, intensifying the flavor. Finally, fold in the sliced green onions to introduce a fresh, sharp bite that lifts the whole dish beautifully.
Step 7: Serve Hot with a Garnish
Serve your freshly made Chicken Chow Mein Recipe piping hot and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like a little extra nuttiness and texture. This final touch adds both visual appeal and a subtle crunch that makes this dish truly irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds make a classic finish with their delicate crunch and earthy flavor. You can also experiment with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an unexpected bright twist that complements the savory noodles and tender chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a main but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice for soaking up any extra sauce, or a light cucumber salad to add refreshing crispness. If you want to go traditional, try serving it alongside potstickers or hot and sour soup for a full, restaurant-style experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Chow Mein Recipe in lettuce cups or over a bed of spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option. You can also turn it into a stir-fry bowl topped with a fried egg or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a different textural element that keeps your guests excited at every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Chow Mein Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. When ready, it’ll still taste delightfully fresh with just a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the noodles and veggies, the texture of the chow mein may slightly soften upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the chicken chow mein into a hot skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep noodles from becoming mushy and vegetables from losing their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional for their texture and flavor, you can substitute with thin spaghetti, lo mein noodles, or even rice noodles depending on what’s available and your preference.
What is the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
For tender, evenly cooked chicken, slice the breast thinly and against the grain. This technique breaks down muscle fibers so the meat stays juicy and absorbs more marinade flavor during cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and substitute with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding mushrooms for a savory umami boost.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize it and infuse it with the delicious sauce flavors. While you can skip it in a pinch, the dish will taste best when you allow this step.
How can I make this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe spicier?
To add a kick, try tossing in some sliced fresh chili, a dash of chili oil, or stirring in a spoonful of sambal oelek or chili paste along with the sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste for a fiery twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a beloved takeout classic into your own kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Each step builds layers of taste and texture that come together in a satisfying, wholesome meal you’ll want to make again and again. Grab your wok or skillet, and let’s stir up something unforgettable tonight!
Print
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines classic Asian flavors with a simple cooking method that yields authentic results.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons shaoxing wine, mirin, or sherry vinegar
- Pinch white pepper
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture (from above)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
- 3 tablespoons oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced thin on a bias
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, shaoxing wine (or mirin or sherry vinegar), and white pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside and let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside, as they will cook further in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned on one side. Stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of oil, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrot, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and remaining sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook until the noodles absorb the sauce and are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the sliced green onions just before removing from heat.
- Serve: Dish out the chicken chow mein while hot, and optionally garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- The chicken should be sliced thinly to allow quick and even cooking.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with mirin or dry sherry vinegar if unavailable.
- For extra crunch, you can add bean sprouts or bell peppers along with the cabbage and carrot.
- If sesame seeds are not available, toasted chopped peanuts can be used as an alternative garnish.
