Craving savory, restaurant-style Chicken Chow Mein? This easy homemade version is packed with tender chicken, crispy veggies, chewy chow mein noodles, and an irresistible sauce that coats every bite perfectly. It’s better than takeout and comes together in just 30 minutes!
This one-pan meal is quick, flavorful, and customizable—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting bowl of noodles without leaving home!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
✔ Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and no MSG!
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
✔ The BEST Chow Mein Sauce – Perfectly balanced savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or swap the protein!
✔ Family-Friendly – A meal everyone will love!
What Does This Chow Mein Taste Like?
This Chicken Chow Mein has chewy noodles, tender chicken, and crisp veggies tossed in a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich, flavorful glaze that makes every bite irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need 📝
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless – Sliced into thin strips 🐓
- 3 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola) – For stir-frying 🛢️
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked) – Classic egg noodles 🍜
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded – Adds crunch 🥬
- 1 large carrot, julienned – For a slight sweetness 🥕
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional) – Adds freshness 🌱
- 3 green onions, chopped – For garnish 🌿
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances flavor 🧄
For The Best Chow Mein Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce – The base of umami flavor 🥢
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce – Adds richness and depth 🦪
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce – Slightly sweet and tangy 🍯
- 1 tsp sesame oil – For nutty aroma 🌰
- 1 tsp sugar (or honey) – Balances the savory flavors 🍯
- ½ tsp white pepper (or black pepper) – A mild kick 🔥
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water – To loosen the sauce 🥣
- 1 tsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce ✨
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein 🍜
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and toss with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add 2 tbsp oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour the chow mein sauce over everything.
- Toss well for 2-3 minutes until the sauce evenly coats the noodles and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein! 🍜
What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein
🥟 With Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – The perfect crunchy side!
🥢 With Steamed Dumplings – A great appetizer.
🥡 With Fried Rice or White Rice – For an extra filling meal.
🥒 With a Cucumber Salad – A fresh, light contrast.
Pro Tips for the Best Chow Mein
✔ Use High Heat – Stir-frying over high heat gives the best texture!
✔ Prep Everything First – Chop all veggies and have the sauce ready before cooking.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Slightly undercook them since they’ll finish in the sauce.
✔ For Extra Crispiness – Let the noodles sit undisturbed for 30 seconds before tossing.
✔ Customize It! – Add shrimp, beef, tofu, or extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! While traditional chow mein noodles are best, thin spaghetti or ramen noodles work as a substitute.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and toss it in with the noodles.
What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
Chow Mein is stir-fried for a slightly crispy texture, while Lo Mein is softer and tossed with sauce at the end.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and use extra veggies or tofu.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Chow Mein
This homemade Chicken Chow Mein is savory, saucy, and packed with flavor—a quick and easy alternative to takeout that’s 100% delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a fun family meal, this one-pan dish is sure to be a hit!
💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share your noodle creation! 🍜🥢✨