When it comes to hearty and flavorful stir-fries, Chicken Chow Mein stands out as a beloved classic. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes – from tender chicken and crisp vegetables to savory chow mein noodles, all tossed together in a rich, umami-packed homemade sauce. No more relying on takeout for this delicious meal! By preparing this dish yourself, you not only get the fresh flavors you crave but also the comfort of knowing exactly what’s going into your meal.
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Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless) – This tender protein adds a rich, savory element to the dish. You can also substitute chicken with beef if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
- 3 tbsp oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles) – The backbone of this dish. These noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and add the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 cups cabbage – Cabbage adds a slight crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor to the dish. It softens while cooking but still retains a satisfying texture.
- 1 large carrot, julienned – Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, balancing out the savory elements of the dish.
- ½ batch green onions – Green onions add a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves – Garlic brings depth and a fragrant aroma to the dish.
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce – This rich, umami-packed sauce is the base for our chow mein sauce. It brings a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and complexity to the sauce. The low-sodium version helps control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted) – Sesame oil provides a nutty, earthy flavor that elevates the dish. Make sure to use light sesame oil, as toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor that may overpower the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth – This helps to thin out the sauce and adds a bit more savory depth.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the noodles and vegetables for the perfect texture.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness balances out the savory and salty flavors in the sauce, creating the ideal taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, light sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
- Ensure that the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved in the liquid. Set the sauce aside. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
- Cook the Chow Mein Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside and let the excess water drain off.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the julienned carrots and cabbage, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pressed garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Combine Ingredients and Cook Together:
- Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the cooked chicken and chow mein noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the top and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it heats up, coating the noodles, vegetables, and chicken in a delicious, glossy layer.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is evenly coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chow mein with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Chicken Chow Mein straight from the pan while it’s still piping hot, and enjoy this savory, satisfying dish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Noodles:While you can use dried chow mein noodles, fresh chow mein noodles will provide a softer, more authentic texture. If you’re using fresh noodles, be sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. If you opt for dried noodles, follow the package instructions carefully to avoid undercooking or overcooking them.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:When cooking the chicken, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less crispy texture. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets golden and crisp on all sides.
- Control the Heat:When stir-frying the vegetables, maintain medium heat to prevent burning the garlic. High heat is essential for quickly cooking the vegetables while keeping them tender yet crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add More Vegetables:If you want to add more nutritional value or simply increase the volume of the dish, feel free to include extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t get overcooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
The best part? This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. It comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful yet easy to prepare. Plus, this recipe allows for endless customization with different proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile dish that can suit anyone’s preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will leave you feeling accomplished, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds. With a savory sauce that packs a punch and noodles that soak it all in, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this delicious Chicken Chow Mein!
Ingredients
The key to a successful Chicken Chow Mein lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. This dish brings together the perfect combination of proteins, vegetables, and noodles, all coated in the richest, most satisfying sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless) – This tender protein adds a rich, savory element to the dish. You can also substitute chicken with beef if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
- 3 tbsp oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles) – The backbone of this dish. These noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and add the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 cups cabbage – Cabbage adds a slight crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor to the dish. It softens while cooking but still retains a satisfying texture.
- 1 large carrot, julienned – Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, balancing out the savory elements of the dish.
- ½ batch green onions – Green onions add a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves – Garlic brings depth and a fragrant aroma to the dish.
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce – This rich, umami-packed sauce is the base for our chow mein sauce. It brings a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and complexity to the sauce. The low-sodium version helps control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted) – Sesame oil provides a nutty, earthy flavor that elevates the dish. Make sure to use light sesame oil, as toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor that may overpower the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth – This helps to thin out the sauce and adds a bit more savory depth.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the noodles and vegetables for the perfect texture.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness balances out the savory and salty flavors in the sauce, creating the ideal taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of creating this mouthwatering Chicken Chow Mein. From cooking the noodles to assembling the dish, this recipe is straightforward and will result in a dish bursting with flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, light sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
- Ensure that the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved in the liquid. Set the sauce aside. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
- Cook the Chow Mein Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside and let the excess water drain off.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the julienned carrots and cabbage, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pressed garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Combine Ingredients and Cook Together:
- Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the cooked chicken and chow mein noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the top and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it heats up, coating the noodles, vegetables, and chicken in a delicious, glossy layer.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is evenly coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chow mein with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Chicken Chow Mein straight from the pan while it’s still piping hot, and enjoy this savory, satisfying dish.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein lies in the way it brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one dish. The soft, chewy chow mein noodles provide the perfect base, soaking up the savory, slightly sweet sauce. The chicken, once seared to golden perfection, adds a succulent bite that’s tender yet firm. The vegetables—crisp carrots and cabbage—bring crunch and freshness to the dish, offering a contrast to the rich noodles and chicken.
The homemade chow mein sauce is the star of the show, with a balanced flavor profile. The oyster sauce imparts a deep umami taste, while the soy sauce adds saltiness and complexity. The sesame oil gives a nutty, earthy aroma that complements the savory notes, and the slight sweetness from the sugar rounds out the sauce’s flavor perfectly. The chicken broth adds just the right amount of liquid to bring everything together, creating a velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is its versatility. While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can easily substitute it with another protein of your choice. Thinly sliced beef works wonderfully, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish. If you prefer something lighter, shrimp or tofu are great alternatives as well. For a vegetarian version, feel free to leave out the meat entirely and focus on the vegetables, using a bit of extra tofu for protein.
The vegetables in this dish can also be customized based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli are all fantastic additions that will complement the flavors and textures of the dish. If you prefer a spicier chow mein, you can add some chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat.
As for the noodles, chow mein noodles are the classic choice, but you can also use lo mein noodles or even rice noodles if that’s what you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly if you use a different type of noodle.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Chow Mein is a complete meal on its own, with protein, vegetables, and noodles all combined in one satisfying dish. However, if you want to serve it as part of a larger spread, there are a few options that pair beautifully with it.
For a traditional Chinese meal, you could serve the chow mein alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. These light, brothy soups will complement the heartiness of the chow mein while providing a refreshing contrast in texture.
Another great option is to serve the chow mein with some crispy spring rolls or dumplings on the side. Whether they’re filled with vegetables, pork, or shrimp, these appetizers add a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
For a more casual meal, you can serve the chow mein alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fresh greens will balance out the rich flavors of the chow mein, offering a refreshing and healthy side dish.

Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein with the best chow mein sauce is a dish that combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors into one unforgettable meal. This one-pan wonder is not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic chicken, or experiment with beef, shrimp, or tofu, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
The homemade chow mein sauce is what truly makes this dish shine, enveloping the chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a rich, flavorful coating that’s both satisfying and comforting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
So why wait for takeout when you can create this mouthwatering dish yourself? Grab your ingredients, heat up your wok, and get ready to enjoy the best Chicken Chow Mein you’ve ever tasted!