Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the vibrant medley of vegetables and noodles, the scent of my homemade Chicken Chow Mein enveloped the kitchen, and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This delightful one-pan dinner is not just quicker than takeout—it’s a surefire way to impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly tender noodles, this recipe hits all the right notes for a busy weeknight meal. Plus, it offers flexibility; you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or even go vegetarian with tofu. Why go through the hassle of ordering in when you can whip up this restaurant-quality delight at home? Ready to find out how to make your own Chicken Chow Mein? Let’s dive in! Why make homemade Chicken Chow Mein? Quick and Easy: This one-pan dish can be on your table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Flavor-Packed: With a savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout, every bite bursts with umami goodness. Customizable: Swap in seasonal veggies or try Garlic Parmesan Chicken for different flavor profiles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Healthier Choice: Control sodium and ingredients, making this chow mein a wholesome alternative to fast food. Family-Friendly: Great for satisfying even the pickiest eaters, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish guaranteed to impress! Satisfying Texture: Enjoy a delightful combination of tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crunchy vegetables all in one bowl. Ditch the takeout menu and savor a homemade classic! Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients • Dive into the essentials for a delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home! For the Chicken Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs – Provides protein and flavor; for a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh. Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry) – Adds depth to the marinade; substitute with chicken broth for a lighter option. Cornstarch – Keeps chicken moist and tender; can be swapped with flour in a pinch. Salt – Essential for enhancing all flavors; standard seasoning practice. For the Sauce Chicken Broth – The flavorful base for the sauce; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version. Oyster Sauce – Adds umami depth; substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and hoisin. Soy Sauce – A key ingredient for flavor; opt for light soy sauce if you’re watching sodium intake. Sugar – Balances the savory flavors; no alternatives necessary. White or Ground Black Pepper – Provides mild heat; adjust to taste. Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty finish; use sparingly if allergies are a concern. For Stir-Frying Peanut or Vegetable Oil – Ideal for high-heat cooking; vegetable oil is a safe alternative. Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor to the blend. Ginger – Introduces warmth and spice; fresh minced provides the most potency. For the Noodles and Vegetables Chow Mein Noodles – The main carbohydrate; substitute with dried or yakisoba noodles if needed. Shredded Cabbage – Offers crunch and volume; pre-cut coleslaw mix works great for convenience. Carrots – Adds sweetness and color; julienned for quick cooking. Anaheim Pepper (or other hot pepper) – Optional for some added heat; adjust according to personal preference. Green Onions – For garnish and a fresh flavor boost. Gather these ingredients and prepare to create a Chicken Chow Mein that will surely rival takeout! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Chow Mein Step 1: Marinate Chicken In a bowl, combine sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This step ensures your Chicken Chow Mein features moist and flavorful meat. Step 2: Prepare Sauce In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Setting aside this savory sauce mixture will elevate your Chicken Chow Mein, giving it depth and character when added later. Step 3: Cook Noodles Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes until tender yet firm. Drain the noodles, rinsing them under cold water to prevent sticking, then set them aside. These noodles will provide the perfect base for your stir-fried Chicken Chow Mein. Step 4: Stir-Fry Chicken Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add peanut or vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown on both sides. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet for the next step. Step 5: Sauté Aromatics Add the remaining oil to the same skillet and toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let them burn. This aromatic base will infuse your Chicken Chow Mein with a delicious scent and flavor, enhancing the overall dish. Step 6: Add Vegetables Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain their crunch. The vibrant colors and textures will create a visually appealing Chicken Chow Mein that is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Step 7: Combine Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and gently add the drained noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together using tongs or a spatula for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well-coated. The Chicken Chow Mein will start to glossy up, ready to please. Step 8: Finish Finally, stir in the optional sliced Anaheim pepper and chopped green onions. Toss everything together for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve your vibrant Chicken Chow Mein hot, and watch it make mealtime a delightful occasion that beats takeout every time. Chicken Chow Mein Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this delicious Chicken Chow Mein recipe by customizing it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken to create a satisfying plant-based dish. The flavor and texture still deliver a delightful experience. Seafood Twist: Switch out chicken for shrimp or scallops, cooking them just until they’re opaque for a seafood-inspired twist on this classic. Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that will tingle your taste buds and wake up your senses. Flavor Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for additional crunch and sweetness. This variation adds extra nutrition and texture. Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or cream at the end for a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Mushroom Medley: Replace some of the vegetables with shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor that melds perfectly with the sauce. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of traditional chow mein noodles to cater to gluten sensitivities while maintaining taste. Extra Crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or fried shallots before serving to add a delightful crunch, elevating the dish’s texture wonderfully. If you’re interested in a hearty meal, why not try this dish alongside a wonderful Garlic Parmesan Chicken or serve it as a side with a warm bowl of Chicken Etouffee Savory? Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients, making it your very own! Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein Prep Ahead: Having all the ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before you start stir-frying makes the cooking process smooth and quick. Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Add veggies like cabbage and carrots just enough to soften, ensuring they retain their crunch in your Chicken Chow Mein. Use High Heat: Stir-frying at a high temperature allows for quick cooking and helps develop that characteristic restaurant-style sear on the chicken. Adjust Sauce to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak the sauce! Add more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar if it needs balancing. Reserve Some Noodles: If you prefer a thicker sauce, set aside a small handful of noodles and mix it with cornstarch to thicken the sauce in the pan. Clean Skillet: Clean the skillet with a paper towel between steps to prevent any burnt garlic or ginger from affecting the flavor of your Chicken Chow Mein. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Chow Mein are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep them stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, chop your vegetables and boil the chow mein noodles up to 3 days ahead of time—just be sure to toss the noodles in a little oil to prevent sticking. When it’s time to serve, stir-fry the chicken and aromatics, add in your prepped veggies and noodles, and pour the sauce over everything. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort, just as tasty as if you made it fresh! What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein Experience the perfect symphony of flavors and textures by pairing your Chicken Chow Mein with these delightful side dishes and beverages. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A light and fragrant option that contrasts beautifully with the savory chow mein, absorbing any extra sauce. Spring Rolls: Crispy and crunchy, these bites add a fun twist and offer a delightful textural contrast to the tender noodles. Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy tossed with garlic provides a fresh and vibrant side that lightens the meal while enhancing the Asian theme. Sesame Green Beans: Tender green beans tossed in sesame oil add a nutty flavor and an additional crunch, making them a perfect match for chow mein. Hot and Sour Soup: This classic soup heightens the experience with its balance of tangy and spicy flavors while complementing the chicken’s umami profile. Chili Oil Dipping Sauce: For those who crave heat, a side of chili oil creates an exciting enhancement, allowing guests to customize their chow mein experience. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet and creamy dish provides a luscious finish, rounding off your meal on a delightful note. Iced Jasmine Tea: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the flavorful experience of your homemade chow mein. Storage Tips for Chicken Chow Mein Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep your Chicken Chow Mein fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture. Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through—enjoy a meal that feels freshly made! Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Chicken Chow Mein out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety. Chicken Chow Mein Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully for Chicken Chow Mein. They’re tender and flavorful, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can be excellent substitutes as they absorb the flavors beautifully. How should I store leftover Chicken Chow Mein? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool down first to maintain the dish’s flavor and texture. If you have a little extra time, freeze the chow mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating! Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein? Very! To freeze, allow your Chicken Chow Mein to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure you press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too dry. Why did my chicken turn out tough? Oh no! If your chicken is tough, it may have been overcooked or marinated for too long. To keep it tender, aim for a cooking time of about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, and avoid marinating it longer than 30 minutes. Additionally, using a meat tenderizer or ensuring the chicken is cut into uniform pieces can help it cook evenly. Are there any dietary considerations for this dish? Absolutely! Be mindful of the sesame oil if anyone has a nut allergy, as it’s derived from sesame seeds. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your noodles are also gluten-free. Furthermore, you can make it vegan-friendly by replacing chicken with tofu and using a vegetarian oyster sauce variant. What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Chow Mein? Great question! To reheat, it’s best to use the stovetop to maintain that fresh, stir-fried texture. Place the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water to help steam and loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Chow Mein again in no time! Delicious Chicken Chow Mein That Beats Takeout Any Day No ratings yet This Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful homemade alternative to takeout, featuring chicken, vegetables, and tender noodles. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs Vegetarian option: tofu or tempeh.2 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry) Substitute with chicken broth for lighter option.1 tablespoon Cornstarch Can be swapped with flour.1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavor.For the Sauce1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian version.2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce Substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce and hoisin.2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Light soy sauce if watching sodium.1 teaspoon Sugar Balances savory flavors.1 teaspoon White or Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Use sparingly if allergies are a concern.For Stir-Frying2 tablespoons Peanut or Vegetable Oil Vegetable oil is a safe alternative.2 cloves Garlic Minced.1 tablespoon Ginger Fresh minced for potency.For the Noodles and Vegetables8 ounces Chow Mein Noodles Substitute with dried or yakisoba noodles.2 cups Shredded Cabbage Pre-cut coleslaw mix works great.1 cup Carrots Julienned for quick cooking.1 optional Anaheim Pepper (or other hot pepper) Adjust to personal preference.3 stalks Green Onions For garnish. Equipment nonstick skilletbowlPot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Chow MeinMarinate Chicken: Combine sliced chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.Prepare Sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and sesame oil in a bowl.Cook Noodles: Boil water and cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions for 4-5 minutes, then drain.Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat oil in skillet, add marinated chicken, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.Sauté Aromatics: Add oil, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.Add Vegetables: Stir in cabbage and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened but crunchy.Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add noodles, pour sauce over, and toss for 2-3 minutes.Finish: Stir in optional pepper and green onions for another minute, then serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
