Best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe with Easy Sauce

Master the Best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Recreating your favorite Chinese restaurant dishes at home can be incredibly rewarding, and this best chicken chow mein recipe is no exception. Known for its savory flavors, tender noodles, and perfectly cooked chicken, this homemade chow mein is both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve that authentic taste and texture that makes chow mein a beloved dish. Forget about takeout; your kitchen is about to become your new favorite chow mein spot. This recipe focuses on creating a balanced dish with a rich, easy sauce that coats every ingredient, making for a truly delightful experience. From selecting the right noodles to perfecting your stir-fry technique, every detail is covered to help you master this classic Asian noodle dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that’s full of flavor and fresh ingredients.

Quick Preparation and Cooking Times

One of the greatest advantages of making chicken chow mein at home is its incredible speed. With a little organization, you can have this flavorful chow mein ready from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. The key lies in preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking, a technique known as “mise en place.” Once everything is chopped, measured, and ready, the actual cooking process is a rapid series of stir-frying steps. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The quick cooking times also help in retaining the vibrant color and crisp texture of the vegetables, adding to the overall appeal and health benefits of your homemade chow mein.

Gather Ingredients for Your Chow Mein

Successful chow mein starts with fresh, quality ingredients. This section will guide you through all the components you’ll need, ensuring you have everything on hand before you begin the stir-frying process. Having your ingredients prepped and ready is crucial for the fast-paced cooking of chow mein, allowing you to seamlessly add each item at the right moment. The careful selection of each ingredient contributes significantly to the overall taste and texture of your finished dish. We aim for a perfect balance of savory chicken, al dente noodles, and crisp, colorful vegetables, all brought together by a dynamic sauce. This organized approach to ingredient gathering ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, leading to a delicious and satisfying dinner that tastes straight out of a restaurant.

Chicken and Noodle Essentials

For the protein, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. Chicken breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, especially when stir-fried. Cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. As for the noodles, the authenticity of your chow mein largely depends on using the correct type. Look for fresh or dried chow mein noodles, often labeled “egg noodles” or “lo mein noodles” in Asian grocery stores. If those are unavailable, dried spaghetti or linguine can be a decent substitute in a pinch, though they won’t have the exact same texture. These noodles are typically par-boiled or soaked before stir-frying. Ensure your chicken is trimmed of any excess fat and cut uniformly to promote even cooking.

Fresh Vegetables You’ll Need

The vibrant medley of vegetables is what gives chow mein its fresh appeal and nutritional value. For this recipe, we’ll use a classic combination: carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color, thinly sliced for quick cooking. Cabbage, whether green or Napa, provides a wonderful crunch and volume. Green onions are primarily for garnish, adding a fresh, pungent finish. Other popular additions include bell peppers (any color), snap peas, broccoli florets, and bean sprouts. Feel free to customize based on what’s in season or what you prefer. Always wash and chop your vegetables before you begin cooking, ensuring they are ready to be added to the wok.

Key Sauce Ingredients Listed

The sauce is the heart of any chicken chow mein recipe, providing that distinctive savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor. Our easy sauce relies on a few pantry staples: soy sauce (light or regular), oyster sauce (for depth and sheen), sesame oil (for its nutty aroma), a touch of sugar, and cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it slightly. Some recipes also include rice vinegar for a hint of tang, or ginger and garlic paste for an aromatic boost. Ensure you have all these components measured out and ready to whisk together. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles and chicken beautifully without being too watery. For another flavorful chicken dish, consider trying our Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.

Whip Up the Easy Chow Mein Sauce

The sauce is arguably the most critical component of a truly amazing chicken chow mein. It’s what brings all the individual ingredients together, infusing the dish with its signature savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. Our easy chow mein sauce is designed to be straightforward yet incredibly effective, delivering that authentic taste you crave from your favorite Chinese restaurants. Crafting this sauce is one of the quickest steps in the entire cooking process, but its impact on the final dish is immense. By taking a few moments to properly mix these ingredients, you’ll lay the foundation for a truly delicious and well-balanced chow mein that will have everyone asking for seconds. This sauce will perfectly complement the stir-fried noodles and chicken.

Whisk Together Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your measured soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. This forms the base of your rich, savory sauce. For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of white pepper or a dash of chili flakes if desired. Next, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to create a smooth slurry. This cornstarch mixture is essential for thickening the sauce later on, giving it that glossy, clinging consistency that perfectly coats the noodles and other ingredients. Once the slurry is lump-free, add it to your main sauce mixture and whisk everything together until well combined. Set this bowl aside, as it will be added towards the end of the cooking process.

Achieve Smooth Sauce Consistency

The goal for your chow mein sauce is a smooth, homogenous mixture with no lumps from the cornstarch. Whisking vigorously is key to ensure the cornstarch fully dissolves into the water before it’s incorporated into the rest of the sauce ingredients. This prevents clumping when the sauce hits the hot wok. The sugar should also dissolve fully, creating a uniform liquid that will evenly distribute flavor throughout your dish. When added to the hot wok, the cornstarch will activate, thickening the sauce just enough to coat everything beautifully without making the dish overly sticky or gloopy. A perfectly balanced sauce elevates your homemade chow mein from good to truly exceptional.

Cooking Perfect Chow Mein Noodles

The noodles are the backbone of any chow mein dish, and cooking them correctly is paramount to achieving the desired texture and mouthfeel. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, while undercooked ones will be too firm. This section will guide you through the best practices for preparing your chow mein noodles, ensuring they are perfectly al dente and ready to absorb all the wonderful flavors of your sauce and stir-fried ingredients. The goal is to have noodles that are tender yet still possess a slight chew, allowing them to hold up well under the vigorous stir-frying that follows. Properly prepared noodles create the ideal foundation for an outstanding chicken chow mein, making every bite enjoyable.

Follow Package Directions

Different types of chow mein noodles—whether fresh, dried, thin, or thick—will have specific cooking instructions on their packaging. It’s crucial to follow these directions closely. Generally, fresh noodles require a very short boil, often just a minute or two, to loosen them up. Dried noodles, similar to spaghetti, will need a slightly longer cooking time until they are tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add your noodles, and cook according to the package, ensuring you don’t overcook them. The aim is for noodles that are pliable but still have a good amount of structure for stir-frying.

Rinse with Cold Water

Once your noodles are cooked to the desired tenderness, immediately drain them in a colander. This next step is vital: rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This accomplishes two important things. Firstly, it stops the cooking process, preventing the noodles from becoming mushy. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for stir-fries, it washes away excess starch, which helps prevent the noodles from clumping together in the wok. After rinsing, let them drain well, or even toss them with a tiny bit of sesame oil to keep them separate. This ensures each strand of noodle gets beautifully coated with the sauce during the final stir-fry, contributing to that perfect stir-fried texture.

Stir-Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Cooking the chicken correctly is crucial for both flavor and texture in your chicken chow mein. We want tender, juicy pieces with a lovely golden-brown sear, not dry or tough chicken. This section focuses on the techniques for stir-frying chicken to perfection, ensuring it’s cooked through but remains succulent. Proper heat management and not overcrowding the pan are key principles of stir-frying that apply here. By mastering this step, you’ll lay the groundwork for a truly flavorful dish, where each piece of chicken is a delightful bite. This golden perfection also adds visual appeal, making your homemade chow mein as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. For more delicious chicken ideas, check out our Crispy Parmesan Chicken.

Cook Chicken with Garlic

Heat a large wok or a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of your preferred high-smoke-point cooking oil, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Once the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, add your thinly sliced chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steams. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken starts to turn opaque. Now, add minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the pan, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth that is fundamental to the overall flavor of the chow mein.

Achieve Golden Brown Finish

Continue to stir-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through and has developed a beautiful golden-brown sear on the edges. This browning, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances the flavor of the chicken significantly, adding a savory, caramelized note that complements the sauce. Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and golden, remove it from the wok and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the chicken at this stage, as it will be added back to the wok later with the other ingredients for a final toss. This ensures the chicken remains tender and moist throughout the entire cooking process, contributing to a delightful chicken noodle dish.

Quickly Prepare Your Fresh Vegetables

Incorporating fresh, crisp vegetables is essential for a balanced and flavorful chicken chow mein. The goal is to cook them quickly over high heat, preserving their vibrant colors, natural sweetness, and most importantly, their tender-crisp texture. Overcooked vegetables can become soggy and lose their appeal, while undercooked ones might be too hard. This section will guide you through the swift stir-frying process for your chosen vegetables, ensuring they contribute the perfect amount of crunch and freshness to your amazing chow mein. This rapid cooking also helps to retain their nutritional value, making your main course even healthier.

Stir-Fry Carrots and Cabbage

Using the same wok (add a little more oil if needed), return it to high heat. Add your thinly sliced carrots first, as they are denser and take slightly longer to cook. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they just begin to soften but still retain some bite. Next, add the shredded cabbage to the wok. Cabbage cooks very quickly and wilts down significantly. Continue to stir-fry vigorously for another 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly to ensure even cooking. The high heat of the wok is crucial here; it allows the vegetables to char slightly and develop flavor without becoming watery. If you’re adding other dense vegetables like broccoli florets, add them with the carrots. Lighter vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas can be added with the cabbage.

Keep Vegetables Tender-Crisp

The hallmark of excellent stir-fried vegetables is their tender-crisp texture. This means they are cooked enough to be edible and flavorful, but still retain a slight crunch and firmness. Avoid cooking them until they are soft and mushy. The high heat and constant movement in the wok help achieve this perfect texture by cooking them quickly and efficiently. Once your carrots and cabbage (and any other vegetables) are tender-crisp, remove them from the wok and add them to the cooked chicken. This ensures they don’t get overcooked during the final combining stage. Maintaining this texture is key to a dynamic and enjoyable chicken chow mein experience.

Combine Ingredients for Amazing Flavor

This is where all the individual components come together to form the harmonious and amazing flavor profile of your homemade chicken chow mein. The final steps involve bringing back the cooked chicken and vegetables, adding the perfectly prepared noodles, and pouring in that delicious, easy chow mein sauce. The goal is to evenly coat every ingredient, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen under the heat of the wok. This stage is a rapid dance, requiring quick hands and a hot wok to ensure everything is well combined and heated through without overcooking. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible, signaling that a truly satisfying Asian dinner is just moments away.

Add Chicken, Noodles, Veggies

Return your wok to high heat (if it has cooled). If there are any residual bits, you can quickly deglaze with a splash of water or broth, then add a tiny bit more oil if the wok seems dry. Now, add the cooked noodles directly into the hot wok. Immediately follow with the stir-fried chicken and the tender-crisp vegetables. The key here is to work quickly and efficiently. Use tongs or two spatulas to toss everything together, gently mixing the ingredients so that the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly distributed. Don’t press down on the noodles; you want to lift and separate them to integrate all the components without mashing them. This step creates a colorful and enticing foundation for the sauce.

Pour Sauce and Toss Well

Once the chicken, noodles, and vegetables are well mixed in the wok, give your prepared easy chow mein sauce a quick whisk again (especially if it has settled). Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients in the wok. This is the moment when the dish truly transforms. Immediately begin to toss and stir-fry everything vigorously. Continue to toss for 1-2 minutes, ensuring that every strand of noodle, every piece of chicken, and every vegetable is thoroughly coated with the savory sauce. The heat of the wok will thicken the cornstarch in the sauce, creating that signature glossy sheen and helping it cling beautifully to all the ingredients.

Cook to Blend Flavors

After the sauce has coated everything, continue to stir-fry for another minute or two. This final cooking period allows the flavors to truly meld together, deepening the umami notes and ensuring all ingredients are heated through. Taste a strand of noodle or a piece of chicken to check for seasoning. If needed, you can add a tiny splash more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar. The constant motion helps prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the wok and ensures even flavor distribution. Your homemade chow mein is now ready to be served, a perfect blend of savory, tender, and crisp textures, making for a truly satisfying homemade chow mein.

Serving Your Hot Chicken Chow Mein

The moment your amazing chicken chow mein is finished cooking, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed. Chow mein, like most stir-fries, is best consumed immediately while it’s still hot and the vegetables retain their tender-crisp texture. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will make it an instant hit at any dinner table. Serving it fresh ensures you get the full flavor experience, with the noodles perfectly coated in sauce and the chicken wonderfully tender. This dish is designed for quick enjoyment, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. You’ve put in the effort to create this flavorful chow mein, so now it’s time to savor every bite.

Garnish with Green Onions

Before serving, transfer the hot chicken chow mein to a large serving platter or individual bowls. The final touch that adds both freshness and a pop of color is a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions (scallions). The crisp, mild onion flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sauce. If you prefer, you can also add a small handful of fresh cilantro for an additional herbal note. This simple garnish elevates the presentation and adds another layer of flavor and texture to your delicious homemade chow mein. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the overall experience of this wonderful Asian dinner.

Serve Immediately and Hot

Chow mein is truly at its peak when served straight from the wok. The noodles are supple, the chicken is juicy, and the vegetables have that ideal tender-crisp bite. Gather your family or guests and serve the dish immediately. Pair it with a simple side salad or some spring rolls for a complete meal. The fresh ingredients and easy sauce make this a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and delight in the rich, complex flavors of your expertly prepared best chicken chow mein recipe, a flavorful chicken noodle dish everyone will appreciate. For more meal inspiration, consider checking out our Pinterest page.

Tips for Making Best Chow Mein

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your chicken chow mein from good to truly exceptional. These small adjustments and additions can enhance the depth of flavor, add visual appeal, and even cater to specific dietary preferences. Mastering these nuances will ensure that every time you make this homemade chow mein, it’s a memorable and delicious experience. From subtle garnishes to adjusting spice levels, these tips help you personalize your dish and fine-tune it to perfection, making it a staple in your rotation of quick chicken meals.

Sprinkle Toasted Sesame Seeds

For an extra layer of nutty flavor and a pleasing textural crunch, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over your finished chow mein before serving. Lightly toasting sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant brings out their full flavor. Both white and black sesame seeds work wonderfully, adding a professional touch and enhancing the overall aroma of the dish. This simple garnish not only tastes great but also adds a beautiful visual appeal, making your homemade chow mein look even more inviting. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in creating a restaurant-quality meal.

Adjust Spice Levels

The beauty of cooking at home is the ability to customize dishes to your personal preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the spice levels in your chow mein. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or stir in a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce along with the main sauce. For those who prefer a milder dish, simply omit these spicy additions. You can also offer sriracha or other chili oils on the side, allowing each diner to customize their own plate. This flexibility ensures that your chicken chow mein recipe is perfect for everyone at your table.

Nutrition in Your Chow Mein Dish

Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade chicken chow mein can be helpful, especially if you’re tracking your intake or managing dietary needs. While specific values can vary significantly based on ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods, we can provide a general estimate. Homemade versions often offer advantages over takeout, as you control the quality and quantity of oil, sodium, and fresh vegetables. This transparency allows for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor, making this chicken noodle dish a great choice for a balanced meal. It’s a satisfying and easy chicken meal you can feel good about.

Calories Per Serving

A typical serving of homemade chicken chow mein, prepared using lean chicken breast, a moderate amount of oil, and the specified sauce ingredients, can range from approximately 450 to 650 calories. This estimate includes the noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Factors like the type and amount of oil used, whether you include additional sauces, and the size of your portion will influence the final calorie count. Using whole wheat noodles or increasing the proportion of vegetables relative to noodles can help reduce the calorie density while boosting fiber content. Always remember that these are general estimates, and precise nutritional information would require detailed calculation based on exact ingredient weights.

Frequently Asked Chow Mein Questions

Even with a clear recipe, some common questions often arise when preparing a new dish. This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about chicken chow mein, offering practical advice and clarifying common queries. From ingredient substitutions to storage tips, these answers will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful, allowing you to confidently tackle this delicious chicken chow mein recipe. Having these insights readily available empowers you to adapt the dish to your needs and preferences, solidifying its place as a go-to flavorful chow mein option.

Can I Use Different Meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, chow mein is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins. Sliced beef (flank steak or sirloin work well), shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option are excellent choices. If using beef, marinate it briefly in a little soy sauce and cornstarch to tenderize. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so add it towards the end of the stir-frying process. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water and then pan-fried until golden before adding. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein to ensure it’s cooked through but not overcooked. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor profile to the overall dish.

Storing Leftover Chow Mein

Leftover chicken chow mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it, but for best results, stir-fry it in a hot wok or skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from drying out. This method helps restore some of the fresh stir-fried texture. Be mindful not to overcook when reheating. While it’s delicious fresh, leftovers also make for a fantastic quick lunch the next day. For more insights and recipes, follow us on Instagram!

Customizing Your Easy Chow Mein

One of the joys of cooking is the freedom to customize a recipe to suit your tastes, what you have on hand, or specific dietary requirements. This easy chow mein recipe serves as a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to make it your own. From swapping out vegetables to trying different protein sources, the possibilities are endless for creating your perfect homemade chow mein. These customizations allow you to truly make this recipe a staple, adapting it for various occasions and preferences while always delivering a delicious, quick chicken meal. Experimentation is encouraged to discover your favorite combinations for this flavorful chow mein.

Add Different Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with a wide array of vegetables to enhance your chow mein. Broccoli florets, snow peas, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), or bok choy are all fantastic additions. Consider adding firmer vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers along with the carrots, and softer ones like bean sprouts or bok choy towards the end of the stir-frying process with the cabbage. This ensures all vegetables are cooked to a perfect tender-crisp stage, adding more color, texture, and nutritional value to your amazing chow mein. Each vegetable offers a unique contribution to the dish.

Try Shrimp or Tofu Options

If you’re looking to vary your protein, shrimp and tofu are excellent alternatives to chicken. For shrimp chow mein, use medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so add it to the wok after the vegetables are partially cooked, stir-frying for just 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. For a vegetarian or vegan option, firm or extra-firm tofu works best. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube and pan-fry or air-fry until golden and crispy before adding it to the chow mein. Both shrimp and tofu absorb the easy sauce beautifully, offering delightful variations to this classic chicken noodle dish, making it truly adaptable to any palate.