Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce
There’s something undeniably comforting about a steamy bowl of Chicken Chow Mein—silky noodles, crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a bold, umami-rich sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout or looking for a quick and satisfying homemade dinner option, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is your new go-to.
Crafted with a perfectly balanced chow mein sauce and packed with vibrant veggies, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or meal-prep lovers looking to bring Asian-inspired flair to their kitchen. The best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Why This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Works
This recipe is the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and convenience. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, impressive enough for guests, and customizable for dietary needs. Here’s why you’ll love it:
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Flavorful Homemade Sauce: Forget bottled sauces—this homemade chow mein sauce is rich, savory, and customizable to your taste.
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Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
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One-Wok Wonder: All ingredients are cooked in a single wok or skillet, keeping clean-up minimal.
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Easily Scalable: Double or triple the ingredients for a crowd or weekly meal prep.
Who Will Love This Recipe
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, this Chicken Chow Mein is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s family-friendly, ideal for busy professionals who want a homemade meal fast, and a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
If you love bold Asian flavors, enjoy noodle-based dishes, or want a dish that can easily adapt to what’s in your fridge, this one’s for you.
Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
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1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
For the Chow Mein:
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8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, sliced
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1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
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2 cups (150 g) shredded cabbage or bok choy
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1/2 cup (50 g) bean sprouts (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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Large skillet or wok
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk or fork (for mixing the sauce)
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Colander (for draining noodles)
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein at Home
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and chicken broth. This sauce is the backbone of the dish—it’s salty, slightly sweet, and full of umami. Set it aside while you prep the other components.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. If they tend to stick together, a quick drizzle of sesame oil will keep them loose.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the garlic and sliced onion and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add carrots, cabbage (or bok choy), and bean sprouts (if using). Stir-fry everything for 2–3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the noodles. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over everything. Toss well to coat the noodles, meat, and vegetables in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and serve hot!
Pro Tips and Variations
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Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu instead of chicken.
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Go Veggie: Skip the meat entirely and double up on vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Noodle Options: If chow mein noodles aren’t available, substitute with thin spaghetti, lo mein noodles, or yakisoba.
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Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha, crushed red pepper, or chili garlic sauce to the chow mein sauce for extra heat.
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Low-Sodium Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control salt levels.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Chow Mein keeps beautifully!
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled chow mein in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Food & Drink Pairings
Sides:
Pair this dish with vegetable spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal.
Drinks:
A crisp jasmine tea, sparkling water with lime, or a cold light lager complement the umami-rich flavors perfectly.
Dessert Idea:
Finish with a sweet bite of mango sticky rice or lychee sorbet for a refreshing end to your meal.
FAQs About Chicken Chow Mein
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. Swap the noodles for a gluten-free alternative like rice noodles.
What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein typically involves stir-frying the noodles until slightly crispy, while lo mein features softer noodles tossed with sauce. This recipe uses the stir-fry method for texture and flavor.
Do I have to use a wok?
Nope! A large, deep skillet will work just as well. The key is to have enough surface area for even cooking and quick stir-frying.
Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. You can prep the veggies and sauce in advance. Cook everything and store in individual containers for grab-and-go meals during the week.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy dinners. Whether you’re making this for yourself, your family, or your next gathering, it’s sure to impress. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the flavor payoff is chef’s kiss.
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Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
