Chicken Chow Mein is a staple in Chinese cuisine and a favorite worldwide. This classic stir-fried noodle dish features tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving takeout-style Chow Mein or a healthier homemade version, this recipe will guide you through the process step by step.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Chicken Chow Mein at home, from choosing the best ingredients to cooking techniques and variations to suit your taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, restaurant-quality dish!
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that translates to “fried noodles.” It typically includes egg noodles, sliced chicken, and a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce.
There are two main types of Chow Mein:
- Crispy Chow Mein – The noodles are pan-fried until golden and crispy.
- Soft Chow Mein – The noodles are stir-fried without crisping, creating a tender and chewy texture.
This recipe focuses on the soft version, delivering the classic texture and flavors you love.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for tossing, prevents sticking)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, thinly sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Marinate the chicken by mixing it with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and white pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Chop and prepare all the vegetables to ensure quick and smooth cooking.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the bean sprouts and green onions, stir-frying for another minute.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything.
- Toss well to combine and evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving plate.
- Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
- Use high heat – Stir-frying at high heat ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Pre-cut all ingredients – Since stir-frying is fast-paced, have everything ready beforehand.
- Avoid overcooking the noodles – Slightly undercook them before stir-frying to prevent mushiness.
- Marinate the chicken – This keeps it tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the sauce – Taste and tweak the sauce according to your preference.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Chow Mein – Add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Chow Mein – Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Seafood Chow Mein – Swap chicken for shrimp or a mix of seafood.
- Gluten-Free Chow Mein – Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy Chicken Chow Mein on its own or pair it with sides like Egg Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup, or Fried Rice.
- Serve with extra soy sauce or chili oil for added flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein is an easy yet flavorful dish that brings authentic Chinese flavors to your table. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a customized variation, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Chow Mein
Description
This classic Chicken Chow Mein is a restaurant-style stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory, umami-rich sauce. Quick and easy to make, it's the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you're craving a satisfying homemade Chinese takeout dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
For the Sauce:
For the Stir-Fry:
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the garlic and onion for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the cooked noodles and sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is well combined.
Add Final Touches
- Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss briefly before turning off the heat. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500.92kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.33g24%
- Saturated Fat 2.2g12%
- Trans Fat 0.09g
- Cholesterol 130.97mg44%
- Sodium 1387.08mg58%
- Potassium 797.49mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 53.07g18%
- Dietary Fiber 4.06g17%
- Sugars 6.66g
- Protein 37.06g75%
- Vitamin A 169.86 IU
- Vitamin C 26.78 mg
- Calcium 61.95 mg
- Iron 3.56 mg
- Vitamin D 0.17 IU
- Vitamin E 2.78 IU
- Vitamin K 35.26 mcg
- Thiamin 0.81 mg
- Riboflavin 0.55 mg
- Niacin 16.89 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.21 mg
- Folate 62.92 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.42 mcg
- Phosphorus 447.93 mg
- Magnesium 92.85 mg
- Zinc 2.29 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variations.
- Adjust soy sauce and dark soy sauce to control saltiness and color.
- For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or snap peas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
