Chicken Chow Mein

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:

1. Crispy Chow Mein – The noodles are pan-fried until golden and crispy.
2. 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.