Chicken Chow Mein is a classic takeout favorite that’s full of tender chicken pieces, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s got that great mix of textures—from the crispy bean sprouts and celery to the soft noodles—that makes this dish so satisfying. If you love the taste of stir-fried meals, this one checks all the boxes.
I always enjoy making this dish at home because it’s quick to whip up and you can customize it however you like. Sometimes I add extra garlic or a little kick of ginger to give it a fresh zing. I’ve found that using fresh veggies right from the fridge really keeps the dish bright and crisp, which balances nicely against the savory chicken.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Chicken Chow Mein is served straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. It’s great for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. Plus, it often tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are always a treat!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
Editor-picked tees our Oven To Fork readers love.
We may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using chicken breasts for their lean texture. You can swap for thighs if you want juicier meat. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly.
Noodles: Chow mein noodles work best here, but thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can be great substitutes if you don’t have the originals. Just be sure to cook them until tender but not mushy.
Vegetables: Carrots, cabbage, and green onions add crunch and color. If you want, bell peppers or snap peas are tasty alternatives. Bean sprouts are optional but bring a nice fresh crunch.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for that salty, umami flavor. Oyster and hoisin sauces add depth and sweetness. If you don’t have hoisin, a little extra oyster sauce or a spoon of plum sauce can work well.
How Do I Get the Noodles Perfectly Cooked Without Falling Apart?
The trick is to cook your noodles just until they’re tender but still firm. Follow the package directions closely. Once cooked:
- Drain the noodles well and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking.
- Toss gently with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Add them to the stir-fry right at the end and toss quickly with the sauce to coat without overcooking.
This keeps them from becoming mushy and helps them soak up the flavors just right.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or deep skillet – great for stir-frying quickly at high heat with plenty of space.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing chicken and chopping veggies easily and safely.
- Pot – to boil noodles before adding to the stir-fry.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps you toss and serve the noodles without breaking them.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to mix up the protein; both soak up the sauce well.
- Add bell peppers or snow peas for an extra pop of color and crunch.
- Use chili garlic sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Finish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a nutty texture.
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup napa cabbage or regular cabbage, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
Sauces & Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
About 30 minutes in total. This includes 10 minutes to prep and cook the noodles and vegetables and another 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken and stir-fry everything together. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling the noodles following the package directions until they’re just tender but not mushy. Drain well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside. Toss them with a little oil if you like to prevent sticking.
2. Stir-fry the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking until the onions turn translucent and the garlic smells wonderful. Then stir in the carrots and cabbage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine & Sauce It Up:
Return the chicken to the pan along with the green onions and bean sprouts if you’re using them. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth (or water). Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies.
5. Add Noodles & Finish Stir-Frying:
Add the cooked noodles into the pan. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Taste & Serve:
Give the chow mein a taste and add more soy sauce or pepper if you want to adjust the seasoning. Remove from heat. Serve hot, and feel free to garnish with extra green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown nicely during stir-frying.
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chow mein noodles, thin egg noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles can work well. Just adjust cooking time according to the type you use to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover chow mein in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth in the sauce. The flavors will still be delicious!
