Chicken Chow Mein is a tasty dish full of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and soft noodles all tossed together in a flavorful sauce. It’s a classic takeout favorite that’s easy to enjoy anytime you want something warm and satisfying without too much fuss. The combination of crisp veggies and chewy noodles gives every bite a nice mix of textures.
I love making Chicken Chow Mein at home because it’s quick and comes together in one pan. It’s fun to customize too—you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to be a little sweeter or more savory depending on what you like. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever fresh stuff you have in the fridge.
My favorite way to serve it is straight from the wok or skillet, steaming hot, with a sprinkle of green onions on top. It’s perfect on its own or alongside some simple steamed rice. This dish always feels like a little celebration of flavors and textures, and I find it’s a great meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These give chow mein its classic chewy texture. If you can’t find them, you can use thin spaghetti or ramen noodles as a substitute. Just cook them a little less to avoid mushiness.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here. For a juicier option, try chicken thighs instead—they stay tender when stir-fried.
Vegetables: Carrots, snow peas, and onions add crunch and color. You can swap snow peas for snap peas or bell peppers for a different twist.
Sauces: Soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces create the rich, balanced flavor. If you’re vegetarian or avoiding oyster sauce, try using mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce.
How Do You Get Perfectly Stir-Fried Chicken and Vegetables?
Stir-frying fast and at high heat locks in flavor and keeps ingredients crisp.
- Use a hot pan or wok and add oil before the chicken.
- Cook chicken in a single layer without crowding, and avoid moving it too much to get a nice sear.
- Remove chicken before veggies to prevent overcooking.
- Cook veggies just until crisp-tender—they’ll keep some bite and color.
- Return chicken and noodles at the end to mix and heat through quickly.
Keeping everything hot and stir-fried quickly makes the dish come together with the best texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – perfect for high-heat stir-frying and tossing all the ingredients evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir without scratching your pan and moves food around easily.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the chicken and chopping veggies efficiently.
- Colander – to drain and rinse noodles quickly after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to make it seafood or vegetarian-friendly.
- Add bell peppers or baby corn for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Try using ground pork instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz egg chow mein noodles or thin Chinese egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1/2 cup white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Cooking noodles and prepping vegetables takes around 10 minutes. The stir-frying process of chicken, veggies, and noodles combined will need about 15-20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Follow the package directions to cook your egg noodles until just tender. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside while you prepare everything else.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth or water. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in the chicken broth before combining all ingredients.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season it slightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the carrots, snow peas, and sliced white onions. Stir-fry these veggies for 3-4 minutes, or until they become crisp-tender but still have some crunch.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, tossing it all together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes so the noodles soak up the sauce, and all ingredients are hot and well combined.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
Taste your dish and add any extra soy sauce or salt if needed. Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with the chopped green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chicken Chow Mein full of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Can I Substitute Other Noodles for Chow Mein Noodles?
Absolutely. Thin spaghetti or ramen noodles work well as alternatives. Just be careful not to overcook them—cook until just tender to keep the perfect chewiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Chow Mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with tofu or your favorite meat substitute, and swap oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce for similar umami flavor.
