The Best Homemade Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Craving a classic takeout favorite that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This homemade Chicken Chow Mein recipe brings the authentic taste of your beloved restaurant dish right to your kitchen. We’ll guide you through creating an irresistible stir-fry with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s far superior to any store-bought option.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

This homemade version truly shines for so many reasons. You will find yourself making this fantastic Chicken Chow Mein again and again!

• Taste better than restaurant takeout: Enjoy fresher ingredients and a perfectly balanced, savory sauce.
  
• Quick one-pan, weeknight dinner: Ideal for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal fast.
  
• Easily customize proteins and vegetables: Adapt this recipe to your family’s preferences with various additions.
  
• Features an irresistible savory sauce: Our homemade sauce coats every noodle and piece of chicken beautifully.
  
• Healthier alternative to store-bought: Control the ingredients and reduce sodium and unhealthy fats. Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health indicates that frequent home cooking leads to healthier eating habits.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering Chicken Chow Mein. Fresh, high-quality components make all the difference in achieving that authentic flavor. This dish comes together quickly once everything is prepped.

For the Chow Mein

• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized strips
• 3 Tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for cooking
• 12 oz chow mein noodles, uncooked (fresh or dried)
• 2 cups fresh green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 batch green onions, chopped (for garnish and flavor)
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

For the Irresistible Chow Mein Sauce

• 4 Tbsp oyster sauce, or adjust to taste
• 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (do not use toasted for cooking the sauce)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

Notes & Substitutions

For noodles, traditional Chicken Chow Mein uses thin, round, or flat egg noodles. The origins of Chinese noodles can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, showcasing a rich culinary history spanning over 2,000 years. You can often find fresh chow mein or stir-fry noodles in the refrigerated section of Asian markets or larger supermarkets. Dried egg noodles or even thin spaghetti can also work in a pinch.

Feel free to substitute other crisp vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for the cabbage and carrots. Instead of chicken, try thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or pork. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Always taste the sauce before adding it; adjust soy sauce or oyster sauce if you prefer it saltier.

Equipment

Having the right tools ready makes preparing this delicious Chicken Chow Mein a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

• Large wok or wide skillet: Essential for stir-frying at high heat.
• Sharp chef’s knife: For precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace safe and clean.
• Whisk for sauce: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce mixture.
• Tongs or spatula: Perfect for tossing noodles and ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a perfect batch of homemade Chicken Chow Mein. Each stage is designed for simplicity, making this recipe beginner-friendly.

• Prepare the savory sauce: Begin by combining all your sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
  
• Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your chow mein noodles and cook them strictly according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Overcooked noodles become mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles well in a colander. Rinse them immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the cooled, drained noodles aside.
  
• Cook the chicken: Heat a large wok or a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen neutral oil and let it get hot. Slice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized strips. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  
• Sauté the vegetables: With a little oil still in the pan (add a splash more if needed), add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced cabbage. Sauté these vegetables for a few minutes until they are slightly softened and the cabbage becomes a bit translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about one minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  
• Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken and the prepared noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Give everything a quick toss to combine. Pour your pre-mixed savory sauce evenly over all the ingredients in the pan. Continue to toss gently using tongs or a spatula, ensuring that every strand of noodle and piece of chicken and vegetable is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce. Cook for another two minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the ingredients. This short cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly into a fantastic Chicken Chow Mein.
  
• Garnish and serve: Just before serving, stir in the remaining chopped green onions. This adds a lovely fresh crunch and vibrant color. Serve your homemade Chicken Chow Mein piping hot directly from the pan. Enjoy it immediately while the flavors are at their peak.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

Elevate your homemade Chicken Chow Mein with these expert tips and troubleshooting advice.

• Achieve perfect noodles: Don’t overcook the noodles; they should still have a slight bite. Rinsing them thoroughly with cold water after draining prevents stickiness.
  
• High heat is key: Always use a hot wok or skillet for stir-frying. This ensures vegetables stay crisp-tender and meat browns quickly.
  
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if your pan isn’t large enough. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, leading to steaming instead of stir-frying.
  
• Prep ingredients ahead: This technique, called mise en place, is crucial for stir-fries. Have all ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before you start cooking for a smooth process.
  
• Adjust sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, quickly mix a little cornstarch with water (a slurry) and stir it into the simmering sauce.
  
• Flavor enhancement: A dash of rice vinegar added at the very end can brighten the flavors and add a subtle tang.
  
• Crispy noodles: For a textural twist, pan-fry some of the cooked noodles in a separate pan with a bit of oil until they become slightly crispy before combining them.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Chicken Chow Mein is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this flavorful Chicken Chow Mein as a complete and satisfying meal on its own. For a heartier spread, pair it with other Asian-inspired favorites like spring rolls, potstickers, or a simple side of steamed broccoli. Always serve it hot, straight from the pan, to savor its fresh textures and aromas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Chow Mein promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water during reheating helps prevent the noodles from drying out and restores moisture.

Delicious Variations

• Protein swaps: Easily use thinly sliced beef, succulent shrimp, or tender pork loin instead of chicken.
• Vegetable additions: Incorporate a wider array of vegetables like vibrant broccoli florets, crisp snap peas, sliced mushrooms, or bamboo shoots for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: For those who love a kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Gluten-free option: Simply substitute low sodium tamari for the soy sauce and ensure you use certified gluten-free chow mein noodles.

Nutritional Information

This homemade Chicken Chow Mein offers a wholesome alternative to takeout, allowing you to control the ingredients. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please remember these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Mastering homemade Chicken Chow Mein is incredibly rewarding, offering a simple yet profoundly flavorful meal that rivals your favorite takeout. This recipe, designed for simplicity and delicious results, proves that authentic Asian cuisine is achievable right in your own kitchen. You’ll love the tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles, all brought together by that irresistible savory sauce.

Say goodbye to greasy takeout and embrace the joy of creating this delightful Chicken Chow Mein yourself. Enjoy your fresh, homemade meal!

The Best Homemade Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

This recipe delivers a quick and flavorful homemade chicken chow mein with tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Small Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Large Wok or Pan
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless
• 3 Tbsp oil
• 12 oz chow mein noodles uncooked
• 2 cups cabbage
• 1 large carrot julienned
• 1/2 batch green onions
• 2 garlic cloves

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp oyster sauce or added to taste
• 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp light sesame oil not toasted
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Whisk together oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside.
• Cook noodles as directed on the package, then drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Cooking

• Heat oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Cook bite-sized chicken strips until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
• Add carrots, cabbage, and pressed garlic to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the cabbage is translucent.
• Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring to combine.
• Garnish the chow mein with chopped green onions and serve piping hot directly from the pan.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the noodles to maintain a pleasant chewy texture. Adjust the amount of oyster sauce to your preference for saltiness and umami.