Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and soft noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s easy to make at home and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice or on its own for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Tips & Notes
• Variations
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. If using fresh noodles, simply rinse them under hot water to loosen them, then drain.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, and honey (if using). Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked noodles.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Chow Mein immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Marinating the Chicken: Marinating the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
• Vegetable Choice: Feel free to use other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli. This recipe is versatile, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
• Noodle Texture: Be sure not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce and vegetables.

Variations

• Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood version. Stir-fry the shrimp until pink and set aside before cooking the vegetables.
• Beef Chow Mein: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. Marinate the beef the same way as the chicken for a flavorful twist.
• Spicy Chow Mein: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Chow Mein: Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?

Yes! You can use lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles if chow mein noodles are not available. The texture will vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce. Also, make sure the noodles you use are gluten-free.

4. Can I Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can slice the vegetables and chicken and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles, this classic takeout favorite is easy to make at home and sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!