Name: Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 cup bean sprouts; 3 green onions, sliced; 10 ounces chow mein noodles (or spaghetti/ramen); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving a takeout classic made easily at home, this Chicken Chow Mein hits all the right notes. Tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that coats every bite. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels just a little extra special.

What sets this homemade version apart is the customization. Whether you love your chow mein heavy on veggies or prefer extra protein, it’s easy to adapt. Plus, there’s no mystery about what goes into your food—just clean, simple ingredients and big flavor.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

For authentic texture and taste, look for fresh or dried chow mein noodles at your local Asian market. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or ramen noodles make solid backups. Just avoid overcooking—you want them to stay slightly firm so they can hold up to stir-frying.

Ingredients for the Chicken Chow Mein

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, sliced
10 ounces chow mein noodles (or spaghetti/ramen as substitute)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry cabbage and carrots for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Add bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for another minute.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Chow Mein

Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flair. It pairs beautifully with egg rolls or a crisp Asian cucumber salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The flavors only get better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, beef, or tofu all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Do I need a wok to make chow mein?

Nope! A large non-stick skillet will do just fine if you don’t have a wok.

Is it okay to skip oyster sauce?

You can leave it out, but it adds a depth of umami flavor. Try substituting with a splash of fish sauce or more soy sauce if needed.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy all make great additions.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook them! Boil until just tender and rinse under cold water before stir-frying.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll want to check out these other flavorful dishes from Nina Dishes:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic, creamy dinner.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with rich, buttery sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone if you’re craving something bold and cheesy.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for another quick one-pan wonder.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for easy comfort food on any night.

📌 Save this Chicken Chow Mein recipe to your Pinterest dinner board for next time you need a quick, satisfying meal.

And don’t forget to tag me in your recreations! Did you go classic or throw in your own twist? Maybe swapped the noodles or added heat? I’d love to hear what worked for you.

Follow along for more dishes like this on my Pinterest, Nina Dishes.

Chicken Chow Mein

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Chow Mein is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying stir-fry that brings restaurant-quality comfort food to your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.

2. Boil noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry cabbage and carrots for 2-3 minutes. Add bean sprouts and green onions, and cook for another minute.

5. Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to combine until everything is well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.