Chicken Chow Mein with Chow Mein Sauce

Say goodbye to takeout and hello to your new favorite homemade dish—Chicken Chow Mein. Loaded with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, this dish is elevated with the ultimate chow mein sauce. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner or satisfying weekend stir-fry that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality flavor made at home
• Balanced savory, sweet, and umami sauce
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Easily customizable with your favorite veggies
• Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day

Ingredients

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Chicken Chow Mein:

• 8 ounces chow mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Chow Mein Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• Stir until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.

Cook the Noodles

• Cook 8 ounces of chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside. Do not overcook.

Stir-Fry the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts.
• Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
• Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

• In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon minced ginger.
• Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and shredded cabbage.
• Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
• Add the cooked noodles and 1 cup bean sprouts.
• Toss everything together using tongs or a spatula until evenly combined.

Add the Sauce

• Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodle mixture.
• Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients.

Garnish and Serve

• Remove the wok from heat.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add heat with a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes.
• Swap proteins: Shrimp, beef, or tofu work great.
• Don’t overcook veggies—keep them crisp for best texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with spring rolls, egg drop soup, or steamed dumplings.
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad or Asian-style coleslaw.
• Add a side of extra chili sauce or sriracha for spice lovers.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Stir-fry in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and use tofu or extra veggies. Also, swap chicken broth for veggie broth.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with additional soy sauce and a bit more hoisin, though the depth of flavor will be slightly different.

Is hoisin sauce the same as soy sauce?
No—hoisin is thicker, sweeter, and richer. Both are essential for authentic chow mein flavor.

Can I use other noodles?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, ramen, or yakisoba noodles all work in a pinch.

Conclusion

This Chicken Chow Mein with the Ultimate Chow Mein Sauce brings takeout-level flavor straight to your kitchen. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a sauce that hits all the right notes, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this chow mein is sure to become a staple.

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