Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic takeout-style dish that’s full of flavor and texture. With tender pieces of chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and egg noodles coated in a savory sauce, it’s the perfect combination of tasty and easy to make. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or when you want something quick but satisfying. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 6 oz chow mein or thin egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onion, cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the top.
• Toss everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed, and everything is heated through. Add the green onions and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve

• Serve the chicken chow mein hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: Make sure to slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast if you prefer a juicier texture.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables or swap out those listed for your favorites—snow peas, broccoli, or bean sprouts work well.
• Noodles: Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles are best for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can also use spaghetti or any thin wheat noodles.

Variations

• Shrimp Chow Mein: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Just be sure to cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce for the flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for some heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar, or hoisin sauce as a substitute. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

To prevent the noodles from sticking, make sure to rinse them with cold water after cooking and toss them with a little bit of oil. This will keep them separate and ready for stir-frying.

Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Chow Mein. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet.

What can I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken Chow Mein can be served as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with egg rolls, potstickers, or a simple side salad for a more complete Chinese-style dinner.

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and easy dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles coated in a savory sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

Try this recipe for a taste of your favorite takeout at home—it’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something savory and comforting!

Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe!