This chicken chow mein is one of those quick, better than takeout dinners we love to make as a team on a busy weeknight. Tender chicken and noodles with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
Delight your taste buds with this chicken chow mein featuring the most delectable homemade chow mein sauce. A flavorful combination of protein and vegetables, it is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The homemade sauce enhances the flavor of every ingredient, making this chicken chow mein a guaranteed favorite.
What makes this chicken chow mein so good is the sauce. A savory blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin coats the noodles, chicken, and crisp vegetables.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this chicken chow mein comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Chicken Chow Mein
- Better than takeout. The classic flavor at home.
- Tender chicken. Quickly stir fried and juicy.
- Crisp vegetables. Pepper, carrot, cabbage, sprouts.
- Homemade sauce. Soy, oyster, and hoisin.
- Quick and easy. Perfect for a weeknight.
What Makes This Chicken Chow Mein So Good
It is classic chow mein, the Chinese American stir fried noodle dish, here made hearty with chicken.
A homemade sauce ties it together. Soy, oyster, hoisin, and a touch of brown sugar.
The noodles soak it up. Tossed at the end, they carry the savory sauce in every bite.
A handful of crunchy bean sprouts, the crisp, fresh shoots, add a light, signature crunch to this noodle dish.
Optional Pro Tip: Cook the Chicken First
Cook the chicken first. Then set it aside to keep it juicy.
Keep the vegetables crisp. Stir fry just until crisp tender.
Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
- Whisk the sauce first. So it is ready to pour in.
- Slice the chicken thinly. For quick, even cooking.
- Cook the chicken first. Then set it aside.
- Use high heat. For a good stir fry.
- Keep the vegetables crisp. Stir fry until crisp tender.
- Add the noodles and sprouts. Then toss everything together.
- Let the sauce thicken. So it coats every strand.
- Garnish well. Green onions and sesame seeds.
Variations and Add Ins
This chicken chow mein is easy to customize.
- Swap the protein. Beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- Add more vegetables. Bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Make it spicier. A drizzle of chili oil or sriracha.
- Use chicken thighs. For richer flavor.
- Use spaghetti. If you cannot find chow mein noodles.
- Use tamari. For a gluten free option.
- Add a scrambled egg. Stirred in for extra protein.
- Top with sesame seeds. And extra green onion.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It makes a quick, satisfying leftover lunch.
Reheat in a hot skillet with a small splash of water to loosen the noodles, stirring until heated through. The microwave works too.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Chow Mein
This chicken chow mein is a satisfying meal on its own, with chicken, noodles, and plenty of vegetables all in one bowl.
It also pairs beautifully with spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad for a full takeout style spread. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion makes it look beautiful.
For serving, pile the chow mein into bowls and finish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and crunch.
- On its own. A complete one bowl meal.
- With spring rolls. Or dumplings on the side.
- With a cucumber salad. Crisp and cooling.
- With sesame and green onion. For a fresh finish.
For another quick, better than takeout favorite, our healthy orange chicken is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken chow mein?
It is a Chinese American stir fry of tender chicken and noodles tossed with crisp vegetables in a savory homemade sauce of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce.
What noodles should I use?
Soft, stir fry style chow mein noodles are classic. If you cannot find them, yakisoba, ramen, or even spaghetti work in a pinch.
What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein noodles are stir fried so they get a little crisp, while lo mein noodles are simply tossed in sauce and stay soft.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Beef, shrimp, or tofu all work well in place of the chicken with the same savory chow mein sauce.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Stir fry them over high heat just until crisp tender, and add them after the chicken so they keep their fresh crunch.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Bok choy, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms all stir in nicely for more color, crunch, and nutrition.
Can I make it gluten free?
Use tamari in place of the soy sauce, a gluten free oyster sauce, and gluten free noodles for a gluten free version.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Slice it thinly, cook it first over high heat, and set it aside while you stir fry the vegetables so it does not overcook.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water.
What should I serve with it?
It is hearty on its own, but spring rolls, dumplings, or a cucumber salad make nice sides for a full spread.
Better Than Takeout
This chicken chow mein stir fries tender chicken and noodles with crisp peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a savory homemade sauce of soy, oyster, and hoisin. It tastes just like the takeout favorite, made fresh at home.
Quick, packed with vegetables, and easy to make your own, it is a perfect weeknight dinner. Once you try it, this chicken chow mein will be a regular in your rotation.
Craving another savory chicken favorite? Our chicken piccata is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth or water until well combined, then set aside.
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat, add the sliced chicken, and stir fry until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, add the garlic and ginger, and stir fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the onion, red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and cabbage and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok, then add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and noodles, toss to coat evenly, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.
- Remove from the heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Enjoyed the recipe? Share it!
Kitchen Essentials We Recommend
Tools that make cooking easier — tried, tested, and loved.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Got a recipe the world should try?
Share your favorite family recipe or national dish with food lovers in 100+ countries.
Submit Your Recipe