With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy chicken chow mein delivers a symphony of textures and savory flavors that come together in one pan. Tender noodles and juicy chicken are tossed with crisp-tender vegetables in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
What Makes chicken chow mein So Special
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy chicken chow mein delivers a symphony of textures and savory flavors that come together in one pan. Tender noodles and juicy chicken are tossed with crisp-tender vegetables in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, proving that the best chicken chow mein doesn’t have to be complicated. During our testing, we found that the secret to nailing this dish is all in the prep. Having your ingredients sliced and your sauce whisked before you even turn on the stove makes the cooking process a breeze. You’re going to be amazed at how quickly this chow mein chicken comes together once you start stir-frying!
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What You’ll Find in This Article
Ingredients for chicken chow mein
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful chicken chow mein noodles dish. We love using a coleslaw mix for convenience, but you can certainly slice your own cabbage if you prefer.- 8 ounces dried chow mein noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cook Time for chicken chow mein noodles
We’ve timed this recipe repeatedly in our test kitchen, and we’re always impressed by its speed. From start to finish, you can have this easy chicken chow mein on your table in about 30 minutes. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, and the active cooking time is only about 10-12 minutes. This makes it a perfect candidate for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious, homemade meal without a long wait.How to Make chicken chow mein
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof chow mein chicken that’s packed with flavor and has the perfect texture. We recommend reading through all the steps once before you begin.Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While noodles cook, heat a large wok or skillet over high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Push chicken to one side of the wok, add remaining oil, then stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add coleslaw mix, carrots, and celery, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth.Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return chicken to the vegetable mixture, add the cooked noodles and green onions, then pour the sauce over everything. Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld.Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making this recipe dozens of times, we’ve gathered a few insights to help you create the best chicken chow mein possible. Here are our favorite tips straight from the test kitchen.- Boost Umami: For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of mushroom stir-fry sauce to the sauce mixture.
- High Heat is Key: Don’t be shy with the heat on your wok or skillet. A hot surface ensures your chicken gets a nice sear and your veggies stay crisp.
- Prevent Sticky Noodles: Rinsing your cooked noodles with cool water after draining can help stop them from sticking together while you prepare the other components.
- Storage Smarts: Leftovers keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Flavor & Texture Notes
When you get this easy chicken chow mein just right, the experience is all about balance. You should taste a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes from the sauce, with a subtle nuttiness from the sesame oil. The aroma is incredibly inviting, filled with the fragrance of fresh ginger and garlic. Texture-wise, a perfect bite of this chow mein chicken includes tender noodles, juicy pieces of chicken, and vegetables that still have a pleasant crunch. The sauce should be glossy and cling to every element without being gloppy or watery. If your sauce thickens nicely and coats the back of a spoon, you’ve nailed it!Variations & Substitutions
One of the things we love about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some of our favorite twists on this classic chicken chow mein. For a different protein, thinly sliced beef steak or peeled shrimp work wonderfully in place of the chicken. If you’re out of fresh ginger, a half-teaspoon of ground ginger can stand in, though the flavor will be slightly different. To add more color and crunch, toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the other vegetables. For a bit of heat, a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is a game-changer. Finally, if you need a gluten-free version, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce, and you can find gluten-free chow mein noodles.Make-Ahead & Scaling
We love a recipe that respects our time, and this easy chicken chow mein is a true weeknight champion when it comes to planning ahead. You can prep the components a day in advance to make your final cook a lightning-fast affair. Simply slice the chicken and store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and whisk the sauce together in a jar. The vegetables can also be pre-sliced, though we recommend keeping the coleslaw mix separate to maintain its crunch. When scaling this recipe, a few adjustments will help you achieve the best chicken chow mein every time. For a smaller batch, simply halve all the ingredients and use a standard 10-inch skillet. Conversely, if you’re feeding a crowd, we advise doubling the recipe but cooking it in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding your wok. Overcrowding steams the ingredients instead of giving them that signature stir-fry sear, which is key for the best chicken chow mein texture. The sauce can be doubled or tripled without issue, but always whisk the cornstarch in thoroughly to prevent clumping. While the flavors of this chow mein chicken hold up beautifully, the texture of the noodles is best right after cooking. If you must hold the finished dish, toss it with an extra teaspoon of oil to keep the noodles from sticking together as they cool.How to Serve chicken chow mein
Part of the joy of this dish is how beautifully it comes together on the plate. We love serving our chicken chow mein noodles family-style in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with an extra sprinkle of sliced green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil for a restaurant-quality finish. During our team tastings, we found that simple, clean-flavored sides complement the savory notes of the dish perfectly. A light cucumber salad or a simple miso soup makes for a wonderful starter. For a more substantial meal, steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, though we often enjoy it all on its own as a complete one-pan dinner. One of our favorite reader tips is to serve this easy chicken chow mein with chili crisp or crushed peanuts on the side, letting everyone customize their bowl with a little extra crunch and heat.Mistakes to Avoid
After countless test batches, we’ve seen nearly every potential pitfall for this chow mein chicken. Fortunately, they’re all easy to avoid with a little know-how. For instance, if you’ve ever ended up with a soggy, lackluster dish, the heat was likely too low. First, never skip tossing your cooked noodles with a bit of oil. This simple step prevents them from clumping into a starchy brick while you finish the stir-fry. Second, always have your sauce pre-mixed. Adding the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture separately can lead to uneven seasoning and a lumpy sauce. Third, resist the urge to constantly stir the chicken once it hits the hot pan. Let it sear for a minute before tossing to get those delicious browned bits that add so much flavor to your best chicken chow mein. Finally, do not overcook the vegetables. They should be crisp-tender when you add the sauce, as they will continue to soften from the residual heat. By sidestepping these common errors, you’re guaranteed a fantastic result every time.How to Store chicken chow mein
This easy chicken chow mein makes for fantastic leftovers, and we’ve perfected the storage method to keep it tasting fresh. Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We don’t recommend freezing this chicken chow mein noodles dish, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables becomes mushy upon thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. This helps to loosen the sauce and rehydrate the noodles without making them greasy. The microwave can also be used, but we find the stovetop method revives the texture much more effectively, making it taste nearly as good as the first day.Try This chicken chow mein Yourself
We genuinely hope you feel inspired to try this chicken chow mein in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that we return to again and again in our own homes, and we’re confident it will become a favorite in yours, too. This is truly the best chicken chow mein for a busy schedule, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The entire process, from prep to plate, is a satisfying culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that wok, and get ready for a truly delicious dinner.Chicken Chow Mein
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy chicken chow mein delivers a symphony of textures and savory flavors that come together in one pan. Tender noodles and juicy chicken are tossed with crisp-tender vegetables in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- While noodles cook, heat a large wok or skillet over high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Push chicken to one side of the wok, add remaining oil, then stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add coleslaw mix, carrots, and celery, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Return chicken to the vegetable mixture, add the cooked noodles and green onions, then pour the sauce over everything. Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Notes
For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of mushroom stir-fry sauce to the sauce mixture. High heat is key for getting a nice sear on the chicken and keeping vegetables crisp. Rinsing cooked noodles with cool water after draining can help prevent sticking. Leftovers keep beautifully for up to 3 days - reheat in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
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Submit Your RecipeFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle for chicken chow mein?
Absolutely. While traditional chow mein noodles are ideal, you can use lo mein noodles, ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet), or even linguine in a pinch. The key is to cook them until al dente so they don’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce and other ingredients in your wok.
How do I prevent my chow mein chicken from being greasy?
The most common cause of greasy chow mein chicken is using too much oil or not having your wok hot enough. Make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the oil and chicken. Also, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken before adding it back to the wok with the vegetables and sauce.
What’s the best way to get a good sear on the chicken?
For a perfect sear, ensure your chicken is patted dry and sliced thinly and evenly. Use a very hot wok or large skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in a single layer, letting it sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring. This allows for that beautiful, flavorful browning that makes the best chicken chow mein.
