Name: Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoon oyster sauce; 4 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or tamari); 2 tablespoon light sesame oil (not toasted); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 10 ounces chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces); 2 tablespoon oil; 5 ounces chow mein noodles (uncooked); 2 cups cabbage (sliced thinly); 1 large carrot (julienned); 4 green onions (sliced); 2 garlic cloves (minced or chopped small)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal to whip up any night of the week, this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is tailor-made for you. Savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tender noodles all coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce—it’s the perfect takeout classic right from your own kitchen, and I promise, it’s incredibly satisfying to make and even better to eat!

Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the signature medley of tastes and textures: crisp vegetables, tender chicken, slippery noodles, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for lean, quick-cooking bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Oil: Essential for sautéing; a neutral oil keeps everything from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Chow mein noodles: The star carb of this dish—these quick-cooking noodles bring chewy texture that holds up wonderfully.
Cabbage: Sliced thin to bring crunch and a sweet, mild flavor that balances the savory notes.
Carrot: Julienne-cut for color, freshness, and a hint of sweetness in every forkful.
Green onions: For a burst of color and a mild, oniony bite—scattered at the end for brightness.
Garlic cloves: Minced or chopped small to infuse the oil and add depth to the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Brings umami and a glossy finish to the chow mein, making it extra savory and irresistible.
Low sodium soy sauce (or tamari): Balances flavors with a salty edge without overpowering.
Light sesame oil (not toasted): Lends a hint of nutty aroma without dominating the dish.
Chicken broth: Helps to loosen the sauce so it’s silky and coats the ingredients evenly.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect, glossy consistency.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch, it balances out the savoriness and brings harmony to the whole dish.

How to Make Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl. You want the cornstarch to fully dissolve, creating a smooth sauce that’s ready to work its magic on the noodles and chicken. Set it aside for later—you’ll love how this blend transforms the whole dish!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package. Make sure to drain and rinse them with cold water once they’re done—this stops them from overcooking and sticking together, making sure they’re perfectly springy when it’s time to toss everything together.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Cut your chicken breast into bite-sized strips (they cook faster and stay juicy this way). Sear them in the hot oil until they’re golden brown and cooked through, then remove the chicken and set aside. This quick sauté keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your pan. Toss in the julienned carrot, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cabbage softens a bit and the carrots become vibrant. The garlic’s aroma should be irresistible right about now!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now, bring back the cooked noodles and chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and stir well, coating every bit with that savory goodness. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle in your green onions for a pop of color and flavor, and give the whole thing one more gentle toss. Serve the Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe piping hot straight from the pan—your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe with fresh sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual interest. If you love a bit of spice, a drizzle of chili oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can take this from comforting to crave-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple steamed broccoli, crisp cucumber salad, or classic egg drop soup. These sides can soak up the saucy noodles while providing even more color and variety to your dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra flair, serve your Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe family-style on a big platter, or use individual takeout-style boxes for a fun, nostalgic touch. Try topping it with extra green onions or a swirl of sriracha for a modern kick—the options are endless and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch, cool the noodles completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. While the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing, the flavors remain bold; remember to label with the date so you don’t lose track!

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a large skillet or wok with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the noodles. This brings everything back to life, keeping that signature glossy sauce and fresh taste intact. The microwave is a quick alternative but use lower power and stir occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the cooking time as needed so your protein turns out tender and perfect every time you make this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.

Do I have to use chow mein noodles?

Chow mein noodles give this dish its classic texture, but in a pinch, you can use spaghetti or ramen noodles. The sauce and stir-fry method work beautifully with many types of noodles, so feel free to experiment!

Is there a good substitute for oyster sauce?

If you can’t find oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, try hoisin sauce for a sweeter note, or a mix of soy sauce with a splash of fish sauce for depth. The taste will shift a bit, but the Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe will still be full of flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and be sure your noodles are certified gluten-free. Double-check your oyster sauce and other ingredients to make sure they don’t contain hidden gluten, and enjoy this dish worry-free.

What vegetables work well in this recipe?

Besides carrots and cabbage, bell peppers, snap peas, and bean sprouts all make delicious additions or substitutions. This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is very forgiving, so use what you have and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe at home is like treating yourself to your favorite takeout meal, only fresher and even more flavorful. I genuinely hope you dive in, stir-fry up a storm, and share this dish with those you love—it’s the kind of meal that always brings smiles around the table.

Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces for a satisfying meal that’s better than takeout.

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cook Noodles: Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
Cook Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, then cook carrots, cabbage, and garlic until slightly softened.
Combine Ingredients: Add noodles and chicken back to the pan. Pour marinade over everything, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy hot.