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Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Chicken Chow Mein is one of those timeless comfort dishes that never goes out of style. Savory, saucy, and loaded with tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies cravings fast while still feeling special. This recipe for Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is designed to give you restaurant-quality flavor at home — without mystery ingredients, excessive oil, or complicated steps.
Unlike takeout versions that can feel greasy or overly salty, this homemade chicken chow mein balances umami-rich sauce with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles. The star of the dish is the sauce: glossy, savory, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful, coating every strand of noodle without drowning it.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy noodle dinner, this easy chicken chow mein recipe delivers every time.
What Makes This Chicken Chow Mein Special
There are many chow mein recipes out there, but what sets this one apart is its attention to balance. Chow mein should never be dry, but it also shouldn’t be soupy. The noodles should be tender with a slight chew, the chicken juicy, and the vegetables vibrant.
This recipe focuses on:
- A well-balanced homemade chow mein sauce
- High heat cooking for authentic stir-fry flavor
- Simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores
- Clear steps that make success easy, even for beginners
The result is a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant — only fresher.
Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
- Chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Green cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, julienned
- Green onions, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth or water
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
- Black pepper
How to Make the Best Chow Mein Sauce
The sauce is the heart of chicken chow mein. This version is rich and savory without being heavy, and it clings beautifully to the noodles.
The key components include soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for depth, sesame oil for aroma, and a small amount of sugar to round out the flavors. Cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough so it coats the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the pan.
Mix the sauce ahead of time so it’s ready to go when the stir-fry starts — chow mein cooks fast, and timing matters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles
Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and toss lightly with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Make the Chow Mein Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add oil, then add sliced chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add garlic and ginger, stirring briefly until fragrant. Add cabbage and carrots, stir-frying until just tender but still crisp. - Combine Everything
Return chicken to the pan, add cooked noodles, and pour in the chow mein sauce. Toss everything together over high heat until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles evenly. - Finish and Serve
Add green onions, toss once more, and remove from heat. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
- High heat is essential: This helps develop flavor quickly without overcooking.
- Prep everything first: Stir-frying moves fast, so have ingredients ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed.
- Use fresh noodles if available: They give the best texture.
- Taste and adjust: Add a splash of soy sauce or broth if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetable Chow Mein: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, bell peppers, and snap peas.
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Swap chicken for shrimp, cooking them quickly to avoid overcooking.
- Spicy Chow Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken chow mein is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed dumplings
- Egg rolls
- Simple cucumber salad
- Hot and sour soup
For family-style meals, serve it straight from the wok and let everyone help themselves.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the noodles.
Cultural Context: What Is Chow Mein?
Chow mein comes from the Chinese words chāu miàn, meaning “stir-fried noodles.” While traditional Chinese versions vary by region, Western-style chow mein has evolved into a saucy noodle dish loved around the world. This recipe respects those roots while adapting flavors for the modern home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken chow mein recipe is:
- Faster than takeout
- More affordable
- Customizable
- Packed with flavor
- Perfect for weeknights
Once you try this homemade version, it’s hard to go back.
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Savory homemade chicken chow mein with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, glossy chow mein sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk together all chow mein sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil, then stir-fry vegetables until just tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, add noodles and sauce. Toss until sauce thickens and coats noodles.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Serve immediately for best texture.
