Why You’ll Love Chicken Chow Mein with Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Chow Mein is the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors. The homemade sauce elevates simple ingredients into a dish that tastes just like your favorite takeout — but fresher and healthier.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tender noodles creates a satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
2 cups napa cabbage, shredded
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb chow mein noodles (or thin spaghetti)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
1 tablespoon water (optional, to mix cornstarch)
Directions
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper to create the chow mein sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and stir it into the sauce mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to coat. If using the cornstarch mixture, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for a different protein option. Add vegetables such as snow peas, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles as an alternative to traditional chow mein noodles.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook when ready to serve.
What noodles work best for chow mein?
Traditional chow mein noodles are ideal, but thin spaghetti works well as a substitute if needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Drain them well and toss lightly with a small amount of oil if they will sit for a few minutes before stir-frying.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this version is savory and mild. You can add heat if desired.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and substitute gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, add the optional cornstarch slurry and allow it to simmer briefly until thickened.
Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
It can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may soften after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
What vegetables are traditionally used in chow mein?
Common choices include cabbage, carrots, onions, and bean sprouts, though many variations exist.
How do I get restaurant-style flavor?
Use high heat, avoid overcrowding the pan, and ensure the sauce ingredients are well balanced for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Chow Mein with the best homemade chow mein sauce is a quick, flavorful meal that delivers classic takeout taste in the comfort of your own kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and family dinners alike.
