If there’s one dish that perfectly blends quick comfort and vibrant flavors, it’s chicken chow mein. This recipe has become a favorite for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen.
What makes this version special is the balance between tender chicken, crisp veggies like fresh cabbage and crunchy carrots, and those irresistibly saucy, slightly chewy chow mein noodles.
The secret? A simple homemade chow mein sauce with oyster sauce, soy, and a hint of sweetness that brings everything together with silky, savory goodness.
When I first made this recipe, I struggled with soggy noodles — a common challenge when stir-frying. The trick is to toss the noodles in hot oil briefly before mixing them with the sauce, locking in texture and flavor.
This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with protein and veggies, making it a wholesome meal that keeps you full and energized without weighing you down. In fact, studies show that meals combining lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables help with sustained energy and appetite control.
For a crisp side, try this refreshing Cucumber Salad and for a little celebratory sip, a smooth Disaronno Drink pairs beautifully.
Simple, fresh, and full of flavor—this chow mein ticks all the boxes.
Give it a try and share how you make it your own!
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- Quick and Convenient: After a busy day, this recipe comes together fast without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors I crave.
- Perfectly Balanced Sauce: The sauce hits the sweet and savory notes just right—never too strong, always satisfying.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean chicken and fresh veggies, it fits seamlessly into my balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.
- Flexible with Ingredients: I love swapping in seasonal veggies to keep the dish fresh and exciting all year round.
- Energizing and Light: This meal fills me up and keeps my energy steady, without leaving me feeling heavy or sluggish.
Best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Equipment
- Large wok or large skillet
- Medium pot (for boiling noodles)
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Stirring spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp oil
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked noodles)
- 2 cups cabbage
- 1 large carrot julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions
- 2 garlic cloves
Chow Mein Sauce:
- 6 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat; stir-fry chicken until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic, cabbage, carrot, and green onions; stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- Mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Return chicken to the pan, add cooked noodles and sauce; toss everything together and cook until sauce thickens and coats the noodles evenly.
- Serve hot, optionally with a fresh Cucumber Salad or a refreshing Disaronno Drink.
Nutrition
Tips For Perfect Chicken Chow Mein!
- Use room temperature chicken: Letting the chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed—crowding traps steam and makes your chicken and veggies soggy instead of crisp.
- Toast your noodles lightly: Before combining with the sauce, give the boiled noodles a quick toss in hot oil to add a subtle nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Balance the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly—but mix it well with broth first to avoid lumps.
- Fresh aromatics matter: Adding fresh garlic and green onions at the right time preserves their brightness and gives the dish an irresistible aroma.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let your chow mein sit for a couple of minutes off the heat—this helps the sauce set and flavors meld beautifully.
What To Serve With Chicken Chow Mein Recipe!
