Forget your local Chinese takeout menu – tonight, you're becoming the master of incredible stir-fries right in your own kitchen! This recipe for Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Homemade Chow Mein Sauce is designed to bring those beloved restaurant-quality flavors directly to your dinner table. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, bursting with vibrant ingredients, and comes together faster than you can say 'delivery.' Get ready to enjoy perfectly cooked noodles, tender chicken, and crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory, and undeniably delicious sauce!
Why You Need This Chow Mein Recipe
This isn’t just another meal idea; it’s a culinary experience that will have you rethinking your takeout habits. Here’s why this Chicken Chow Mein will become a quick favorite:
- Lightning-Fast: In less than 30 minutes, you can go from prepping to plating this mouthwatering dish. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
- Flavor Powerhouse: The secret is truly in the sauce – our homemade chow mein sauce strikes a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and umami, elevating every bite.
- Kitchen Staple Ingredients: Most of what you need is likely already in your pantry, or easily found at any grocery store.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks wonderfully in a single large skillet or wok, making cleanup a breeze.
- Wholesome & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and plenty of fresh vegetables, it’s a meal that's both healthy and deeply satisfying.
Forget the greasy, heavy versions you might have encountered before. This recipe offers a fresh, light, and incredibly flavorful experience. If you enjoy quick and flavorful chicken dishes, you might also love our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner for Busy Weeknights – Clara's Recipes for another fantastic option!
Essential Ingredients for Your Chow Mein
The foundation of an amazing chow mein lies in fresh ingredients and, of course, a show-stopping sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll gather:
For the Chow Mein Base:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (your choice of red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Best Chow Mein Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
For detailed measurements and nutritional insights, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
How to Create Your Chicken Chow Mein Masterpiece
Ready to stir up some magic? Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a flawless chow mein every single time.

- Step 1: Begin by cooking the chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Once they are perfectly cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and water until you have a completely smooth mixture. This is your incredible chow mein sauce – set it aside for now.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are perfectly tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the bean sprouts and your prepared chow mein noodles. Pour the fantastic homemade chow mein sauce evenly over all the ingredients in the pan.
- Step 6: Gently toss everything together, ensuring every noodle strand and piece of chicken and vegetable is coated in the savory sauce. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken to perfection.
- Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped green onions, giving it one last toss. Serve your piping hot Chicken Chow Mein immediately, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Tips for a Stellar Stir-Fry
- Embrace the Wok (if you have one!): A wok is ideal for stir-frying as it provides high, even heat. If using a skillet, ensure it's a large one and don't overcrowd the pan to allow for proper searing and stir-frying.
- Al Dente Noodles: Cook your noodles just until al dente; they will continue to cook a bit more when stir-fried with the sauce and vegetables.
- Mise en Place is Key: With stir-fries, speed is essential. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the heat.
If you're looking for another quick and delicious noodle dish, be sure to check out our recipe for Easy Shrimp Stir Fry – it’s a perfect partner to this chow mein!
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to help loosen the noodles and rehydrate the sauce.
Conclusion
This Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Homemade Chow Mein Sauce proves that your favorite Chinese restaurant dish is well within your grasp to make at home. It’s a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal that's easily customizable and perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and prepare to impress your taste buds – and maybe even your family! For more fantastic Asian-inspired recipes and culinary inspiration, you can always visit authoritative sites like RecipeTin Eats. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What type of noodles are ideal for authentic Chicken Chow Mein?
For classic chow mein, thin egg noodles work best. Look for them labeled as 'chow mein noodles' or 'Hong Kong-style pan-fried noodles' at Asian markets. If those aren't available, thin spaghetti or even ramen noodles (discarding the seasoning packet) can be used as a substitute.
Can I customize the protein and vegetables in this chow mein recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap chicken for thinly sliced beef, shrimp, pork, or even tofu. Great vegetable additions include broccoli florets, snow peas, mushrooms, cabbage, or bok choy. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly for different ingredients.
How do I ensure my chow mein sauce reaches the perfect thickness?
The cornstarch in our recipe is crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure it's fully dissolved in the liquids before adding the sauce mixture to the hot skillet. If your sauce isn't as thick as you'd like after simmering for a couple of minutes, you can whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a 'slurry,' then gradually stir it into the chow mein until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is it possible to prepare this Chicken Chow Mein in advance or freeze it?
The chow mein sauce can be prepared up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. While chow mein is truly best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles and sauce. Freezing cooked chow mein is not recommended, as the noodles and vegetables may become mushy when thawed.

Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Homemade Chow Mein Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for homemade Chicken Chow Mein featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory, flavorful sauce that tastes better than takeout.
Ingredients
8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and water until the mixture is smooth. Set this amazing sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the bean sprouts and the cooked chow mein noodles. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce evenly over all the ingredients.
Step 6: Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are coated in the savory sauce. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped green onions. Serve your delicious Chicken Chow Mein hot, with extra green onions for garnish if you wish.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking. Adjust the amount of spice by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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