Chicken Chow Mein Like the Takeaway

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic takeaway favorite featuring tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and capture that authentic restaurant-style flavor. It’s quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a homemade Chinese-style dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast (thinly sliced)chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)soy saucesesame oilvegetable oilgarlic (minced)ginger (minced)onionbell pepperscarrotbean sproutsgreen onionscornstarchblack pepperoyster saucehoisin saucewater or chicken stock

directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with cornstarch, a splash of soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant.

Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked noodles.

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, water or stock, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture.

Toss everything together over high heat until well coated and heated through.

Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3-4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.

Add mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas for more veggie variety.

Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the hoisin for a lighter version.

Add chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a hot pan or microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just skip the marinating and add it during the final stir-fry.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Chow mein or medium egg noodles work best. Fresh or dried are both fine.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.

Is chicken chow mein spicy?

Not typically, but you can add chili oil or fresh chilies for heat.

Can I freeze chicken chow mein?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Do I need a wok?

A wok gives the best result, but a large frying pan works too.

Why are my noodles mushy?

Avoid overcooking and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can I add sauce directly to the noodles?

Yes, the sauce should coat the noodles and ingredients evenly at the end.

How do I get that smoky “wok hei” flavor?

Use very high heat and stir-fry quickly without overcrowding the pan.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

It adds sweetness and depth but can be substituted with a little honey and extra soy sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein like the takeaway is easy to recreate at home with the right techniques and ingredients. It’s a flavorful, customizable dish that comes together quickly and satisfies that noodle craving every time. Once you try it, you might skip the takeaway for good!

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