Chicken Chow Mein with Best Chow Mein Sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein is a takeout favorite that’s quick, flavorful, and better than anything from a box. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles come together in a rich, savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough to impress guests.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
carrots, julienned
cabbage, shredded
bean sprouts
green onions, sliced
garlic, minced
vegetable oil or sesame oil

For the chow mein sauce

soy sauce
oyster sauce
hoisin sauce
dark soy sauce (for color and richness)
brown sugar
cornstarch
water
white pepper (optional)

directions

Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together all the chow mein sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, carrots, and cabbage for 2–3 minutes.

Add the cooked noodles and return the chicken to the pan.

Pour in the chow mein sauce and toss everything together until well coated.

Add bean sprouts and green onions, stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more vegetables.
Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a healthier version.
Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or chili flakes.
Garnish with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Freezing is not recommended as noodles may become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?
Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles are ideal for this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the sauce and chop veggies in advance. Stir-fry fresh for best texture.

Is the sauce very salty?
It’s balanced with sweetness and umami. Use low-sodium sauces if preferred.

Do I need a wok?
No, a large non-stick skillet works just fine.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it in when tossing everything together with the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and sauces to make it gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just be sure not to overcrowd the pan so ingredients stay crisp.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein with the best homemade sauce is a fast, delicious, and satisfying way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen. Packed with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and perfectly sauced noodles, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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