Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese takeout favorite made with tender chicken pieces, crisp stir-fried vegetables, and soft noodles all tossed together in a simple, flavorful sauce. It’s a beautiful mix of textures: chewy noodles, crunchy veggies, and juicy chicken in every bite.
I love making this dish at home because it’s quick and easy, plus it fills the kitchen with such a nice aroma. My favorite tip is to use fresh ginger and garlic—they really bring the flavors alive without any fuss. Also, cooking the noodles just right so they don’t get mushy is super important to keep the dish tasting perfect.
One of the best things about Chicken Chow Mein is how versatile it is. I often serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or some spring rolls for extra crunch. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chow Mein Noodles: These are thin, slightly chewy noodles that hold sauce well. If you can’t find chow mein noodles, try thin egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just don’t overcook them to keep the right texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can swap for chicken thighs if you want juicier meat with more flavor.
Vegetables: Bok choy, napa cabbage, bell peppers, snow peas, and green onions add freshness and crunch. Feel free to swap or add your favorites like broccoli, carrots, or bean sprouts based on what you like or have on hand.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce give that classic chow mein flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty hint—don’t skip it!
How Can I Get the Noodles Perfectly Cooked and Not Mushy?
The key is to cook the noodles just until they are tender but still have a little bite—this is called “al dente.” Follow these tips:
- Boil noodles according to the package, but check them a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
- Drain and rinse noodles under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Toss noodles with a tiny bit of oil so they don’t clump together while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Add noodles back into the wok at the end; stir-fry briefly just to coat them with sauce and heat through. This keeps them from getting too soft.
Taking these small steps helps your chow mein noodles stay springy, letting them soak up sauce without turning mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – great for quick, even stir-frying and tossing all the ingredients together.
- Pot – to boil the noodles without making a mess.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping veggies and slicing chicken thinly and evenly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.
- Tongs or chopsticks – perfect for stirring noodles and chicken without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein that still tastes great and cooks fast.
- Add shredded carrot or thinly sliced mushrooms to boost the veggie count and add color.
- Use a little chili paste or fresh sliced chili for some spicy heat if you like it hotter.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a nice crunch and extra flavor.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 2 cups bok choy or napa cabbage, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and veggies, 5-7 minutes boiling the noodles, and a few minutes tossing everything together in the wok with the sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the chow mein noodles according to the package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain them well and set aside to keep from sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the onion, red bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp but tender. Next, stir in the bok choy or napa cabbage and green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
4. Combine and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and toss well. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything together again. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until heated through and coated evenly.
5. Final Touches:
Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give everything a last good stir and serve your delicious Chicken Chow Mein hot!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender in the stir-fry.
What Can I Substitute for Chow Mein Noodles?
If you can’t find chow mein noodles, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti work well. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the perfect texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Make Chicken Chow Mein Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables, and swap oyster sauce for a mushroom-based vegetarian sauce or additional soy sauce for flavor.
