Name: Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup bean sprouts; 3 green onions, sliced; 225 g (8 oz) chow mein noodles or spaghetti; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 Tbsp oyster sauce; 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; ¼ cup chicken broth; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that makes me feel like a weeknight superhero, it’s Chicken Chow Mein. This quick stir-fry packs tender chicken, crisp veggies, and noodles tossed in the most addictive chow mein sauce. The best part? It’s on the table in just 30 minutes—faster than waiting for takeout delivery.

I get it—life is busy. Between work, kids, and the endless laundry pile (seriously, how do socks multiply like that?), the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s why this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s the kind of dish that makes the kitchen smell like heaven, satisfies picky eaters, and gives you that little “I totally nailed dinner” glow.

This homemade chow mein is also endlessly flexible. Got extra veggies in the fridge? Toss them in. Want to switch up the protein? Shrimp, beef, or even tofu would be delicious. But if you’re new to making stir-fry noodles at home, this chicken version is a perfect starting point. Comforting, flavorful, and quick—basically, everything we dream of on a Wednesday night.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein

Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
A balanced combo of lean protein, crunchy veggies, and noodles.

The chow mein sauce is sweet, savoury, garlicky, and just a little nutty.

Way more budget-friendly (and healthier) than takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Chow Mein:

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, sliced
8 oz chow mein noodles or spaghetti

For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Mix sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, cornstarch, broth, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles as per package directions, drain, and set aside.

Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove.
Cook the Veggies: Add onion and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes. Add cabbage and bean sprouts; cook 2 more minutes.
Bring It All Together: Toss chicken, noodles, and sauce into the skillet. Stir everything until coated and heated through.

Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and enjoy hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Tips for Perfect Chow Mein

Use a large skillet or wok to give your noodles room to toss. Crowding = soggy stir fry.
Don’t overcook the veggies—part of the magic is that fresh, crisp bite.
If using spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles, undercook them slightly so they don’t turn mushy.

Double the sauce if you’re a “sauce person” (no judgment, I’m one too).
Want heat? Add a squeeze of sriracha or sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

A Little Kitchen Story

I’ll be honest—my first attempt at making homemade chow mein was… not great. Picture clumpy noodles and a sauce that somehow tasted like soy sauce and sadness. But then, one busy weeknight, I tried again—this time with the right sauce balance. The kids actually asked for seconds (a rare event in my house unless it’s mac and cheese).

That’s when Chicken Chow Mein became a regular at our dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s one of those recipes that makes family dinners feel easy and fun again. And let’s be real, any dish that gets everyone to the table without a dinner debate is worth its weight in gold.

What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just want a little extra variety, try pairing it with:

Spring rolls or egg rolls for that crunchy appetiser vibe.

Asian cucumber salad for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Hot and sour soup to round out the meal like your favourite restaurant combo.

Or keep it casual—just add a pot of green tea or a chilled glass of white wine.

How to Store Leftovers

Got extra chow mein? Lucky you!

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to life.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but be warned—the veggies lose some of their crunch. If you don’t mind a softer texture, it’ll last up to 2 months.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch, divide into lunch containers, and you’ve got grab-and-go meals for busy days.

FAQs About Chicken Chow Mein

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes! Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu all work beautifully in stir-fry noodles.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can swap it for extra soy sauce plus a touch more sugar. It won’t be the exact same flavour, but it’ll still taste delicious.

Do I need a wok?

Nope! A large skillet works just fine. The key is high heat and quick cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something so comforting about a steaming plate of Chicken Chow Mein. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it’s one of those dinners that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself without leaving home. Next time you’re tempted to grab takeout, try this instead—you’ll be amazed at how easy (and fun!) it is to whip up a homemade chow mein.

So tie on that apron, heat up your skillet, and get ready to make dinner magic. Your family—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.