Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful and satisfying dish filled with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a great mix of flavors and textures—soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and juicy pieces of chicken come together in a way that just makes you want more.
I always love making Chicken Chow Mein when I want a quick and tasty meal that feels a bit special but isn’t too complicated. The best part is how easy it is to swap in your favorite vegetables or add a little extra garlic and ginger to give it your own twist. I find that cooking the noodles just right and not overcooking the veggies keeps the whole dish fresh and full of flavor.
My favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a sprinkle of green onions on top and a little extra soy sauce on the side, so everyone can add as much as they like. It’s the kind of meal that works great for a casual family dinner or when friends come over — everyone tends to go back for seconds because it’s just so good! Plus, it’s a fun way to get some veggies into the meal without it feeling like a chore.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg noodles or chow mein noodles: These give the dish its classic chewy texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or thin ramen noodles work well too.
Chicken breast: I prefer breast for its lean texture, but thigh meat adds more flavor and stays tender. Both work great depending on your choice.
Vegetables: Napa cabbage and carrots add crunch and color. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for variety.
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce: These sauces make the dish tasty and full of umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want less salt. Hoisin can be skipped or replaced with a little honey and extra soy sauce if you prefer.
Ginger and garlic: Fresh is best here for bright, punchy flavor. Powdered versions can work but won’t be as vibrant.
How Can I Keep Vegetables Crisp and Noodles Perfect in Stir-Fry?
The key to a great Chicken Chow Mein is cooking ingredients quickly and in the right order to keep veggies crunchy and noodles from getting mushy.
- Cook noodles just till tender: Overcooked noodles will turn soggy in the sauce. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking immediately.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying on medium-high heat helps veggies stay crisp while quickly bringing flavors together.
- Cook chicken first: This avoids overcooking later and lets you set it aside while you stir-fry veggies.
- Add veggies in stages: Hardest veggies (like carrots) go in first, then softer ones (like cabbage and scallions) last to keep texture balanced.
- Toss everything gently: When you combine noodles, chicken, veggies, and sauce, toss without smashing to keep noodles intact.
Following these tips will help you make Chicken Chow Mein that’s tasty, colorful, and perfectly textured every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – perfect for high-heat cooking and tossing all your ingredients evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – lets you stir without scratching your cookware and helps mix ingredients well.
- Pot for boiling noodles – needed to cook the noodles just right before stir-frying.
- Small mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – essential for chopping your chicken and veggies quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef or shrimp for a different protein that cooks just as fast.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas to boost sweetness and crunch in the dish.
- Include a dash of chili flakes or sriracha sauce for some heat and spice.
- Stir in cashews or peanuts at the end for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz egg noodles or chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cups Napa cabbage or regular cabbage, chopped
- 3 scallions (green onions), sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup bok choy or spinach (optional), chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe usually takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 5-7 minutes cooking the noodles, about 10 minutes stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, then a few additional minutes mixing and finishing the dish. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that fits well into a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful to cook them just until tender (al dente). Once done, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, and chicken broth or water. This sauce will give your chow mein its delicious, savory touch. Set it aside for now.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. When ready, remove the chicken from the wok and set it to the side.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the carrots and cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, so the veggies soften just a bit but stay crisp. Next, stir in the scallions and bok choy (if using), cooking everything for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and Finish:
Put the cooked chicken back into the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Gently toss all the ingredients together, making sure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Let it all cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend nicely and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve:
Give the dish a taste and add salt or more soy sauce if needed. Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, maybe garnished with extra scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and cooking. This helps it cook evenly and safely.
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles or chow mein noodles, thin spaghetti or ramen noodles work well too. Just cook them according to package instructions and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The same sauce and technique work perfectly for a tasty vegetarian version.
