Chicken Chow Mein is a classic takeout favorite that’s full of tender chicken, crispy noodles, and a mix of colorful veggies all tossed together in a flavorful sauce. The crunchy bits of cabbage and snap peas add a nice contrast to the soft noodles, making every bite interesting and tasty.
I love making Chicken Chow Mein at home because it’s quick and comes together in one pan, which saves me from a lot of cleanup. The best part is you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add some heat with a dash of chili flakes if you like things spicy. I often find myself adding a little extra soy sauce or sesame oil at the end for a boost of flavor.
For serving, I like to pile it high on a warm plate and sometimes sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. It’s a dish that everyone at the table usually reaches for seconds of, and it reminds me of those cozy nights when you want something simple but delicious without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chow Mein Noodles: These noodles give the dish its signature texture. If you can’t find them, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work as a substitute. Just be sure to cook them until tender but not mushy.
Chicken Breast: I like using chicken breast for its lean texture and quick cooking time. You can swap in chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Just cut them into thin slices for even cooking.
Vegetables: Snap peas, carrots, onion, and cabbage offer crunch and freshness. Feel free to switch them up with bell peppers, broccoli, or bean sprouts depending on what you have on hand.
Sauces (Soy, Oyster, Sesame Oil): These combine to give a balanced salty, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce. If sesame oil is missing, a drizzle of toasted oil after cooking adds nice aroma.
How Do I Stir-Fry Chicken and Vegetables to Keep Them Tender and Crisp?
Getting the right texture means cooking fast with high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your pan or wok well before adding oil; this prevents sticking and helps sear chicken quickly.
- Cook chicken first until just browned and cooked through; then remove it to avoid overcooking later.
- Add veggies in order of hardness—start with onions and carrots since they take longer, then snap peas and cabbage to keep their crunch.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning and to cook evenly, using quick, tossing motions.
- Return chicken to the pan last, add sauces and broth, then mix everything quickly to heat through without soggy veggies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or large skillet – perfect for stir-frying quickly and tossing all ingredients evenly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps stir and turn chicken and veggies without breaking them.
- Pot for boiling noodles – to cook your chow mein noodles just right before adding to the stir-fry.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing the cornstarch slurry and sauces together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or thinly sliced beef to change the protein while keeping cooking fast.
- Add sliced bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and crunch in your veggies.
- Include a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick if you like heat.
- Mix in water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch and a bit of sweetness.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or cut into thin strips
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 cup Napa cabbage or regular cabbage, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light or regular)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time: About 25-30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the noodles and chicken, 5 minutes stir-frying the vegetables, and another 5-10 minutes combining everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the chow mein noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and stir for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sliced onion, carrots, snap peas, and cabbage. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce:
Put the chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper (if using), and chicken broth. Stir everything to combine well.
5. Add Noodles and Finish the Dish:
Mix in the cooked noodles. Gently toss everything so the noodles get evenly coated with sauce and combined with the chicken and veggies. If the sauce seems a bit thin, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for another minute until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust with salt or more soy sauce if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Chicken Chow Mein hot. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra touch. Enjoy this flavorful and quick homemade meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and cooking. This helps it cook evenly and maintain a tender texture.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or bean sprouts depending on what you have available or your personal taste preferences.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
Can I Make Chicken Chow Mein Spicier?
Definitely! Add chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some minced fresh chili while stir-frying the garlic to give the dish a pleasant kick.
