Nothing beats the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot wok, that smoky aroma filling your kitchen like magic. This homemade easy chicken chow mein brings all those takeout flavors right to your table, and it’s become such a weeknight favorite because you can have it ready faster than delivery.
Think silky noodles tossed with tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that coats everything just right. The whole thing comes together in one pan using ingredients you probably already have. It’s like your favorite Chinese restaurant dish, but you control the salt and the vegetables actually stay crunchy.
I started making this back in 2014 when my granddaughter requested “noodles like at the restaurant” for her birthday dinner. The secret I discovered? Don’t overcook those vegetables – they should still have bite. After decades of feeding families, I know this one delivers every single time.
PrintHomemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein Delicious Recipe
Enjoy a delicious Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles. This Chicken Chow Mein is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick, tasty meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 10 ounces chicken breast boneless skinless cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles uncooked noodles
- 2 cups cabbage sliced thinly
- 1 large carrot julienned
- 4 green onions sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced or chopped small
- 4 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 4 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoon light sesame oil not toasted
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Whisk together oyster sauce sugar sesame oil soy sauce chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.
- Boil the chow mein noodles until tender following package instructions then drain and rinse with cold water; keep aside.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat and cook the bite-sized chicken until golden brown; remove chicken and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté carrots cabbage and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften and cabbage is translucent.
- Return noodles and chicken to the pan pour the prepared sauce over everything stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve the chow mein hot directly from the pan.
Notes
- For even better results marinate chicken in the sauce
- Pour 1-2 tablespoon of sauce over the chicken mix to coat and set aside for 30 minutes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
- Prep veggies chicken and sauce ahead of time and keep separately in the fridge for 1-2 days
- Avoid soggy chow mein by cooking noodles until just firm using high heat stir-fry and not overcrowding the pan
Nutrition
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1399mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g + 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why This Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein Will Win Your Heart
This Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein evokes cherished memories of family gatherings, chopsticks clinking as everyone reaches for second helpings. Its beauty lies in the harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles, all brought together in one pan with a glossy, savory sauce.
What truly elevates this homemade chow mein is its impeccable balance. The cabbage offers a delightful crunch while remaining tender, and the carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. The savory sauce perfectly coats every noodle without being heavy, while a hint of sesame oil weaves all the flavors together, creating a truly comforting experience.
Your Essential Ingredients and Tools
Transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Tender chicken breast pieces, perfectly chewy chow mein noodles, and a rich, savory sauce form the heart of this dish. The sauce, a blend of oyster sauce for umami depth, soy sauce for salty richness, and sesame oil for its distinctive aroma, truly brings it to life.
- Fresh vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, green onions, and garlic create layers of flavor and texture
- Pantry staples: Cornstarch thickens the sauce beautifully, while chicken broth adds savory depth
- Essential tool: A large wok or pan that can hold everything comfortably without crowding
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Protein base | Chicken thighs, beef strips |
| Chow mein noodles | Main texture | Lo mein noodles, spaghetti |
| Oyster sauce | Umami depth | Hoisin sauce, extra soy sauce |
| Cabbage | Crunch and bulk | Bok choy, bean sprouts |
How It All Comes Together
The secret to perfect homemade chicken chow mein truly lies in precise timing and temperature control. Begin by whisking the sauce until it’s perfectly smooth, ensuring no cornstarch lumps remain. Cook your chow mein noodles just until they’re tender, then immediately rinse them with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent stickiness.
High heat is crucial for a successful stir-fry. Ensure your pan or wok is thoroughly hot before adding the chicken, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden exterior. The vegetables then cook quickly, just long enough to soften the cabbage while retaining a crisp bite in everything else.
Pro Tip: Don’t dump everything in at once. Layer by layer, hot and fast, just like the old masters taught us.
Timing Your Perfect Meal
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Prep sauce & noodles | 8 minutes | Mix sauce, boil noodles |
| Cook chicken | 5-6 minutes | Golden brown, cooked through |
| Stir-fry vegetables | 2-3 minutes | Crisp-tender perfection |
| Combine everything | 2 minutes | Sauce coats, flavors meld |
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Sometimes the noodles stick together or the sauce seems thin. Don’t worry – these little hiccups happen in every kitchen. If your noodles clump, add a splash of hot chicken broth and gently separate them with tongs.
- Sauce too thin: Mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in
- Vegetables overcooked: Next time, have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking
- Chicken dry: Try that marinating trick from the notes – it makes all the difference
Making It Your Own
This recipe welcomes your personal touches. Some evenings I add extra garlic because that’s what my heart wants. Other times, I toss in whatever vegetables are calling to me from the refrigerator.
The beauty of this homemade easy chicken chow mein is its adaptability to your family’s preferences. Love more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Want it sweeter? A touch more sugar can achieve that.
Serving and Storing Your Creation
Serve this immediately while the noodles are still glossy and the vegetables retain their vibrant colors. The contrast of textures and that aromatic steam rising from the pan makes every bite memorable.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator, though you might need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Add splash of broth, gentle heat |
| Freezer | 2 months | Thaw overnight, extra sauce needed |
| Make-ahead prep | 1-2 days | Store components separately |
Expert Says
Chicken chow mein combines protein, vegetables, and noodles, offering a balanced meal with varied textures and flavors. For the best homemade easy chicken chow mein, quickly stir-fry ingredients over high heat to retain their freshness and ensure the chicken stays tender without overcooking, maximizing both taste and quality.
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Perfecting Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein
This homemade easy chicken chow mein took many evenings of trial and error in my kitchen. I remember the first time the noodles turned mushy, but with patience and tasting along the way, I finally found the balance of tender noodles and savory sauce. Today’s recipe is the result of those lessons and family dinners full of laughter.
FAQs ( Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein )
How do I prevent noodles from getting soggy?
To keep noodles firm and avoid sogginess, rinse them in cold water after boiling to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly before stir-frying, and toss them quickly to coat with sauce without overcooking. This helps maintain the perfect texture in the dish.
Can I substitute vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap or add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli based on your preference. Just ensure they are cut evenly and stir-fry them to keep a crisp-tender bite that complements the chicken and noodles.
What is the best protein cut for this meal?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Breasts provide lean meat while thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Slice thinly and cook quickly over high heat to keep the meat tender and juicy in the stir-fry.
How can I make the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce typically combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey for balance. Mix these ingredients before adding to the pan and simmer briefly to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste for a rich and savory finish.
Can this dish be prepared ahead?
You can chop and prep ingredients in advance, but best results come from cooking just before serving. Store cooked noodles and chicken separately in airtight containers to avoid sogginess, then quickly reheat and combine for freshness and texture.
A Recipe Worth Treasuring
This homemade easy chicken chow mein comes together beautifully in just twenty minutes, filling your kitchen with those wonderful aromas that call everyone to the table. You’ll love how the tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables and silky noodles, creating that perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings pure comfort to any evening.
Feel free to toss in whatever vegetables speak to you – snow peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms all work wonderfully. A little trick passed down through generations: rinse those cooked noodles with cold water to keep them from getting mushy. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, and warm gently with a splash of broth to bring back that glossy sauce.
I’d love to hear about your family’s favorite noodle memories – did someone special make chow mein for you growing up? Share a photo of your beautiful creation and tell me what vegetables you chose. This recipe deserves to be saved and shared with the ones you love most, creating new traditions around your own table.
