Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce

Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite takeout-style dishes to make at home—Chicken Chow Mein! There’s something incredibly satisfying about stir-fried noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce, combined with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Every time I make this, I feel like I’ve brought the best of a Chinese restaurant straight into my kitchen. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

I still remember the first time I tried making Chicken Chow Mein from scratch. I was craving those perfectly chewy noodles but wanted a homemade version without any mystery ingredients. After a bit of trial and error, I landed on the perfect combination of sauces that give this dish its signature umami-packed flavor. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes!

One of the reasons I love this dish so much is its versatility. You can swap the chicken for shrimp or beef, throw in extra veggies, or even adjust the sauce to your liking. And let’s be honest—there’s just something about slurping up those saucy noodles that makes every bite so satisfying.

What’s in Chicken Chow Mein?

The Best Chow Mein Sauce

A great Chow Mein is all about the sauce, and this one delivers the perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

• Soy sauce – The base of the sauce, adding depth and umami.

• Oyster sauce – Brings a rich, slightly sweet taste that enhances everything.

• Hoisin sauce – Adds a hint of sweetness and a deeper flavor.

• Sesame oil – A touch of nuttiness for that authentic taste.

• Cornstarch – Helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.

• Sugar (optional) – Just a tiny bit can balance out the flavors.

• Chicken broth or water – Helps create the perfect consistency.

The Noodles & Protein

The key to authentic Chow Mein is choosing the right noodles and protein.

• Chow Mein noodles – These thin egg noodles give the dish its signature chewy texture.

• Chicken breast or thighs – Thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.

The Vegetables

A good Chow Mein isn’t just about the noodles—it’s also about the fresh, crunchy veggies!

• Garlic & onion – Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.

• Carrots & cabbage – Add a pop of color and a satisfying crunch.

• Bean sprouts (optional) – For an extra bit of texture and freshness.

• Green onions – The perfect finishing touch for a burst of flavor.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sauciness. Ready to see how it all comes together? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water

For the Chow Mein:

• 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots

• 2 cups (150 g) shredded cabbage or bok choy

• 1/2 cup (50 g) bean sprouts (optional)

• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar (if using), and chicken broth. Set aside.

2. Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the shredded carrots, cabbage (or bok choy), and bean sprouts (if using). Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks, ensuring the noodles and ingredients are well coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein, full of delicious flavors and perfect textures!

Sweet Tips and Fun Variations

• For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.

• Want it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.

• Looking for a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for tofu or just load up on more veggies.

Now that you know how to make this mouthwatering dish, it’s time to grab your chopsticks and dig in!

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein (Detailed Steps)

Step 1: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

Start by making the flavorful sauce that will coat every bite of your noodles. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. Set the sauce aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 3-4 minutes. Once tender, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to keep them from clumping. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken and spread it out in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the shredded carrots and cabbage (or bok choy). Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have a slight crunch. If you’re using bean sprouts, add them at this stage and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the drained chow mein noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and use tongs or chopsticks to toss the ingredients together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats the noodles and vegetables. The cornstarch in the sauce will slightly thicken, creating a glossy finish.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a final pop of freshness. Serve your Chicken Chow Mein immediately while it’s hot and full of flavor.

Sweet Tips and Fun Variations

• Love extra saucy noodles? Double the sauce for an even richer flavor.

• Prefer a spicy kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha on top.

• Want more protein? Add shrimp, beef, or even tofu for variety.

• Make it extra crispy by letting the noodles fry for an extra minute before tossing them in the sauce.

Now you’ve got a restaurant-quality Chicken Chow Mein made right in your own kitchen. Grab a fork (or chopsticks), and enjoy every bite!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of noodle for Chicken Chow Mein?

Yes! If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can use thin egg noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to their package instructions and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back the moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.

4. What can I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?

This dish pairs well with egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a light soup like egg drop soup. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.