Craving a dish that is quick, tasty and satisfying? Skip takeout and try this 30-minute homemade Chicken Chow Mein that will surprise your taste buds.
It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. It all comes together to create a meal that is just irresistible, so let’s prepare it.
Chicken Chow Mein
Looking for a fast and flavorful meal? We got you covered. This Chicken Chow Mein is incredibly easy to make and it’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 8 ounces (225g) chicken breast, chopped into 1-inch chunks
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 3 cups sliced green cabbage
- 2 stalks of scallions/green onion/spring onion, sliced
- Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Substitute Ingredients
Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries—this recipe is flexible! Swap chow mein noodles for spaghetti or ramen in a pinch.
If you’re out of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef work beautifully. Use olive oil instead of canola oil, and any veggies, like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, can replace peppers or cabbage.
No oyster sauce? Mix soy sauce with a dash of hoisin for a similar flavor!
Instructions
1. Prepare The Noodles: To get started, grab a pot and fill it with about 6 cups of water—enough to fully submerge the noodles.
Bring it to a bubbling boil, then add your chow mein noodles and cook them according to the package instructions.
Once they’re perfectly tender, drain the noodles immediately. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from turning mushy.
Set them aside—you’ll need them soon!
2. Cook The Chicken: Now it’s time for the protein! Heat up a wok or large skillet over high heat—this is where the magic happens.
Add about a tablespoon of canola oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the chicken pieces and stir-fry them for about 5 minutes, moving them constantly so they cook evenly.
When they’re nearly cooked through, sprinkle in a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the chicken is golden and tender, take it out and set it aside on a plate.
Be sure to wipe down the wok so it’s ready for the veggies!
3. Sauté The Vegetables: Get ready to bring some color and crunch to your chow mein! Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
First, throw in the onions—stir-fry these for about a minute until they start to soften and turn slightly golden.
Then, add the peppers, shredded carrots, and cabbage. Keep stirring for another 2 minutes, letting the veggies cook until they’re just tender but still have that satisfying crisp bite.
The key is not to overcook them—you want the vegetables to shine!
4. Combine Chicken And Vegetables: It’s time to reunite the chicken and veggies for the ultimate flavor party!
Put the cooked chicken back into the wok and stir everything together. Cook for another minute or so, just long enough for the chicken to soak up some of those delicious veggie juices.
You’ll notice the vibrant colors and aromas coming together, and the mix will look just as good as it smells—trust me, you’re almost there!
5. Mix In Noodles And Sauce: Here’s where it all comes together. Toss the cooked noodles into the wok along with your prepared chow mein sauce.
Use tongs or a spatula to stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle gets evenly coated with that rich, savory sauce.
Keep stirring for a minute or two until everything is heated through and well-blended.
Taste it—does it need an extra pinch of salt or pepper? Adjust the seasoning as needed, then get ready to dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade chicken chow mein hot and sizzling straight from the wok for the ultimate experience!
Pair it with crispy spring rolls, dumplings, or steamed rice for a full takeout-style spread. For added flair, garnish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
A side of soy sauce or chili oil also makes the perfect dipping companion!
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining chow mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, toss the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive their saucy goodness.
Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the noodles mushy. Bonus tip: leftover chow mein makes a quick and tasty lunch the next day!
Now that you have successfully made this simple and tasty Chicken Chow Mein, it’s time to eat. Serve it up on a plate and enjoy!