Name: Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 6 oz chow mein noodles, cooked and drained; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup snow peas; 2 green onions, chopped

Craving that perfect takeout-style noodle dish that’s packed with flavor and loaded with crisp vegetables and juicy chicken? Chicken Chow Mein might be your new go-to for weeknight dinners that feel like a treat but come together in under 30 minutes.

This dish offers a satisfying contrast of textures—crispy noodles on the bottom, tender chicken and vibrant stir-fried veggies on top, all tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and hits all the right notes of sweet, salty, and umami. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade Chicken Chow Mein delivers every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the stir-fry, a little prep makes this dish seamless. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Wok or Large Skillet: The star tool here. A wok allows for even, high-heat cooking, essential for getting those signature crisp edges on your noodles and caramelization on the chicken.
Tongs or Chopsticks: Ideal for tossing noodles without breaking them. Tongs help coat each ingredient evenly in sauce.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing your chicken breast and vegetables into uniform sizes. Consistency helps everything cook evenly and quickly.
Cutting Board & Bowls: Staying organized is key. Pre-chop and separate your veggies and proteins into bowls so you can stir-fry without scrambling.
Small Whisk or Fork: Handy for mixing your sauce ingredients until smooth.

Get everything in place (this is your mise en place moment) and you’ll find the cooking part to be fast and fun.

Ingredients for the Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Breast: The lean protein base that soaks up flavor while staying juicy and tender.
Chow Mein Noodles: These quick-cooking noodles offer that essential chew and are perfect for crisping slightly in a hot pan.
Soy Sauce (light and dark): This combo delivers savory depth and the rich color typical of chow mein.
Oyster Sauce: Adds umami and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: A dynamic aromatic duo that infuses everything with warmth and boldness.
Carrots, Cabbage, Bell Peppers, Snow Peas: A vibrant mix of textures and natural sweetness that balance the dish.
Green Onions: Added at the end for a fresh, sharp finish.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds a toasted nutty finish.

How To Make the Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss sliced chicken breast in a mix of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of sesame oil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while prepping the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of water, cornstarch, and a touch of sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in your wok. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant, then toss in the carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and snow peas. Cook just until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add back the chicken, toss in the cooked chow mein noodles, and pour the sauce over everything. Toss with tongs until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot with an optional sprinkle of sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Chow Mein

Serve Chicken Chow Mein hot straight from the wok for the best texture—crispy-edged noodles and glossy sauce. It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad.

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results; this brings back some of the original texture.

For freezing, skip the noodles and store only the stir-fried chicken and vegetables in sauce. Add fresh noodles when reheating for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein noodles are typically pan-fried or stir-fried until slightly crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled and tossed with sauce. Texture is the key difference.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! Shrimp, tofu, beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Do I have to use a wok?

Not at all. A large, heavy-bottomed skillet can also do the job—just make sure it’s hot enough to mimic the quick cooking of a wok.

Is it okay to use pre-cut vegetables?

Absolutely. Pre-cut stir-fry veggie mixes from the store save time and work great in this dish.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss them in a little oil after boiling, and be sure your pan is hot when you add them back in. Using tongs to separate them during cooking also helps.

Want More Noodle Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles if you’re in a quick-meal mood with bold flavor. Or try the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles for a fiery twist.

Looking for creamy comfort? The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup both offer that cozy richness.

For something more hearty, check out the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta—a family favorite that comes together fast and satisfies every time.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for easy weeknight inspiration. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you crisp the noodles? Did you add extra heat or go veggie-only? Leave a comment below or tag me with your version.

And if you want more ideas like this, check out my daily dishes on Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest