Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish made with stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water

For the Chow Mein

• 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or thin spaghetti
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup (50 g) sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup (50 g) bean sprouts (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

2. In a small bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

3. In another small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

4. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the onion and garlic, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
8. Stir in the bean sprouts, if using, and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 7: Serve

9. Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Noodle options: Chow mein noodles work best, but thin spaghetti or ramen noodles are good substitutes.
• Vegetable variations: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce creates a balanced and satisfying dish. The chow mein noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, making each bite a delicious medley of textures and tastes.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing favorite, this recipe delivers authentic flavors and is easy to customize. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade version of a takeout classic!