Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein with Magical Sauce Recipe

Chicken chow mein represents a vibrant culinary journey through tantalizing textures and bold flavors.

Noodle enthusiasts crave this delectable stir-fried dish that blends crisp vegetables with tender protein.

Chinese-inspired comfort food never tasted so incredible, combining simple ingredients that refine into something spectacular.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal preparation.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory and umami notes that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in perfectly balanced sauce and precise cooking techniques.

Multiple layers of complexity emerge from seemingly straightforward ingredients that elevate this classic dish.

You’ll fall in love with this foolproof recipe that guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Reheating Without Soggy Noodles

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating Stovetop: Warm the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture to the noodles.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original texture and flavor.

Toppings and Sides That Work Well

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the savory and slightly sweet chow mein sauce, cutting through the richness of the chicken and noodles.
  • Complement with Refreshing Asian Beer: Grab a cold Tsingtao or Asahi to enhance the dish's authentic Asian flavors, with its light, crisp profile that won't overpower the delicate sauce and tender chicken.
  • Match with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Create a tangy non-alcoholic drink using fresh lime juice, ginger ale, and a splash of lemongrass syrup to provide a bright, palate-cleansing accompaniment that mirrors the dish's vibrant character.
  • Side with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to add a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy chow mein, creating a balanced and refreshing meal experience.

Variations for Protein or Veggie Combos

  • Spicy Chili Chicken Chow Mein: Replace regular chicken with spicy marinated chicken, add red chili flakes, and incorporate sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Chow Mein: Swap chicken with crispy pan-fried tofu cubes, add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for additional texture and nutrition.
  • Seafood Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute chicken with succulent shrimp, use lighter seafood stock instead of chicken broth, and add fresh ginger for a marine-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chow Mein: Replace traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles, keep the same sauce and protein, reducing overall carbohydrate content for health-conscious eaters.

Everything to Love About Chicken Chow Mein with Flavorful Sauce

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious chicken chow mein in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce Magic: The homemade sauce combines oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce, creating a rich, umami-filled coating that elevates every single bite of noodles and chicken.
  • Veggie-Loaded Nutrition Boost: Packed with crisp carrots and cabbage, this dish delivers a delightful crunch and essential nutrients in one colorful, wholesome plate that feels both indulgent and healthy.
  • One-Pan Convenience Triumph: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, saving time and effort without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Chow Mein That Tastes Like Takeout

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and mild flavor, best when fresh and free of bruises or discoloration.
Noodles:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Traditional Chinese wheat noodles that create authentic base for stir-fry, choose fresh or dried varieties with good elasticity.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Oyster Sauce: Rich, savory condiment that adds deep umami flavor and glossy sheen to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Salty seasoning that enhances overall taste and provides traditional Chinese cooking depth.
  • Sesame Oil: Aromatic oil that brings nutty undertone and classic Asian cuisine fragrance.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall flavor complexity.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps sauce cling to noodles and create smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances savory elements with subtle sweetness.
Vegetable Components:
  • Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that adds color and natural sweetness, preferably fresh and vibrant.
  • Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and light flavor, choose green or napa variety.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers intense flavor base.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds bright color and mild onion flavor.

How to Cook This Stir Fry Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

  • Grab a small mixing bowl
  • Toss in oyster sauce
  • Add granulated sugar
  • Pour sesame oil
  • Splash soy sauce
  • Include chicken broth
  • Sprinkle cornstarch

Whisk everything together until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let noodles rest on the side.

Step 3: Sizzle the Succulent Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok over medium heat. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Cook chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Dance with Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in:
  • Julienned carrots
  • Chopped cabbage
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become slightly tender and cabbage turns translucent.

Step 5: Create Delicious Harmony

Return cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture. Gently toss everything together. Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring sauce coats ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve piping hot directly from the pan. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Tips for Noodles, Veggies, and Sauce Balance

  • Master the Noodle Technique: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Slice chicken and chop vegetables before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking process.
  • Wok Wisdom: Use high heat and keep ingredients moving to achieve that classic restaurant-style stir-fry flavor and prevent burning.
  • Sauce Secret: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cornstarch lumps and create a silky, well-distributed coating.
  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle fresh green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp flavor and appealing visual touch.
Print
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Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade chicken chow mein brings authentic Chinese restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. Savory stir-fried noodles packed with tender chicken and crisp vegetables create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, boneless and skinless

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) chow mein noodles (uncooked)
  • 2 cups cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • ½ batch green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons light sesame oil (not toasted)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons oil

Instructions

  1. Craft a flavor-packed sauce by whisking oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl, creating a glossy and aromatic liquid base.
  2. Prepare chow mein noodles according to package directions, then immediately cool them under cold running water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
  3. Transform chicken breasts into tender morsels by slicing them into uniform bite-sized strips, then sear in a hot wok with oil until they achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
  4. Clear the protein from the wok and introduce a medley of julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables develop a tender-crisp texture and release their aromatic essence.
  5. Reunite the golden chicken strips and cooled noodles with the vibrant vegetable mixture, then cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients, gently tossing to ensure every strand and morsel is luxuriously coated.
  6. Allow the combined ingredients to meld together for a few moments, permitting the sauce to thicken and embrace the noodles and protein with its rich, savory character.
  7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and fresh flavor profile by scattering finely chopped green onions across the surface, then serve piping hot directly from the wok.

Notes

  • Whip up a lightning-fast meal packed with vibrant flavors and textures in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize your vegetables by swapping or adding seasonal produce like bell peppers, snow peas, or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
  • Achieve restaurant-quality wok cooking by using high heat and keeping ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and using gluten-free noodles.
  • Make ahead and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain noodle texture.
  • Balance nutrition by using lean chicken breast and loading up on crisp, colorful vegetables for a well-rounded one-pan meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 78 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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