If you’re craving a quick and satisfying stir-fry, this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is the recipe you need! With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s the perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to remind you of your favorite takeout dish. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s fast, flavorful, and customizable to your preferences.

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Chow Mein is a true crowd-pleaser! You’ll love the juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and soft noodles all coated in a flavorful, savory sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness and umami. Plus, it’s easy to make and takes only around 30 minutes, which makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying without the long wait for takeout.

The versatility of this dish allows you to swap or add different vegetables, giving you the chance to tailor it to your tastes. Whether you add snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms, you can be sure that the chow mein will always taste amazing. The chow mein sauce is a perfect blend of soy, hoisin, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness, creating that crave-worthy flavor you’ll be coming back to again and again!

Ingredients

For the Chow Mein:
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin spaghetti)
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup julienned carrots
3 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Set this sauce mixture aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Sauté the vegetables for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan with the vegetables.
Stir the cornstarch and water mixture to create a slurry, then pour the sauce over the chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the noodles are well-coated and everything is heated through.
Serve and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people and takes around 25–30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding tofu or more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas.
Extra Crunch: Add snap peas or bell peppers to the stir-fry for extra crunch and vibrant color.
Spicy Kick: If you like spice, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a skillet or wok over medium heat with a small splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles and sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can use other noodles like rice noodles or thin spaghetti if chow mein noodles aren’t available. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the noodle type.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free as well.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time when you’re ready to cook.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe, especially for things like peas, carrots, and corn. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the stir-fry.

5. How do I make the noodles less sticky?

To prevent noodles from sticking, rinse them under cold water immediately after draining. This helps remove excess starch and keeps them separate.

6. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer dark meat. They’re a bit juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish.

7. How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chilies to the sauce for a more heat-forward flavor.

8. Can I double the sauce recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more saucy dish, feel free to double the sauce ingredients, but be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

9. Can I make this dish without the oyster sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with extra hoisin sauce or a vegan oyster sauce alternative.

10. How can I make this dish more low-calorie?

For a lighter version, you can use less oil for cooking, swap the regular noodles for whole wheat or zucchini noodles, and reduce the sugar in the sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something tasty and satisfying. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a homemade takeout alternative that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, you’ll always have a meal that’s full of delicious flavors.