Authentic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein with Magical Sauce Recipe

Sizzling woks and aromatic spices dance together in this chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce recipe that promises a culinary adventure.

Every twirl of noodles brings a burst of authentic Asian flavors right to your plate.

the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce creates a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this chow mein delivers a nutritious punch with incredible taste.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can now master this classic at home with just a few key ingredients.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Ingredients

For Sauce Base:
  • Oyster Sauce: Delivers rich, savory umami depth that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds salty complexity and brings authentic Asian seasoning to the chow mein.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, aromatic undertone that creates sophisticated background notes.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and deepens overall taste complexity.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as natural thickening agent for smooth, glossy sauce texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances saltiness and creates subtle sweetness.
For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and provides satisfying protein component.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Carrots: Adds vibrant color, sweet crunch, and nutritional boost.
  • Cabbage: Provides light, crisp texture and subtle earthy undertones.
  • Garlic: Delivers powerful aromatic base and classic Asian cooking essence.
  • Green Onions: Creates fresh garnish with mild onion sharpness.
For Noodle Base:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Delivers authentic Chinese dish foundation with perfect chewy texture.

Tools for Stir-Frying Like a Pro

  • Large Wok or Pan: Essential for stir-frying and creating delicious one-pan meals with even heat distribution.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful chow mein sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps create uniform bite-sized chicken strips and julienne carrots precisely.
  • Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing cooked noodles quickly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient measurements for perfect flavor balance.

Chow Mein Prep and Cooking Made

  • Sauce Creation

Blend a mix of rich, tangy flavors in a small bowl. Combine oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a splash of chicken broth for a smooth, glossy coating that will elevate the entire dish.

  • Noodle Preparation

Boil the chow mein noodles until perfectly tender. Quickly rinse with cool water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Let them rest while preparing other ingredients.

  • Protein Sizzle

Heat oil in a spacious wok. Slice chicken into delicate strips and cook until golden and crispy. The searing process locks in juicy flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Toss carrots, cabbage, and garlic into the same heated pan. Sauté until vegetables become tender and release their aromatic essence, creating a colorful and fragrant base.

  • Final Fusion

Reunite chicken, noodles, and vegetables in the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure every strand and morsel is beautifully coated. Allow everything to meld together for a few moments.

  • Finishing Touch

Sprinkle fresh green onions on top. Serve immediately, letting the steam and vibrant colors invite everyone to dig in and enjoy this classic comfort meal.

Sauce Tips That Live Up to the Name

  • Customize the chow mein sauce by adjusting sweetness or saltiness according to personal taste preferences.
  • Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or broccoli to add variety and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork for a different protein twist that keeps the meal exciting and adaptable.
  • Try using whole wheat, rice, or zucchini noodles for a healthier or gluten-free version that maintains the classic chow mein texture and flavor.

Chow Mein Serving That Feels Like Takeout

  • Family-Style Dinner Night: Create a cozy, communal dining experience by serving the chow mein in a large central platter, encouraging everyone to help themselves and share conversation.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top the dish with additional protein like toasted cashews, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
  • Veggie Variety Plate: Accompany the chow mein with a side of quick-pickled cucumber slices, steamed broccoli, or a small Asian-inspired salad to add freshness and balance to the meal.
  • Spice Lover's Corner: Offer small dishes of chili oil, sriracha sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes on the side, allowing diners to customize their heat level and enjoy personalized flavor profiles.

How to Store and Reheat for Lunches

  • Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a double recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
  • Refrigerator Rhythm: Store leftover chicken chow mein in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the noodles and chicken separate from sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion cooled chow mein into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delicious backup meal for busy days.
  • Reheating Brilliance: Revive refrigerated or thawed chow mein by quickly stir-frying in a hot wok with a splash of chicken broth, restoring the dish's original vibrant flavors and preventing dry, tough noodles.
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Authentic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Home cooks adore this chicken chow mein with its perfectly balanced sauce, blending savory and umami flavors. Quick noodle preparation meets Chinese-inspired comfort, ensuring you savor each delicious, satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 12 oz (340 grams) chow mein noodles (uncooked)
  • 3 tbsps oil
  • 2 cups cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • ½ batch green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 tbsps oyster sauce
  • 3 tbsps low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsps light sesame oil (not toasted)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Sauce Creation: Whisk oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl to develop a glossy, flavor-concentrated liquid base.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then rapidly cool under cold water to prevent sticking and maintain ideal texture.
  3. Protein Transformation: Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips and sear in a scorching wok with oil until achieving a golden, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture.
  4. Vegetable Symphony: Introduce julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, and minced garlic to the wok, sautéing until vegetables reach a vibrant tender-crisp state and release their aromatic essence.
  5. Harmonious Fusion: Combine seared chicken, prepared noodles, and sautéed vegetables, then drench with the prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating of every ingredient.
  6. Final Infusion: Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, enabling the sauce to thicken and deeply penetrate the noodles and protein, creating a cohesive and rich flavor profile.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions across the dish, then present immediately while piping hot, showcasing the vibrant and appetizing chow mein.

Notes

  • Noodle Cooling Technique: Rinse chow mein noodles immediately under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticky, clumped noodles, ensuring perfect texture and individual strand separation.
  • Wok Heat Management: Use high heat for searing chicken to achieve golden caramelization, creating deeper flavor profiles and preventing meat from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Sauce Whisking Strategy: Combine sauce ingredients thoroughly before cooking to ensure cornstarch dissolves completely, preventing lumps and guaranteeing a smooth, glossy coating on noodles and proteins.
  • Vegetable Timing Trick: Sauté vegetables quickly to maintain crisp-tender texture, preserving nutritional value and preventing them from becoming soggy or losing vibrant colors during the stir-frying process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 78 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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