Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)
If you’re craving a restaurant-style Chicken Chow Mein loaded with tender chicken, perfectly chewy noodles, and a rich savory sauce that clings to every strand, you’ve just found your new favorite recipe. This homemade chow mein is bursting with authentic Asian flavors—think soy, sesame, garlic, and a touch of sweetness—all balanced beautifully in a glossy, silky sauce.
The best part? This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Serve it hot and watch everyone clean their plates—this is the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
- Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients, cleaner flavors, and healthier too.
- Incredible sauce: Deep umami, a hint of sweetness, and perfect consistency.
- Versatile: Add your favorite veggies—broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Fast & easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves noodles!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz chow mein noodles (or yakisoba noodles, cooked as directed)
For the Signature Chow Mein Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Tip: Want more flavor depth? Add 1 tsp grated ginger and 1 tsp rice vinegar.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Set aside so the flavors can meld.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken and cook until golden, juicy, and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken and keep warm.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the second tablespoon of oil.
Toss in onion, garlic, cabbage, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
4. Combine Everything
Add your cooked noodles and chicken back to the wok.
Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to combine, making sure every noodle gets coated in that beautiful glossy sauce.
5. Finish & Serve
Stir-fry another 2–3 minutes until everything is perfectly hot and well-combined.
Serve immediately & enjoy!
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Chow Mein
- Slice chicken thinly for fast, even cooking.
- High heat = better flavor from the wok char.
- Use fresh noodles if possible for best texture.
- Add sesame seeds & green onions on top for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chow mein with:
- Homemade spring rolls
- Sweet chili dipping sauce
- Asian cucumber salad
- Crispy chicken wings
- Hot jasmine tea or iced green tea