Chicken Chow Mein: Your Go-To Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

AB here, and today we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite takeout classics that you can make right at home — Chicken Chow Mein. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “AB, why make it at home when I can just pick up the phone and order it?” But let me tell you, once you get a taste of this homemade version, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for takeout in the first place! We’re talking juicy, marinated chicken, crispy veggies, and those noodles slathered in the most delicious sauce you can imagine. Plus, it’s all ready in under 30 minutes. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cookin’!

Chicken Chow Mein is a game-changer for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use up whatever veggies you have on hand, swap in your favorite protein, and customize the sauce to your liking. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something quick and easy but still want to serve up something that tastes like a million bucks. And let’s not forget the cost savings — making this dish at home will save you a few bucks and a trip to the restaurant!

This dish is also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a big group, everyone is gonna love this hearty, comforting meal. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it accessible and budget-friendly. And if you’re trying to eat a bit healthier, making your own Chicken Chow Mein lets you control what goes in — and trust me, there ain’t no mystery ingredients here!

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein

To make this irresistible Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Chow Mein:

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti

For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Chicken Chow Mein

Alright, y’all, let’s get down to business. Here’s how you make this delicious Chicken Chow Mein from scratch:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breast nice and thin. In a bowl, combine the chicken slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Give it a good mix to make sure all the chicken pieces are coated well. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This is gonna make your chicken juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

Now, let’s get that sauce going. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk it until everything is well combined. Set this aside; you’ll need it in just a bit.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken is marinating and the sauce is set aside, cook your chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain them and set them aside. We’ll come back to these noodles shortly!

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Make sure to stir continuously so that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another one!), add the sliced onion and shredded carrots. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Next, throw in the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. You want your veggies to be tender but still a bit crunchy — that’s where the magic happens.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Then, add your cooked noodles. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over everything, and toss it all together until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Finish it off by adding the sliced green onions and giving it one final toss.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use High Heat: When stir-frying, use high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken and veggies. This also helps them cook quickly, keeping them tender-crisp.
• Prep Ahead: Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, so you won’t have time to chop veggies once you start.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add in any veggies you love or need to use up. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini would be great additions.
• Noodles Matter: Traditional chow mein noodles are ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, thin spaghetti or even ramen noodles can work.
• Marinate for More Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness. If you have time, marinate it longer — up to 30 minutes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet or wok. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming.
• Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.

15 Delicious Variations of Chicken Chow Mein

1. Shrimp Chow Mein: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Beef Chow Mein: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef strips.
3. Vegetarian Chow Mein: Skip the meat and add tofu or more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
4. Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
5. Garlic Chicken Chow Mein: Double the garlic for a more robust, garlicky flavor.
6. Lemon Chicken Chow Mein: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
7. Peanut Chicken Chow Mein: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty kick.
8. Honey Chicken Chow Mein: Add a drizzle of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
9. Cashew Chicken Chow Mein: Top with toasted cashews for added crunch.
10. Mushroom Chicken Chow Mein: Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness.
11. Pineapple Chicken Chow Mein: Toss in chunks of pineapple for a sweet and tangy variation.
12. Sesame Chicken Chow Mein: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish for added texture.
13. Coconut Chicken Chow Mein: Substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy twist.
14. Thai Chicken Chow Mein: Add a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice for a Thai-inspired flavor.
15. Keto Chicken Chow Mein: Use shirataki noodles and add more low-carb veggies like spinach and bell peppers.

What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein? Here are 15 Options!

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy and packed with veggies, they pair perfectly with the noodles.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: A classic Chinese soup that complements the savory noodles.
3. Fried Rice: Double up on the carb love with some fried rice.
4. Steamed Dumplings: Soft and juicy dumplings make a great side.
5. Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, these are a refreshing side option.
6. Cucumber Salad: Cool, refreshing, and crunchy — a perfect contrast to hot chow mein.
7. Wonton Soup: Another classic soup option to start your meal.
8. Garlic Bok Choy: Stir-fried bok choy with garlic adds a healthy green option.
9. Steamed Broccoli: Simple and nutritious, a good way to add more veggies.
10. Sweet and Sour Chicken: For those who want an extra protein boost.
11. Gyoza (Potstickers): These little dumplings are crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
12. Kimchi: For a spicy, fermented twist, serve with a side of kimchi.
13. Asian Slaw: A fresh, tangy slaw adds a great texture and flavor contrast.
14. Peking Duck: If you’re feeling fancy, pair with a small serving of crispy duck.
15. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods are a great appetizer to start with.

Storage Tips

Chicken Chow Mein stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture and prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze Chicken Chow Mein for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

How Much Chicken Chow Mein Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

For a family gathering of 6-8 people, I’d recommend making about 2 batches of this recipe, which serves around 4-6 people per batch. If you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. This dish scales well, so you can easily adjust the ingredients as needed.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Chicken Chow Mein?

You can make Chicken Chow Mein up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before serving. If you want to prepare it even earlier, cook the noodles and prep the vegetables in advance. Then, simply stir-fry everything together and add the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Additional Tips for a Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh veggies and good-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Wok vs. Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will work just fine.
• Batch Cooking: If cooking for a crowd, stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Watch the Noodles: Avoid overcooking the noodles; you want them slightly firm to prevent mushiness when stir-fried.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken Chow Mein tastes best when fresh and hot. If you’re making it ahead, be sure to reheat just before serving.