Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce – Authentic & Easy
Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that delivers restaurant-level taste in minutes. Crispy yet chewy noodles are combined with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory umami-packed sauce that ties everything together. This easy chow mein recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal fast.
Unlike takeout versions, this homemade Chicken Chow Mein is free from excessive oil and preservatives. By using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll create an authentic and healthier chow mein that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. The key to this dish lies in the balance of flavors—savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from oyster sauce, and a slight kick from fresh garlic and ginger all blend harmoniously to create an irresistible dish.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors.
- Texture: Crispy noodles, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables create the perfect bite.
- Aroma: The stir-fried soy sauce with garlic and ginger gives off an appetizing fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: Colorful vegetables combined with lightly golden noodles create a visually stunning dish.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple stir-frying techniques.
- Special Equipment: A wok or large skillet ensures even cooking and proper searing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Chicken Chow Mein is superior to takeout for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is fresher and healthier, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize it to your preference. It has all the delicious flavors of restaurant-style chow mein without unnecessary additives or excess oil.
The recipe is also incredibly quick to make, requiring just about 25 minutes from start to finish. The sauce is the perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, this recipe is fully adaptable—swap proteins, use different vegetables, or spice it up to suit your personal taste.
Essential Techniques
- Prepping Ingredients Before Cooking: Since stir-frying happens quickly, have all ingredients chopped and ready beforehand.
- Using High Heat: Ensure your wok or pan is properly heated before adding ingredients for the perfect stir-fry texture.
- Cooking Noodles Properly: Boil chow mein noodles just until al dente, then rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Layering Flavors: Add the sauce last to coat everything evenly without making the dish overly salty.
The Recipe
Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrot
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the wok, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add chow mein noodles, cooked chicken, and sauce to the wok. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- Use fresh chow mein noodles for a more authentic taste and texture.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for variations.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
This Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is incredibly flavorful, quick to prepare, and perfect for any night of the week. Try this recipe today and enjoy an authentic Chinese restaurant-quality dish at home!