Savory Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas transport you straight to a bustling street kitchen where this authentic chicken chow mein sauce recipe dances with flavor.

Tender strips of chicken mingle with crisp vegetables, creating a symphony of textures that sing on your plate.

Restaurant-quality meals are no longer a distant dream when you can craft this simple yet spectacular dish at home.

Each twirl of noodles carries a perfect balance of savory and umami notes that will make your taste buds celebrate.

the secret lies in a harmonious blend of classic Asian seasonings that elevate this classic stir-fry from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients and a few quick techniques transform an everyday meal into a culinary adventure.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe and unlock the magic of homemade chow mein that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce Ingredients

For Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat for tender, juicy results.
For Noodles and Vegetables:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Signature base of the dish, select fresh or dried noodles with good elasticity and smooth texture.
  • Shredded Cabbage, Carrot: Crisp vegetables that add crunch, color, and nutritional boost, pick vibrant, firm produce for maximum freshness.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Oyster Sauce, Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that create depth and authentic Asian flavor, choose high-quality brands for best taste.
  • Light Sesame Oil: Provides delicate nutty aroma, ensure it's light and not toasted for subtle flavor enhancement.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and richness, select low-sodium version for better control of salt levels.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create silky texture, use fresh and finely ground for smooth results.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances savory notes with subtle sweetness.
  • Garlic: Aromatic base that delivers intense flavor, choose fresh cloves for most potent taste.
  • Green Onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and mild onion kick.
  • Vegetable or Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing, choose high smoke point variety.

Tools to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and creating that perfect golden-brown color on chicken and vegetables.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the delicious chow mein sauce ingredients until smooth.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components quickly and evenly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for julienning carrots and chopping green onions precisely.
  • Colander: Used for draining and rinsing noodles after cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.

How to Cook Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce

How to Cook Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce
  • Sauce Harmony Mixing sauces together creates a magical flavor blend that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until silky smooth.
  • Noodle Preparation Boil noodles until they reach perfect tenderness, then quickly cool them down with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
  • Protein Magic Sizzle chicken pieces with fragrant garlic in a hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
  • Vegetable Dance Toss crisp carrots and cabbage into the skillet, creating a colorful medley that adds nutrition and crunch to the dish.
  • Flavor Marriage Reunite chicken and noodles, then drench everything in the prepared sauce. Let ingredients mingle and absorb each other's delicious essences for a few moments.
  • Finishing Touch Sprinkle fresh green onions across the top, adding a burst of brightness and visual appeal that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Tips for Chicken Chow Mein with Great Flavor

Tips for Chicken Chow Mein with Great Flavor
  • Rinse noodles immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring perfect chew and texture in your final dish.
  • Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or keep it vegetarian by adding more colorful vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for exciting flavor variations.
  • Adjust the sauce's sweetness and saltiness by slightly increasing or decreasing sugar and soy sauce quantities to match your personal taste preference.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried wontons on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire meal experience.
  • This chow mein tastes fantastic when prepared ahead of time – store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and quickly reheat in a skillet for a fast, delicious lunch or dinner option.

Serving Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce

Serving Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Sauce
  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Serve this chicken chow mein alongside steamed white rice for a complete meal that soaks up every delicious drop of sauce.
  • Protein Power-Up: Complement the dish with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls to add extra crunch and protein variety to your dining experience.
  • Fresh Finish: Garnish with extra sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to boost visual appeal and add a zesty kick.
  • Refreshing Pairing: Cool down the meal with a light cucumber salad or a chilled Asian-inspired slaw that provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory noodles.

Storing Chicken Chow Mein for Leftovers

Storing Chicken Chow Mein for Leftovers
  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken chow mein in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Chilled Storage Duration: Refrigerated chow mein stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly, ensuring delicious next-day meals without compromising taste or texture.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Revive cold noodles by adding splash of chicken broth or water while warming in microwave or skillet, preventing dry or rubbery consistency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 1 month, separating sauce and noodles to preserve optimal quality and prevent sogginess when thawing.
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Savory Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Savory Chicken Chow Mein


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory chicken chow mein showcases Chinese-American comfort dining with crisp vegetables and tender noodles. Families can enjoy this quick, satisfying meal packed with robust flavors and perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 12 oz (340 g) chow mein noodles (uncooked)
  • 3 tbsps vegetable or olive oil
  • 6 tbsps oyster sauce
  • 3 tbsps low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsps light sesame oil (not toasted)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 large carrot (julienned)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ batch green onions (chopped for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Sauce Creation: Whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook chow mein noodles to al dente perfection, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to prevent sticking.
  3. Protein Searing: Heat oil in a spacious wok over high heat, add chicken and garlic, cooking until meat achieves a golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Without cleaning the wok, introduce carrots and cabbage, stir-frying quickly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color.
  5. Flavor Fusion: Return chicken to the pan, add prepared noodles, and pour sauce over the entire mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete and even coating.
  6. Final Heating: Allow dish to simmer for 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated uniformly and flavors are deeply intermingled.
  7. Garnishing Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions atop the dish, adding a burst of color and aromatic freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Sauce Precision: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Noodle Texture Tip: Rinse noodles in cold water to stop cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining that perfect al dente bite.
  • High Heat Technique: Use a blazing hot wok or skillet to achieve quick, even cooking and develop a delicious golden-brown sear on chicken and vegetables.
  • Garnish Impact: Fresh green onions add a burst of color, crunch, and bright flavor that elevates the entire dish from good to extraordinary.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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