Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

I’m about to share the chow mein recipe that’ll make you question why you’ve been ordering takeout all this time. You know that perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles coated in savory sauce? The kind that makes your kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese restaurant? Well, I’ve cracked the code on getting those authentic flavors in just 27 minutes, and honestly, the secret might surprise you.

Why You’ll Love this Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein

Envision this: tender strips of golden chicken dancing with crisp vegetables and silky noodles, all wrapped up in a savory sauce that hits every single flavor note you’re craving.

That’s what I’m talking about with this chow mein recipe.

This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the hefty price tag or mysterious ingredients. You get that perfect balance of textures, savory umami goodness, and colors that make your plate look like a masterpiece.

Plus, it comes together faster than you can say “takeout menu,” which honestly makes me feel like a kitchen wizard.

What Ingredients are in Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein?

Getting the right ingredients for this chow mein is like assembling your dream team, each player bringing something special to the table. You don’t need to hunt down exotic ingredients at specialty stores or break the bank either. Most of these items are probably hanging out in your pantry right now, just waiting for their moment to shine.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Sure, I’m giving you the classic lineup here, but feel free to swap things around based on what you’ve got. Think of this as your foundation, your starting point for chow mein greatness.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 12 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• Green onions, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth

Now, let’s talk about some ingredient wisdom that’ll make your chow mein sing. Those chow mein noodles can usually be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores, but honestly, if you can’t track them down, regular egg noodles or even spaghetti will work in a pinch. I know, I know, purists might cringe, but we’re making dinner here, not entering a cooking competition.

The chicken breast situation is pretty straightforward, but here’s a little trick: pop that chicken in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. It firms up just enough to make cutting those perfect, even strips a breeze instead of a wrestling match with slippery meat.

When it comes to vegetables, this is where you can really make the dish your own. Cabbage and carrots are the classic duo because they hold up well to stir-frying and add that satisfying crunch. But bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts would be more than welcome at this party.

Just keep in mind that different veggies have different cooking times, so you might need to adjust accordingly.

The sauce ingredients are where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on quality here if you can help it. A good soy sauce makes a real difference, and that oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor that transforms the whole dish from good to absolutely crave-worthy.

How to Make this Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein

Making this chow mein is honestly like conducting a very delicious, very fast-paced orchestra where everything needs to happen in the right order, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step by step.

The whole thing comes together quicker than you’d think, so having everything prepped and ready to go is your secret weapon here.

Start by getting those 12 oz chow mein noodles cooking according to whatever the package tells you to do. I know it seems obvious, but trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing your noodles are still sitting there dry and sad while everything else is ready to party.

Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside, maybe giving them a little toss with oil so they don’t turn into one giant noodle brick.

While those noodles are doing their thing, it’s time to get that 1 lb chicken breast cooking. Heat up your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a bit of oil, then add those chicken strips you so carefully sliced earlier.

Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes depending on how thick your strips are. You want them to have some nice color on them, not just sad and pale.

Here’s where things get fun and slightly chaotic in the best possible way. Add your 2 cups of thinly sliced cabbage and that 1 large julienned carrot to the pan with the chicken.

The vegetables need to cook just until they’re tender-crisp, maybe 3-4 minutes of stirring and tossing. You’re not trying to turn them into mush here, just take the raw edge off while keeping that satisfying crunch.

Now comes the moment where everything transforms from a bunch of separate ingredients into actual chow mein. Toss those cooked noodles right into the pan with the chicken and vegetables.

This is also when you’ll add your sauce mixture, which should be soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of chicken broth, and a cornstarch slurry to help everything stick together nicely.

The final few minutes are all about getting everything evenly coated and heated through. Keep tossing and stirring until the sauce coats everything and the noodles are hot.

Right before serving, drizzle in just a touch of sesame oil because that stuff is like liquid magic that makes everything taste more authentic and delicious.

Serve this beauty hot, topped with those chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. The whole process from start to finish should take you maybe 20-25 minutes, which means you can have restaurant-quality chow mein on your table faster than most delivery places could get it to your door.

Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein Substitutions and Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about all the ways you can make this dish your own because honestly, chow mein is one of those forgiving recipes that practically begs you to experiment.

Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu. Can’t find chow mein noodles? Lo mein works perfectly. I love throwing in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch.

Want it spicier? Add sriracha or chili flakes. Feeling fancy? Try adding cashews or peanuts for texture. The sauce ratio stays the same, so you really can’t mess this up.

What to Serve with Irresistible Chinese Chicken Chow Mein

The beauty of chicken chow mein lies in its ability to stand alone as a complete meal, but pairing it with the right sides can transform your dinner into a proper Chinese feast.

I love serving crispy egg rolls alongside chow mein. The contrast between soft noodles and crunchy wrappers? Pure magic.

Steamed dumplings work beautifully too, especially if you’re feeling ambitious.

Hot and sour soup makes an excellent starter, warming everyone up before the main event.

For something lighter, try cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing.

Fried rice seems redundant, but honestly, who’s complaining about extra carbs?

Final Thoughts

After testing this recipe countless times, I can confidently say you’ll have restaurant-quality chow mein on your table in under 30 minutes. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and forgiveness.

Don’t worry if your vegetables aren’t perfectly uniform or your noodles clump slightly. That’s authentic street-style cooking right there. The key is high heat, quick movements, and trusting the process.

This chow mein will become your go-to weeknight dinner, guaranteed. It’s faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be impressed, and you’ll feel like a culinary genius.

Recipe Card

Introduction: This authentic Chinese Chicken Chow Mein brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout restaurant straight to your kitchen. Tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in a savory sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s faster than delivery and tastes even better.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients:

*Main Dish:*

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
• 12 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, chopped

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix cornstarch with chicken broth in a small bowl to create slurry. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add carrots and cabbage to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss to combine.
7. Pour sauce mixture over everything and stir quickly to coat all ingredients evenly.
8. Cook for additional 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes:

• For best results, use day-old refrigerated noodles as they hold their shape better and won’t become mushy
• Cut chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breast meat for more flavor and moisture
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or snap peas for variety
• Make sure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients for that authentic “wok hei” flavor
• Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet
• For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat chow mein noodles

Nutritional Information:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

I can help you make this gluten-free by substituting regular chow mein noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, and using tamari instead of soy sauce for seasoning.

How Long Does Leftover Chow Mein Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

I’ll store your leftover chow mein in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before eating to maintain food safety.

What’s the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein Noodles?

I’ll explain the key difference: chow mein noodles are crispy and fried, while lo mein noodles are soft and boiled. Chow mein gets stir-fried for crunch, but lo mein stays tender and chewy.

Can I Freeze Cooked Chicken Chow Mein for Meal Prep?

I can freeze cooked chicken chow mein for up to three months. I’ll let it cool completely first, then store it in airtight containers. I’d reheat it gently to prevent overcooking.

How Do I Prevent the Noodles From Getting Mushy When Cooking?

I prevent mushy noodles by cooking them just until al dente, then immediately rinsing with cold water to stop cooking. I also add them to the stir-fry during the final minute of cooking.