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A close-up of a black pan filled with homemade chicken chow mein, mixed with broccoli, red peppers, and tender chicken pieces.

Classic Chicken Chow Mein

This vibrant Chicken Chow Mein recipe features tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp White pepper
For the Chow Mein Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce for color
  • 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp White pepper
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
For the Noodles & Stir-fry
  • 1 lbs Fresh chow mein noodles or dried egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger grated or minced
  • 1/2 medium Yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cups Green cabbage shredded
  • 1 medium Carrot julienned
  • 2 stalks Celery thinly sliced diagonally
  • 1 cup Bean sprouts
  • 3 whole Green onions sliced into 1-inch pieces, white and green parts separated

Equipment

  • Wok or Large Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh noodles). Drain immediately and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking. Toss with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent clumping and set aside.
Stir-fry the Chicken & Vegetables
  1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking lightly. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced yellow onion, shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced celery to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Add the white parts of the green onions and the bean sprouts to the wok. Stir-fry for another 1 minute.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles.
  2. Give the prepared chow mein sauce a quick whisk (as cornstarch may settle) and pour it over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together vigorously using tongs, ensuring the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
  3. Stir in the green parts of the green onions just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Notes

For a spicier chow mein, add 1/2 tsp of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients for proper stir-frying. Do not overcrowd the pan.