Chicken Chow Mein with Chow Mein Sauce Recipe Everyone Wants
Chicken chow mein with chow mein sauce recipe brings authentic takeout flavors right to your kitchen any night of the week.
Crispy noodles meet tender chicken in a savory coating that satisfies cravings without the delivery fee.
This beloved dish works perfectly for busy weeknights when you want something filling yet simple to prepare.
Familiar flavors come together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for families on the go.
Leftovers taste just as good the next day, so you can enjoy it twice.
The recipe proves that homemade versions can rival your favorite restaurant without complicated techniques.
Make tonight special with a meal that checks every box for comfort and convenience.
Why This Chicken Chow Mein Stands Out
Chicken Chow Mein with Chow Mein Sauce Full Ingredient Overview
Protein And Noodles:Vegetables:Sauce And Cooking Fat:Chicken Chow Mein Tools to Have
Guided Steps For Chicken Chow Mein With Sauce
Mix The Sauce Base
In a small bowl, combine these ingredients until the mixture turns smooth:
Set this aside so the cornstarch can start thickening things up.
Cook Your Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your 12 oz of chow mein noodles.
Follow the package timing to get them to that perfect al dente texture. Once they’re done, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking further.
Transfer them to a plate and keep them nearby.
Sear The Chicken
Pour 3 tbsp of oil into a large skillet or wok and turn the heat to high.
Once the oil shimmers, add your 1 lb of bite-sized chicken pieces along with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Let these cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a golden brown color and cooks completely through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Cook The Vegetables
Using the same skillet still on high heat, add your 1 large julienned carrot and 2 cups of shredded cabbage.
Stir and toss these around for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender but keep a slight crunch to them.
Bring Everything Together
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then add those cooked noodles.
Pour that sauce mixture right over the top and toss everything together so each bite gets coated evenly. Let this cook for 2 more minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens around the noodles and chicken.
Finish And Serve
Top your chow mein with 1/2 batch of chopped green onions and serve it straight from the skillet while it’s still steaming hot.
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FAQs
What type of noodles work best for chow mein?
Chow mein noodles are the traditional choice, but regular spaghetti or linguine work fine too. The key is cooking them until al dente so they don’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Frozen carrots and cabbage work, but fresh vegetables give you that nice texture contrast. If using frozen, thaw them first and pat them dry so they don’t release extra water into your dish.
What if I don’t have sesame oil on hand?
Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, but you can skip it or use a neutral oil instead. The dish will taste different but still delicious.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
Soy sauce alone works if you can’t find oyster sauce, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. Hoisin sauce is another option that gives a similar savory depth.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mix the sauce ingredients together earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using since the cornstarch may settle.
Chicken Chow Mein with Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce brings that savory, takeout-style noodle comfort into a version that feels fresh and easy to make at home. The sauce gives everything a glossy finish that makes the whole dish feel especially satisfying without much extra effort.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
Noodles and Aromatics:
- 12 ounces chow mein noodles
- 2 cloves garlic
Vegetables:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot
- 1/2 batch green onions
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons light sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine 6 tbsp oyster sauce, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp sugar in a small bowl, whisking until the mixture turns smooth and lump-free.
- Boil 12 oz chow mein noodles following the package timing until they reach an al dente texture, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking.
- Pour 3 tbsp oil into your skillet or wok and get it heating over high heat until it shimmers.
- Once your pan reaches temperature, add your 1 lb chicken pieces and 2 minced garlic cloves, letting them cook for 5 to 7 minutes at high heat until the chicken turns golden and cooks through completely.
- Transfer your cooked chicken to a plate.
- In that same skillet, place your 1 large julienned carrot and 2 cups shredded cabbage, stir-frying them at high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly but keep a bit of crunch.
- Return your chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles.
- Pour your prepared sauce over everything in the skillet and toss everything together for 2 minutes at high heat so the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle 1/2 batch of chopped green onions over the top and serve right away while everything stays hot.
Notes
- Cook your noodles just until al dente and rinse them with cold water so they don’t stick together or turn mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Make your sauce ahead of time and whisk it thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely, which prevents lumps from forming when it hits the hot pan.
- Keep the heat high throughout cooking so the chicken browns properly and the vegetables stay crisp instead of becoming soft and watery.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like snap peas and mushrooms, and swap the oyster sauce for soy sauce or hoisin sauce to maintain that savory depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sautéed Chicken
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


Kaiden Poole
Co-Founder & Culinary Story Specialist
Expertise
Global Cuisine Inspiration, Cooking Techniques, Cross-Culture Fusion, Food Trends & Recipe Innovation, Flavor Storytelling, Food Writing, Creative Seasonal Menus
Education
- Program: Culinary Arts Certificate (Professional Cook 1 & 2)
- Focus: Fundamental kitchen techniques, food safety, menu planning, and real-world kitchen experience.
Online Gastronomy & Food Culture Courses (Various Platforms)Kaiden Poole brings global influence and culinary storytelling to the team. Based in Vancouver, BC, he earned his Culinary Arts Certificate from Vancouver Island University and expanded his knowledge through studies in gastronomy, nutrition, and sustainability. He focuses on cross-cultural flavors and creative fusion, crafting recipes that make international cuisine accessible to home cooks. For Kaiden, food is about curiosity, creativity, and connection around the table.