Description

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a delicious and flavorful homemade alternative to takeout. It combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce. The balance of flavors—salty, sweet, and umami—creates a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through preparing a restaurant-quality dish at home, with tips for variations, serving suggestions, and storage options.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Chow Mein:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
3 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 large carrot (julienned)
½ batch green onions (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

6 tbsp oyster sauce
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until smooth. Set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking, and set them aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a large wok or skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Ingredients:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Finalize and Serve:

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Notes

Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a lighter or thicker sauce, you can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. Taste the sauce before adding it to the dish to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or umami balance to your liking.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Spicy Variation: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari. Check the oyster sauce or substitute it with a gluten-free alternative.