Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is a tasty noodle dish made with soft chicken, colorful vegetables, and noodles, all cooked in a flavorful and slightly spicy sauce. It comes from Chinese cooking but is now loved by people all over the world. Many families enjoy it for a quick and delicious dinner.
This recipe is all about balance—tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and crunchy veggies mixed with a rich, tasty sauce. It’s easy to make and doesn’t need any fancy ingredients. You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
The best part is, it only takes about 30 minutes to cook. You can also change the recipe if you want—like using your favorite vegetables or replacing chicken with tofu to make it vegetarian.
Kids enjoy the fun noodles, and adults love the bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a weekend meal, this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is a great choice!
Table of Contents
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
Tweak the sauce: Like it sweeter? Add more sugar. Love it spicy? Increase chili flakes or hot sauce.
Use high heat for stir-frying: A hot pan gives that signature slightly smoky flavor.
Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking when stir-fried with sauce.
Slice chicken thinly: Thin pieces cook quickly and absorb the marinade better.
Prep everything before cooking: Stir-frying is fast-paced, so have all ingredients ready to go.
Why is this Recipe Good or Popular?
Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
Customizable: Add shrimp, beef, tofu, or any of your favorite veggies.
Healthy Option: Lightly stir-fried with minimal oil and packed with veggies.
Kid-Friendly: The mild sweet-spicy sauce appeals to all ages.
Best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Strainer
Ingredients
For Chicken Marinade:
- 200 g chicken breast thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tbsp Dark Soya sauce
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp Cornflour
For Chow Mein Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp Hot Chili sauce
- 2 tbsp Light Soya sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Mild Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Tasting Salt MSG (optional)
Mixed Vegetables:
- 1/4 cup Carrot thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Capsicum red and green, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Spring Onion chopped
- 1/4 cup Cabbage shredded, Optional: You can also add broccoli, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, etc.
- Other Ingredients:
- 200 g Chow Mein Noodles
- 2 tbsp Oil for stir frying
- 1 tsp Garlic Chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger Chopped
- 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes
Instructions
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook 200g chow mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Boil until the noodles are soft, then drain and set aside.
- Add 1 tsp oil and stir to coat the noodles finely to keep them from sticking together.
Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp tomato ketchup, 1 tbsp hot chili sauce, 2 tbsp light soya sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp mild rice vinegar, 1/2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp tasting salt (optional).
- Stir well and set aside for later.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, add 200g of thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Add 1/2 tsp ginger paste, 1/2 tsp garlic paste, 1/2 tbsp dark soya sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper powder, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp cornflour.
- Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Stir Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and stir fry until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden (about 3-4 minutes). Spread the chicken pieces so they can brown up evenly. Don’t overcook.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Stir Fry Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add 1 tsp chopped garlic, 1 tsp chopped ginger, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add 2 tbsp chopped spring onions and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add the sliced carrots, capsicum (red and green), and cabbage. Stir fry the vegetables for 1-2 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked chow mein noodles and pour in the prepared chow mein sauce.
- Add the stir-fried chicken pieces and the green onion leaves.
- Mix everything together until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are well coated in the sauce.
- Stir fry for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve the chicken chow mein hot.
- Garnish with extra chopped spring onions if desired.
Video
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bean sprouts, or snap peas.
- If you prefer a spicier chow mein, increase the amount of hot chili sauce or add some chili flakes.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables as they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soya sauce and ensure that your noodles are gluten-free.
Nutrition
🥡 What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein
Pairing your Chicken Chow Mein Recipe with the right side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great ideas:
- Spring Rolls – Crispy and perfect as a starter.
- Hot and Sour Soup – A tangy appetizer to start the meal.
- Asian Slaw – A refreshing crunchy salad on the side.
- Fried Rice – For a hearty Chinese meal combo.
- Chili Garlic Sauce – To add extra heat.
🛒Storage and Reheating Tips
How to store and reheat leftovers:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Stir-fry in a hot pan or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the noodles feel dry.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the noodles can become mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this with spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! While authentic chow mein noodles are best, spaghetti is a decent substitute in a pinch.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat. Adjust chili sauce and chili flakes for your spice tolerance.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and reduce the cooking time slightly.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Special Notes
Leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for best texture.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free sauces and noodles if required.
Pairing Ideas: Serve with wonton soup, Asian slaw, or spicy pickled cucumbers.
Batch Cooking Tip: Double the recipe and refrigerate extra for meal prep!
Explore More
Here are some helpful resources to learn more:
- History of Chow Mein on Wikipedia – Learn where chow mein came from.
- Guide to Asian Noodles – Serious Eats article on different noodle types.
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