That sizzle when chicken hits the skillet? Still makes my heart skip. The first time I made Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein, it smelled like my childhood kitchenginger, garlic, something warm and savory in the air. It’s one of those weeknight dishes that somehow feels like a weekend treat. No wonder it’s having a moment everywhere right now.
This one’s all about tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and slurpy noodles tossed in a cozy, garlicky sauce. Nothing fancyjust pantry staples, fresh produce, and a hot pan. It’s like your favorite takeout, but you’re calling the shots and skipping all the extra oil. Everything cooks up in under 30 minutes, and yes, store-bought noodles totally work here too.
I started making this after my third trip to the farmers market in spring 2019too many carrots, not enough plan. My son wandered into the kitchen mid-stir-fry and said it “smelled like Grandma’s house but with noodles.” That stuck. The key is letting the noodles toast just a bit before adding them to the saucegives a perfect chewy edge. After a decade of blogging and chasing weeknight wins, this one never fails us.
Yesica Andrews
Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein Delicious Recipe
Enjoy this Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. This Chicken Chow Mein is a fast and delicious meal you can easily prepare at home, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl, whisk until smooth and set aside.
Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through and golden; remove chicken and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the pan, then add carrot, cabbage, and garlic; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften.
Return chicken and noodles to the pan, pour sauce over, mix well, and cook for 2 additional minutes to combine flavors.
Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve the chow mein hot directly from the pan.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with added broth or sauce if needed. You can prepare the chicken, veggies, and sauce ahead and store separately for 1-2 days before cooking. To prevent soggy noodles, cook them just until tender and stir-fry on high heat without overcrowding the pan.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nostalgic and Homemade: Skipping takeout never felt so cozy. The flavor-packed sauce and toasty noodles will remind you of family dinners.
Customizable: Adjust the veggies, make-ahead steps, or sauce to suit your preferencesit’s forgiving and practical!
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, no stress! Perfect for new cooks or anyone craving convenience.
Key Ingredients for Success
This ingredient lineup is delightfully simplehere’s how they work together:
Chicken Breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Chow Mein Noodles: The heart of the dish! These noodles are chewy, filling, and get that irresistible toasty edge.
Cabbage, Carrot, and Green Onions: These veggies add crunch, sweetness, and freshness with every bite.
Homemade Sauce: A quick blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and a touch of sugar creates that signature chow mein flavor.
Pro Tip: Use light sesame oil for a milder flavor that complements the vegetables and chicken beautifully.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ingredient
Purpose
Chicken Breast
Main protein, tender and juicy when cooked properly.
Chow Mein Noodles
Base for the dish, chewy texture pairs well with the sauce.
Vegetables (Cabbage, Carrot, Green Onions)
Add color, crunch, and balance to the meal.
Chow Mein Sauce
Rich, savory, slightly sweetties all the flavors together!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
If you’re new to chow mein, don’t worry! This recipe keeps things simple. Here’s how it all comes together:
Mix Your Sauce: Combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set it aside for later.
Prep and Cook the Noodles: Boil your chow mein noodles per the package, then rinse them in cold water to stop cooking. Draining helps them stay firm!
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, then cook the chicken pieces until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: With another tablespoon of oil, cook your cabbage, carrots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened but still crisp.
Toss It All Together: Add the noodles, chicken, and sauce back to the pan. Stir everything for a couple of minutes until warmed through and coated in sauce.
Pro Tip: Stir-frying on high heat keeps everything crispy and prevents soggy chow mein.
Tips and Tweaks for the Perfect Chow Mein
Marinating the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep noodles moist.
Freeze It: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Storage Quick Guide
Storage Method
Tips
Time
Fridge
Use airtight containers. Reheat with a splash of liquid.
3–4 days
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for easy defrosting.
Up to 2 months
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Cozy Dinner: Serve on its own for a quick, complete meal.
Family Style: Pair with steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a fun takeout-at-home vibe.
Fresh Sides: Add a crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup for balance.
Pro Tip: Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color and flavor. It makes the dish feel extra fresh!
Expert Says
Stir-frying for the HOMEMADE EASY CHICKEN CHOW MEIN preserves the vegetables’ crisp texture while locking in nutrients. The high heat cooks the chicken quickly, maintaining its tenderness and preventing moisture loss. This technique also enhances flavors through the Maillard reaction, giving the dish a deliciously savory depth.
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The Journey to Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein
This homemade easy chicken chow mein recipe took quite a few attempts before it felt just right. I once over-soaked the noodles, making them mushy, and another time the sauce was too thick. After learning to balance textures and flavors, I’m excited to share the version that’s now a cozy, reliable family favorite.
FAQs ( Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein )
How do I prevent noodles from getting soggy?
To keep noodles firm and avoid sogginess, rinse them in cold water after boiling to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly before stir-frying, and toss them quickly to coat with sauce without overcooking. This helps maintain the perfect texture in the dish.
Can I substitute vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap or add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli based on your preference. Just ensure they are cut evenly and stir-fry them to keep a crisp-tender bite that complements the chicken and noodles.
What is the best protein cut for this meal?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Breasts provide lean meat while thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Slice thinly and cook quickly over high heat to keep the meat tender and juicy in the stir-fry.
How can I make the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce typically combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey for balance. Mix these ingredients before adding to the pan and simmer briefly to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste for a rich and savory finish.
Can this dish be prepared ahead?
You can chop and prep ingredients in advance, but best results come from cooking just before serving. Store cooked noodles and chicken separately in airtight containers to avoid sogginess, then quickly reheat and combine for freshness and texture.
Conclusion
In just about 35 minutes, this Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein comes together with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and those perfectly toasted noodles you’ll love. It fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that soothe and satisfyjust like a meal straight from family recipes.
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add a splash of chili oil for a gentle kick. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully with a splash of broth to keep everything moista little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen years ago.
Did this recipe bring back any kitchen memories? I’d love to see your photos or hear your own twistsshare away! Save this one for those nights when you want cozy, homemade comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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