Chicken Chow Mein: Speedy Homestyle Noodles (Print Version)

Whip up delicious chicken chow mein at home! This recipe brings all the takeout flavors to your kitchen, with tender chicken and perfect noodles.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
02 - 8 oz chow mein noodles (fresh or dried)
03 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
04 - 1 cup julienned carrots
05 - 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
06 - 2 stalks celery, sliced on the bias
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced

→ Savory Chow Mein Sauce

09 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
10 - 2 tbsp oyster sauce
11 - 1 tsp sesame oil
12 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
13 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
14 - 1 tbsp cornstarch

→ Kitchen Essentials

15 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

→ Finishing Touches (Optional)

16 - Green onions, chopped, for garnish
17 - Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your chopping done. Slice that chicken thin, julienne those carrots, shred the cabbage, slice the onion and celery, and mince your garlic and ginger. Seriously, "mise en place" is your best friend here. I used to chop as I went, and let me tell you, things got burnt. The key to delicious chicken chow mein at home is having everything ready to go before the wok even gets hot!
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Give it a good whisk until the cornstarch dissolves; you don’t want any lumps. This is the flavor backbone of your delicious chicken chow mein, so make sure it's well combined. Taste it! Adjust if you like it a bit sweeter or tangier – it's your kitchen, after all.
03 - Boil your chow mein noodles according to package directions. Don't overcook them! You want them al dente because they'll cook a bit more in the wok. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. I always forget this step and end up with a noodle clump, oops!
04 - Heat a large wok or a really big skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add your sliced chicken and stir-fry until it's cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you want to sear, not steam. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside. This step is crucial for tender, delicious chicken chow mein.
05 - Add another splash of oil to the hot wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant—oh, that smell! Then add the sliced onion, celery, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften slightly but still have a bit of bite. Then, throw in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it wilts. You want those veggies vibrant for delicious chicken chow mein!
06 - Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the veggies. Add the prepared noodles. Give everything a good toss to combine. Pour in your whisked sauce. Stir-fry constantly for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats all the noodles and veggies beautifully. Honestly, this is where the magic happens! Serve your delicious chicken chow mein at home immediately, maybe with a sprinkle of green onions.

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip: Don't overcrowd your wok or skillet! If you're making a big batch, cook in smaller portions to ensure everything gets properly stir-fried and doesn't just steam.
02 - Storage advice: Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
03 - Substitution suggestion: No chicken? Use shrimp, sliced pork, or even firm tofu for a delicious chow mein. I've tried them all, and they're pretty good!
04 - Serving tip: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions really elevates the presentation and adds a fresh bite.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large wok or large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - mixing bowls

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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