BEST CHICKEN CHOW MEIN EVER

Craving that satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked noodles, the savory aroma of tender chicken, and the vibrant medley of crisp vegetables, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce? This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is your answer to takeout cravings, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. I promise, you’ll never need to order in again!

What You’ll Need: The Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you’ll need for this amazing dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single item; I’ll give you some substitutions along the way.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Chow Mein:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 cup sliced cabbage
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 8 ounces chow mein noodles (fresh or dried)
• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Let’s Talk Noodles: Choosing the Right Kind

The type of noodles you use can really make or break your Chicken Chow Mein. Here’s what I recommend:

• Fresh Chow Mein Noodles: These are the gold standard! They have a slightly chewy texture and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of Asian markets.
• Dried Chow Mein Noodles: A perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the stir-fry. Overcooked noodles will become mushy.
• Substitute Options: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can use spaghetti or linguine in a pinch. Just cook them al dente.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your Chicken Chow Mein turns out perfect every time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper.
2. Set aside. This sauce will be added to the stir-fry later.

Step 3: Cook the Chow Mein Noodles

1. If using fresh chow mein noodles, no pre-cooking is necessary. Just loosen them up a bit before adding them to the stir-fry.
2. If using dried chow mein noodles, cook them according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the cabbage, carrots, and celery to the wok and stir-fry until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for another minute.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the chow mein sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Chow Mein Perfection

Here are some insider tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality Chicken Chow Mein every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the wok: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear.
• Use high heat: High heat is essential for stir-frying. It helps to create that signature wok hei flavor (smoky flavor) and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Prep all your ingredients in advance: Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: Taste the sauce before adding it to the wok and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version.

• Add different vegetables: Try adding broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.
• Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables and tofu.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Chicken Chow Mein is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with some complementary side dishes.

• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Wonton soup
• Steamed rice
• A simple green salad

Other Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chicken Chow Mein recipe, you might also like these other Asian-inspired dishes:

• Honey Garlic Chicken: A sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Chicken Buns: Fluffy and delicious, these buns are filled with savory chicken.
• Firecracker Chicken Bowls: Packed with flavor and a little bit of spice, these bowls are a real crowd-pleaser.
• Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: Irresistibly sticky and garlicky, these noodles are a flavor explosion.
• Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken: A slow cooker version of a takeout favorite.
• Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken: A simple and delicious sheet pan meal.

Storage Instructions: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store your Chicken Chow Mein so it stays fresh and delicious.

• Refrigerator: Store the Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the Chicken Chow Mein in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

There you have it – a complete guide to making the best Chicken Chow Mein right in your own kitchen. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!