Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
This Chicken Chow Mein is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with tender chicken, crispy stir-fried vegetables, and noodles coated in a delicious homemade chow mein sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Chow Mein Noodles:
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (to prevent sticking)
For the Best Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken the sauce. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add the cooked chow mein noodles.
- Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well until evenly coated.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
✅ Use fresh noodles if possible for the best texture. If using dried noodles, don’t overcook them.
✅ Swap the protein – You can use shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
✅ Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
✅ For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
✅ Vegetable options – Add mushrooms, snap peas, or bean sprouts for variety.
Servings & Nutrition
🔹 Servings: 4
🔹 Calories: ~450 per serving
🔹 Protein: ~35g
🔹 Carbohydrates: ~50g
🔹 Fat: ~12g
🔹 Fiber: ~5g
Health Benefits
🍗 Chicken – High in lean protein, supports muscle growth.
🥕 Carrots & Bell Peppers – Rich in vitamins A and C for immune health.
🥬 Cabbage – Good source of fiber and antioxidants.
🌿 Garlic & Ginger (optional) – Boosts metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Q&A
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little oil.
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
❓ Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes! Substitute it with extra soy sauce and a little honey for sweetness.
❓ What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
You can use spaghetti or ramen noodles as an alternative.
Would you like any modifications or more details? 😊