Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe – Better Than Takeout in 20 Min
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Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Chow Mein in 20 Minutes
Craving those irresistible, savory noodles from your favorite Chinese restaurant but want them faster and fresher? This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is your answer. In just 20 minutes, you can create a stir-fry that rivals any takeout—with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles perfectly coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight solution when you need something satisfying, delicious, and on the table in record time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- 20-Minute Miracle: Faster than delivery and more rewarding. Perfect for busy nights.
- Authentic Restaurant Flavor: The sauce combination creates that classic takeout taste you love.
- Customizable Vegetables: Use whatever veggies you have on hand—bok choy, cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Perfect Texture: The noodles get slightly crispy edges while staying tender, just like the best chow mein.
- Healthier & Lighter: Control the oil and sodium while enjoying fresher, quality ingredients.
Ingredients For Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For the Stir Fry:
- 8 oz fresh chow mein noodles (or 6 oz dried noodles)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 2 stalks bok choy, chopped
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep & Marinate: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking. Combine chicken with marinade ingredients and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Cook Vegetables: Add another tbsp oil to the wok. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add carrots and bok choy stems, stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add bok choy leaves and green onions, cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the wok. Add cooked noodles and bean sprouts. Pour the sauce evenly over everything.
- Final Toss: Toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated in sauce and everything is heated through. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Expert Variations
- Noodle Choice: Fresh chow mein noodles are ideal, but dried Hong Kong-style pan fry noodles or even spaghetti work in a pinch.
- High Heat is Key: Keep your wok smoking hot for proper stir-frying and to avoid soggy noodles.
- Vegetable Swap: Use cabbage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas instead of bok choy.
- Protein Options: Substitute with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for a different version.
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sliced fresh chilies with the garlic and ginger.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Chicken Chow Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes. Serve it alongside a simple soup like hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. For a fuller spread, add some potstickers or egg rolls on the side. If you love this style of quick, flavorful stir-fry, you’ll also enjoy our Easy Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles or our Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls for another delicious dinner option.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating can make noodles soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein noodles are typically stir-fried until slightly crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled and then tossed in sauce, remaining soft.
Can I use spaghetti instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes, spaghetti can work in a pinch. Cook until al dente and follow the recipe as directed.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce provides authentic umami flavor. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce.
How do I prevent soggy noodles?
Make sure to cook noodles al dente, drain well, and use high heat when stir-frying. Don’t overcrowd the wok.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep vegetables and sauce ahead, but for best texture, cook and serve immediately.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try
If you loved this Chicken Chow Mein, you’ll want to explore more of our quick Asian-style dinners. For another fantastic noodle dish with bold flavors, try our Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef. If you’re craving more chicken stir-fry variations, our Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing offers fresh, vibrant flavors. And for a completely different but equally delicious approach, our Comforting Potsticker Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Recipe Inspiration & Technique
This recipe follows authentic Chinese stir-fry techniques to achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance in chow mein. The method of high-heat cooking and sauce preparation ensures restaurant-quality results at home. The approach is similar to the detailed, authentic method demonstrated in the Chicken Chow Mein recipe on Omnivore’s Cookbook, which emphasizes proper technique for the best possible outcome.
Make This Tonight & Share Your Results!
Ready to make takeout night obsolete? Save this recipe to your “Quick Dinners” board on Pinterest so you always have it on hand. When you make it (and you definitely should), share your beautiful creation with us! For hundreds more easy, flavor-packed recipes that make weeknights exciting, browse our complete collection of Asian-inspired meals.
Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tsp oil. Mix chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp cornstarch, and ½ tsp sesame oil. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp white pepper, and ¼ cup chicken broth. Set sauce aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 1 minute undisturbed, then stir-fry 2-3 minutes until cooked. Remove to a plate.
- Add another tbsp oil to wok. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry 30 seconds. Add carrots and bok choy stems, cook 2 minutes. Add bok choy leaves and green onions, cook 1 minute.
- Return chicken to wok. Add cooked noodles and bean sprouts. Pour sauce over everything. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until heated through and noodles are coated.