Chicken Chow Mein Recipe with Savory Sauce

Name: Delicious Chicken Chow Mein with Tasty Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry cooking sherry (optional); 12 oz uncooked chow mein noodles or 8 oz fresh thin Hong-Kong-Style noodles; 3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil; 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded; 1 large carrot, julienned; 1 ½ cups bean sprouts; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces; Optional: 2 teaspoons finely julienned ginger, ⅔ cup fresh mushrooms, 1 cup snap peas; 6 tablespoons oyster sauce; 3 tablespoons light sesame oil (not toasted); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on preference); White or black pepper to taste

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Mastering chicken chow mein

Chicken chow mein is a delicious and quick dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles coated in a savory chow mein sauce. This recipe is perfect for home cooks seeking a flavorful, balanced meal that is easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs ensures a juicy protein base, while the colorful vegetables like green cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts add texture and nutrition.

The recipe is flexible and caters well to a wide audience, including diet-conscious individuals and those looking for gluten-free or vegetarian swaps. The key is the homemade chow mein sauce, which balances umami-rich oyster sauce with light sesame oil and a touch of sweetness, tying the dish together with harmony.

Cooking chicken chow mein at home is gratifying because it delivers restaurant-quality flavors with accessible ingredients and achievable techniques. Whether you’re a busy parent or a food enthusiast, mastering this classic dish brings an inviting and comforting meal to your table in about 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weekday dinners or casual gatherings.

Benefits and Advantages of chicken chow mein

Simple and Quick Preparation

Chicken chow mein shines as a go-to recipe because it’s straightforward to prepare. Marinating the chicken briefly, stir-frying fresh vegetables, and tossing cooked noodles in a flavorful sauce does not require advanced culinary skills. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Nutritious and Balanced

This dish offers a balanced mix of macronutrients with lean protein from chicken, energy-providing carbohydrates from noodles, and important vitamins and fiber from vegetables. For example, chicken breast provides a significant amount of protein that supports muscle health and overall wellness—learn more about the health benefits of chicken breast. Vegetables like cabbage contribute antioxidants and fiber, with the nutritional value of cabbage enhancing the dish’s health profile.

Flavorful and Versatile

The savory chow mein sauce combines oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, and sesame oil for a rich umami depth. Adjusting ingredients like sugar or substituting sauces gives flexibility to adapt to different palates. This makes chicken chow mein suitable for many dietary preferences, from low-calorie meals to more indulgent versions.

Customizable for All Diets

With simple substitutions, chicken chow mein can fit into vegetarian or gluten-free diets easily, ensuring that almost anyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Its vibrant combination of textures from crunchy vegetables to silky noodles emphasizes the comforting qualities that make it a family favorite across many cultures.

Essential Ingredients for chicken chow mein

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose or Benefit
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced	1 lb	Provides lean, juicy protein for the dish
Oyster sauce (or hoisin/mushroom stir-fry sauce)	1 tablespoon (for marinade), 6 tablespoons (for sauce)	Offers savory, umami flavor essential to chow mein sauce
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon (marinade), 1 tablespoon (sauce)	Helps tenderize chicken and thickens sauce
Shaoxing wine or dry cooking sherry (optional)	1 teaspoon (marinade)	Enhances chicken flavor, alternatives include mirin or chicken broth
Uncooked chow mein noodles (or fresh Hong-Kong-style noodles)	12 oz (or 8 oz fresh)	Provides the signature noodle base; alternative sub: thin egg noodles or spaghetti
Olive oil or neutral cooking oil	3 tablespoons	Used for frying chicken and vegetables with high heat
Green cabbage, finely shredded	2 cups	Adds crunch, fiber, and vitamins
Carrot, julienned	1 large	Brings sweetness and color, rich in vitamin A
Bean sprouts	1½ cups	Keeps the dish light and crunchy
Garlic cloves, finely chopped	2 cloves	Provides aromatic, savory depth
Green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces	3 onions	Added flavor and garnish
Light sesame oil (not toasted)	3 tablespoons	Adds nutty aroma to sauce without overpowering
Soy sauce	1 tablespoon	Balances the sauce with saltiness
Chicken broth	½ cup	Moisture and flavor base for sauce; use vegetable broth for vegetarians
Granulated sugar	3 tablespoons	Adds sweetness balancing the savory ingredients
White or black pepper	To taste	Provides mild heat and flavor depth

Tip: For detailed guidance on cooking chow mein noodles perfectly, check this helpful article on how to cook chow mein noodles.

For other delicious chicken recipes with rich sauces, try garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan to add more variety to your menu.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chicken chow mein

Chicken chow mein is a versatile dish that can be easily tailored to fit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Here are some practical substitutions to customize your chow mein without compromising its signature flavor:

Protein Alternatives

Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken for firm tofu cubes or tempeh, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. This keeps the dish plant-based while retaining a hearty texture.
Seafood or Pork: Use shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even beef strips instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while pork and beef need a bit more time to reach tenderness.
Chicken Cuts: Using chicken thighs instead of breast offers more juiciness, while breasts provide lean protein. For extra tender chicken, consider velveting with cornstarch and Shaoxing wine.

Noodle Choices

Traditional chow mein noodles or fresh thin Hong Kong-style noodles are ideal, but in a pinch, thin spaghetti or instant noodles work well.
For gluten-free diets, opt for rice noodles or shirataki noodles, paired with tamari instead of soy sauce.

Sauce Modifications

If oyster sauce is unavailable or if you have shellfish allergies, substitute with hoisin sauce, mushroom stir-fry sauce, or a blend of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
Adjust the sugar level in the sauce for a lighter or sweeter taste; mirin can also replace Shaoxing wine for a mild sweetness, or omit alcohol altogether and increase broth volume.
Use neutral oils like olive or peanut oil for cooking; reserve toasted sesame oil for garnishing to avoid overpowering flavors.

Vegetable Options

Include snap peas, snow peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms (rehydrated if dried) for variety and added nutrition.
Adjust vegetable quantities to personal preference for more crunch or color.

These substitutions make chicken chow mein accessible and enjoyable for almost any diet while preserving its delicious taste and texture.

How to Prepare the Perfect chicken chow mein: Step-by-Step Guide

Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs with 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional). Allow to marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook 12 oz chow mein noodles according to package instructions, or briefly boil fresh thin Hong-Kong-style noodles. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside drained noodles for later use. For detailed instructions, visit this guide to cooking chow mein noodles.
Mix the Sauce: Whisk together 6 tablespoons oyster sauce, 3 tablespoons light sesame oil (not toasted), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste), and pepper to preference in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and sear until browned and about 80% cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Quickly stir-fry 2 cloves finely chopped garlic and 2 teaspoons finely julienned ginger for a few seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1 large julienned carrot, and optional ¼ cup fresh mushrooms and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry until the cabbage is translucent and vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared noodles. Pour in the sauce and toss well to evenly coat the noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
Add Finishing Touches: Stir in 1½ cups bean sprouts and 3 green onions cut into 2-inch pieces. Continue cooking for an additional minute until bean sprouts slightly wilt, maintaining their crunch.
Serve Hot: Garnish with extra green onions if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavors and textures.

The key to perfect chicken chow mein is managing heat and timing—quick, high-heat stir-frying preserves the fresh flavors and crisp textures.

Mastering chicken chow mein: Advanced Tips and Variations

Tips for Authenticity and Texture

Use High Heat: Stir-fry on medium-high to high heat to get the signature wok hei — the smoky, slightly charred flavor prized in Asian cooking.
Velvet the Chicken: Marinating chicken with cornstarch and Shaoxing wine tenderizes it, giving a silky texture. Pat the chicken dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
Oil Selection: Use neutral oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil for stir-frying; finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for aroma.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper sear on ingredients.

Creative Variations

Variation	Details
Spicy Chicken Chow Mein	Add chili flakes or a splash of chili oil to the sauce or during stir-frying for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian/Vegan	Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and swap oyster sauce for mushroom stir-fry sauce or hoisin.
Softer Noodles	Substitute thin egg noodles or spaghetti for a softer noodle texture.
Mushroom Medley	Add a mix of fresh and rehydrated dried mushrooms for an earthy richness.

Exploring these variations lets you tailor the recipe to your taste or dietary needs without losing the core deliciousness of chicken chow mein.

How to Store chicken chow mein: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your chicken chow mein fresh and tasty for reheating.

Refrigeration

Cool the chow mein to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Consume within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and safety.

Freezing

Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if noodles have absorbed too much sauce.
Avoid microwaving for long periods, which can cause noodles to become mushy.
Reheat quickly to maintain the integrity of vegetables and chicken.

Proper storage and careful reheating preserve the delightful textures and flavors of your chicken chow mein.

Nutritional Value of chicken chow mein

This chicken chow mein recipe offers a balanced meal with a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Below are the approximate nutrients per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340–432 kcal
Protein	19–26 g
Carbohydrates	36–39 g
Fat	13–19 g
Sodium	914–945 mg

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein with numerous health benefits of chicken breast. The green cabbage and carrots contribute fiber and important micronutrients, enhancing the overall nutrition nutritional value of cabbage.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chicken chow mein

What are the main ingredients in chicken chow mein?

Chicken chow mein typically includes thinly sliced chicken, chow mein noodles, vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, and a savory chow mein sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. This combination creates a flavorful and balanced dish that can be customized with different proteins or vegetables.

How can I make chow mein noodles at home?

Homemade chow mein noodles can be made by mixing wheat flour and eggs to create a dough, rolling it thin, then cutting it into thin strips. For convenience, many cooks use pre-made fresh or dried chow mein noodles available in Asian markets or grocery stores.

What are good substitutes for oyster sauce in chow mein?

If you cannot use oyster sauce, mushroom stir-fry sauce, hoisin sauce, or a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of sugar serve as good substitutes. These alternatives provide similar umami flavors and are suitable for vegetarians or those with shellfish allergies.

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein noodles are typically fried to add a crispy texture to the dish, whereas lo mein noodles are boiled and remain soft throughout. This results in a textural difference: chow mein has a mix of crispy and soft noodles, while lo mein features softer, saucier noodles.

Delicious Chicken Chow Mein with Tasty Sauce Recipe