If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with layers of flavor yet quick and simple to prepare, this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe is your go-to comfort meal. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles come together in a vibrant stir-fry coated with a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s just irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over because it delivers restaurant-quality chow mein in a fraction of the time—plus, it’s customizable to suit your cravings and pantry staples. Let me take you through every step so you can enjoy this tasty dish anytime!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, starting with the ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the juicy chicken for protein, crispy cabbage for texture and color, or the sauces that marry all the flavors beautifully. Let’s check out these simple essentials that together create an unforgettable dish.
- Chicken breast or thigh fillets (200g / 6 oz, thinly sliced): Tender and juicy, chicken thigh works great for added flavor, but breast keeps it lean.
- Green cabbage (4 cups, finely shredded): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and lovely vibrant color.
- Peanut oil (1 1/2 tbsp): A high-heat oil with a subtle nutty flavor perfect for stir-frying.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely chopped): Aromatic and essential for that unmistakable stir-fry aroma.
- Chow mein noodles (200g / 6 oz): These fried noodles add a delightful chewiness that’s key to chow mein’s signature texture.
- Carrot (1, julienned): Adds a splash of color and a gentle sweetness.
- Bean sprouts (1 1/2 cups): Light, fresh, and crunchy, rounding out the vegetable medley perfectly.
- Green onions (3, cut into 5cm / 2″ pieces): Bright and fresh with a mild onion bite.
- Water (1/4 cup / 65 ml): Helps create a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Cornflour / cornstarch (2 tsp): Thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce (1 1/2 tbsp, all-purpose or light): Adds a salty umami punch.
- Oyster sauce (1 1/2 tbsp, sub Hoisin sauce if needed): Gives richness and depth to the stir-fry.
- Chinese cooking wine (1 1/2 tbsp, or Mirin as substitute): Adds complexity and slight sweetness.
- Sugar (2 tsp, reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin): Balances the salty and savory notes.
- Sesame oil (1/2 tsp): A finishing touch, providing a warm, nutty aroma.
- White pepper (to taste): Offers gentle heat without overpowering the dish (black pepper can be swapped in).
How to Make Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before the magic starts, make sure your chicken is thinly sliced to cook evenly and quickly. Shred the cabbage finely and julienne the carrot so they’ll blend seamlessly into the stir-fry. Prepare your noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking or quick boiling, then drain and set aside. Having everything prepped and ready ensures a fast, smooth cooking experience—essential for any stir-fry!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the peanut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir quickly to release their fragrance—don’t let them burn! Toss in the chicken slices and stir-fry until they turn opaque and golden on the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in the chicken’s juiciness and prepares it to soak up that flavorful sauce later.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Noodles
Next, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and bean sprouts to the wok, tossing constantly to maintain their crispness. The veggies only need a couple of minutes to soften slightly while retaining their crunch, which brings that delightful texture contrast chow mein is famous for. Then, add the cooked chow mein noodles and green onions, folding everything gently but thoroughly. This ensures every strand of noodle and piece of vegetable is evenly coated.
Step 4: Make the Sauce and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together cornflour, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, and white pepper. Pour this mixture into the wok and toss everything together vigorously. The sauce will thicken quickly and cling beautifully to the chicken, noodles, and vegetables, binding the whole stir-fry into a luscious, savory masterpiece. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish for that final burst of aroma and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some finely sliced fresh green onions brings an inviting look and adds subtle new layers of texture and flavor right on top. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens up the plate with a zesty contrast that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to add some variety, light sides like steamed edamame, a refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar, or even some simple pork dumplings make fantastic companions. They keep the meal balanced and exciting without competing with the chow mein’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve the chow mein in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld delight, or pile it generously into colorful bowls garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Using bright bowls and chopsticks can up the fun factor, making every bite feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce over time, so it’s best eaten within a short window to enjoy its ideal texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, cornflour-thickened sauces and fresh vegetables like cabbage might suffer texture changes. If you must freeze, cool completely then pack in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as the noodles can become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, pork, or beef are fantastic alternatives that work well with the flavors and cooking times of this recipe. Just adjust slicing thickness for even cooking.
Are chow mein noodles necessary or can I substitute?
If you can’t find chow mein noodles, thin egg noodles or even linguine can do the trick. The key is to cook them just right so they hold some bite without becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a great substitute offering a similar sweet-savory profile, though slightly different in flavor. Just adjust sugar slightly if you want to balance sweetness.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and accessible for all palates, but you can easily add chili flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a dash of chili oil during cooking for some heat.
Is this recipe healthy?
With lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and controlled oil quantities, this stir-fry is a wholesome meal. Using a light soy sauce reduces sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you find this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe as delightful and satisfying as I do. It’s the perfect combination of quick preparation and bold, balanced flavors that make weeknight dinners something to look forward to. So go ahead, whip this up tonight, and enjoy a comforting, homemade taste of chow mein that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
Easy Chicken Chow Mein Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chow Mein recipe features tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal that brings authentic Asian flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Protein
- 200g / 6 oz chicken breast or thigh fillets, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, cut into 5cm / 2 inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Noodles and Sauce
- 200g / 6 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) water
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (all purpose or light)
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (substitute Hoisin sauce if unavailable)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
- 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- White pepper (substitute black pepper as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Thinly slice the chicken breast or thigh fillets for quick cooking. Finely shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, chop the green onions into 5 cm (2 inch) pieces, and finely chop the garlic. This prep ensures each ingredient cooks evenly and retains texture.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking while you prepare the stir-fry.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the water, cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until the cornflour is completely dissolved to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Stir-fry the chicken and aromatics: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant. Then add the sliced chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns opaque and is nearly cooked through.
- Add vegetables and noodles: Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, bean sprouts, and green onions to the pan with the chicken. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until vegetables start to soften but still retain crunch. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pan and toss all ingredients together evenly.
- Finish with sauce and seasoning: Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the ingredients. Season with white pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Note 1: For extra tender chicken, you can marinate the slices briefly with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of cornstarch before cooking.
- Note 2: If chow mein noodles are not available, thin egg noodles or ramen noodles can be substituted.
- Note 3: Shredded cabbage provides crunch; you can use Napa cabbage as an alternative for a milder flavor.
- Note 4: Light soy sauce is less salty and lighter in color; all-purpose soy sauce will also work but may darken the dish.
- Note 5: Chinese cooking wine enhances the authenticity of the dish, but Mirin gives a slightly sweeter taste; adjust sugar accordingly.
