Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce
There’s nothing quite like a steaming plate of chicken chow mein. Soft noodles, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce make this dish a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine. Making it at home is easier than you think—no need for takeout! This Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
The secret is in the sauce: a harmonious balance of soy, sesame, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness. The chicken is quickly stir-fried for juicy tenderness, while vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage retain crunch. Tossing it all with tender noodles creates a comforting dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Protein & Noodles
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or spaghetti as substitute)
- Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- Homemade Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken)
- Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Extra sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. Toss lightly with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Mix cornstarch with water separately and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage; stir-fry 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the pan. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables, then add cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Add Noodles: Gently fold in cooked noodles, tossing to combine. Heat for another 1–2 minutes to warm through and fully incorporate sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot as a main course.
Tips for Perfect Chow Mein
- Cut Chicken Thinly: Ensures quick cooking and tender bite.
- High Heat Stir-Fry: Use medium-high heat to achieve the signature wok-style sear.
- Vegetable Crunch: Don’t overcook vegetables; they should retain a little crispness.
- Noodle Choice: Fresh chow mein noodles are ideal, but dried noodles or spaghetti work in a pinch.
- Make Sauce Ahead: The sauce can be mixed in advance for faster weeknight cooking.
Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles tossed in a flavorful homemade chow mein sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Set cornstarch slurry aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the same pan, stir-fry 30 seconds. Add vegetables and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the pan. Pour in sauce and add cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked noodles and toss gently to combine. Heat through 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, prep all ingredients before cooking. Noodles should be slightly undercooked for stir-frying to prevent mushiness.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Chow Mein: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Seafood Option: Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
- Pair with simple fried rice for extra comfort food vibes.
- Perfect for meal prep: store in airtight containers and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
- Chow mein literally means “stir-fried noodles” in Mandarin.
- Popularized in America in the early 20th century, it has become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.
- The dish emphasizes the balance of flavors: salty, sweet, savory, and umami.
- Homemade sauces allow control over sugar and sodium content, making this recipe healthier than takeout.
With this Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce, you get a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or impressing friends with homemade Chinese takeout.
