Description

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry noodle dish that’s full of bold flavors, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. With its irresistible combination of marinated chicken, fresh chow mein noodles, and a savory sauce, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option or an exciting meal for special occasions. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will please any palate. Let’s explore this step-by-step recipe for creating delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp white pepper powder
1 tsp corn starch
1 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp sesame oil

For the Noodles:

7 oz (200g) fresh chow mein noodles
150ml water or unsalted chicken broth
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp light soy sauce
3/4 tsp sugar

For Stir-Frying the Vegetables:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3–4 green onions, white parts sliced, green parts for garnish
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1 tsp rice wine
1 tsp prepared chow mein sauce (from the above)

For Cooking the Chicken:

1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, if needed)
2 tsp rice wine
1 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast or thigh into thin strips.
In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, white pepper powder, corn starch, vegetable oil, and sesame oil.
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them.
Drain the noodles, toss them with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 3/4 tsp sugar.
Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sugar, salt, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and bean sprouts, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables start to soften.
Add 1 tsp rice wine and 1 tsp of the prepared chow mein sauce, and toss everything together for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil if needed.
Add the marinated chicken and minced garlic, and stir-fry over medium-high heat until the chicken is about 70% cooked through (approximately 2-3 minutes).
Add 2 tsp rice wine, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the liquid has evaporated.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 6: Stir-Fry the Noodles

In the same pan, add the cooked chow mein noodles with 150ml of water or unsalted chicken broth.
Stir-fry the noodles until they are evenly heated and the liquid has reduced slightly, making sure the noodles are hot and coated.
Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the pan with the noodles.
Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving platter.
Garnish with the green parts of the green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!

Notes

Cooking Notes:

For an extra boost of flavor, feel free to add a drizzle of sesame oil during the final toss for a nutty finish.
You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great options to include.
If you want a spicier version, you can add chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when stir-frying the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Chow Mein pairs perfectly with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or hot and sour soup. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed rice or a light cucumber salad. The dish also stands alone as a satisfying main course.

Tips:

To save time, marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
If you don’t have fresh chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with dried egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Be sure to stir-fry on high heat to get that slightly charred “wok hei” flavor that makes stir-fried dishes irresistible

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Sodium: 850mg
Protein: 28g