Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a quick and easy stir-fry that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, chow mein noodles, and fresh vegetables like carrot and cabbage, it’s a healthy and delicious dinner option. The best chow mein sauce combines oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of sesame oil, giving the dish a savory, flavorful kick. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this easy chicken chow mein is packed with protein and vegetables and is ready in under 30 minutes. You can also customize it by adding shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist. Ideal for meal prep or family dinners, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 tbsp oil
• 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• ½ bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Chow Mein Sauce

• 6 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set the sauce aside for later use.
2. Cook the Noodles
   Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the julienned carrots, cabbage, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the cabbage becomes slightly translucent.
5. Combine the Ingredients
   Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the top, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the ingredients to heat through.
6. Serve
   Garnish the chow mein with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Chow Mein with the best chow mein sauce is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The combination of tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a savory sauce creates the perfect balance. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to enjoy homemade Chinese stir fry at home. Plus, it’s customizable and works well with a variety of vegetables, making it a versatile dinner option for any night of the week.

Tips

• Chill the Noodles: After cooking the noodles, rinse them with cold water and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps prevent them from sticking together during stir-frying.
• Control the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch or add a bit more chicken broth.
• Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh, crunchy vegetables like cabbage and carrots work best in this recipe, providing great texture alongside the soft noodles and tender chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Make a vegetarian version by using tofu or more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and soy sauce or tamari that’s labeled gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook and store the chicken ahead of time. Simply reheat it when adding to the pan with the noodles and sauce.

Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
While the dish can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the cooked noodles and chicken separately from the vegetables and sauce. When reheating, it’s recommended to use fresh vegetables for the best texture.

Can I use regular soy sauce?
Yes, but using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content in the dish, ensuring the chow mein isn’t too salty, especially since the oyster sauce also contains salt.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Chow Mein with a side of steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chili flakes for added flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and leftovers taste just as good the next day!