Chicken Chow Mein Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein Chow Mein Sauce Recipe to Master

Chicken chow mein chow mein sauce recipe holds the key to recreating that beloved takeout experience right in the comfort of home.

It's a dish that has won hearts across dinner tables for generations, offering savory satisfaction and comfort in every bite.

There's something universally appealing about the combination of tender protein, satisfying noodles, and that signature coating that makes everything taste incredible.

Once you know how to make it at home, ordering takeout becomes optional rather than necessary.

It's also budget-friendly, feeding a crowd without breaking the bank while still feeling like a special meal.

Making it from scratch gives you control over flavors and quality, so why not give it a go tonight?

What Makes Chicken Chow Mein Sauce So Good

  • Easy Weeknight Meal: This chicken chow mein comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving your family a quick and satisfying dinner without complicated steps.
  • Vegetable Powerhouse: Packed with colorful carrots, cabbage, celery, and onions, this dish sneaks tons of nutrition onto your plate without feeling like a boring health meal.
  • Flexible Flavor Profile: The sauce creates a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that work for everyone from picky kids to adventurous eaters.
  • One-Pan Wonder: By cooking everything in the same skillet, you minimize dishes and cleanup, making this recipe perfect for busy nights when kitchen time is precious.

Ingredients Used in Chicken Chow Mein

Protein:
  • 1 Lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Perfect lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
Noodles:
  • 8 Oz Chow Mein Noodles: The star of your dish, these noodles bring authentic texture and provide a satisfying base for the stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • 1 Cup Sliced Onions, 2 Cups Shredded Cabbage, 1 Cup Sliced Carrots, 1/2 Cup Sliced Celery, 2 Cloves Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and nutritious layers to your chow mein, creating a balanced and vibrant meal.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce, 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil, 1 Tsp Sugar, 1/4 Tsp White Pepper: These seasonings combine to create a rich, complex flavor that coats every noodle and piece of chicken perfectly.
Garnish:
  • 2 Green Onions: A fresh, bright finishing touch that adds a mild onion flavor and visual appeal to your completed dish.

What Are the Best Tools for Chicken Chow Mein with Chow Mein Sauce

  • Large Wok or Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to pan for stir-frying everything from chicken to veggies with perfect heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board (Large): A solid surface where you’ll slice chicken, chop vegetables, and prep ingredients with ease.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife (8-inch): Essential for creating thin, uniform strips of chicken and precisely cutting vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for getting your sauce ingredients perfectly balanced and delicious.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Where you’ll whisk together your sauce ingredients for maximum flavor blending.
  • Colander: Helps drain your noodles quickly and rinse them with cold water to stop cooking.
  • Wooden Spatula or Tongs: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients in the hot wok without scratching the surface.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Chicken Chow Mein with Perfect Sauce Instructions

1

Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breast and slice it into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Make sure each piece is bite-sized and roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

2

Chop Veggie Friends

Slice up your veggie team – grab those onions and chop them into thin pieces. Shred the cabbage, cut carrots and celery into slender strips, and mince the garlic cloves super fine.

3

Noodle Bath

Boil water in a pot and cook your chow mein noodles for exactly 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy. Drain them and give a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

4

Chicken Sizzle

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet at 375°F. When the oil is shimmering, toss in your chicken strips. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through.

5

Chicken Rest

Pull the chicken out and set it on a clean plate to hang out while you work on the veggies.

6

Veggie Saute

In the same pan, drop in your sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until they start getting soft and fragrant. Then add your prepped veggies:

  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery

Stir-fry these for 3 minutes until they’re crisp but tender.

7

Sauce Magic

Whip up your sauce by mixing these ingredients in a small bowl:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
8

Final Toss

Slide the chicken back into the pan, then add 8 oz of cooked noodles and your prepared sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are hot and coated with delicious sauce.

9

Serve and Garnish

Transfer your chicken chow mein to serving plates and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Dinner is ready!

Technique Notes for Chicken Chow Mein Sauce

  • Cut chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Slice all vegetables before starting to cook, ensuring quick and smooth stir-frying without scrambling for ingredients.
  • Rinse noodles with cold water after boiling to stop cooking and prevent them from getting mushy in your final dish.
  • Let your pan get really hot before adding ingredients to get that perfect golden-brown sear on chicken and crisp vegetable texture.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients together before adding to ensure every bite has balanced, delicious flavor.

Chicken Chow Mein with Noodle and Sauce Options

  • Tofu Transformation: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu cut into similar-sized strips, pressing out moisture first for a vegetarian version that holds up perfectly in the stir-fry.
  • Seafood Switch: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops, reducing cooking time to 2-3 minutes since seafood cooks faster than chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and choose rice noodles or gluten-free chow mein noodles to make the entire dish safe for those avoiding wheat.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Noodle Hack: Replace traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini or thinly sliced cabbage strips for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers fantastic flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein

  • Perfect Portion Size: Serve this chicken chow mein in medium-sized bowls, with about 1½ cups per person for a satisfying meal.
  • Quick Side Companion: Pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to balance the savory noodle dish.
  • Refreshing Drink Match: Serve alongside cold jasmine tea or a light Asian-style lager to complement the rich flavors.
  • Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a dash of toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and brightness.

How To Store Chicken Chow Mein

  • Keep leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. The noodles might absorb more sauce overnight, so add a splash of water when reheating.
  • Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags for up to two months. Separate noodles from chicken and vegetables to maintain better texture when thawing.
  • Store uncooked noodles in their original packaging in a cool, dry pantry spot. Once opened, transfer to a sealed container and use within two weeks for best quality.
  • Refrigerate your prepared sauce mixture in a sealed jar for up to one week, which makes quick weeknight cooking super simple and fast.

Chicken Chow Mein with Signature Sauce FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different noodles?

Absolutely! Egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work great if you can’t find traditional chow mein noodles.

FAQ

How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?

Rinse noodles with cold water after cooking and toss them with a little oil to keep them separated and prevent clumping.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a wok?

A large skillet or sauté pan will work perfectly fine for this recipe. The key is having enough space to stir-fry ingredients quickly.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu or add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for extra texture and flavor.

FAQ

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as written isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want some heat.

FAQ

How can I make the chicken more tender?

Cut chicken against the grain and avoid overcooking. Marinating chicken for 15-30 minutes beforehand also helps keep it juicy.

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Chicken Chow Mein Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein Chow Mein Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 24-32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chicken Chow Mein brings comfort straight from the kitchen, turning your weeknight dinner into a quick and delicious adventure. Savory noodles and tender chicken create a fast meal that will satisfy your hunger in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 8 oz chow mein noodles
  • 1 cup sliced onions
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • ½ cup sliced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 green onions

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breast into thin, ½-inch wide strips for quick and even cooking.
  2. Chop all vegetables: slice onions, shred cabbage, cut carrots and celery into thin strips, and mince garlic.
  3. Boil chow mein noodles in water at 212°F for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok at 375°F until surface shimmers.
  5. Add chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping warm.
  7. In the same pan, sauté 1 cup onions for 2 minutes until edges soften and turn translucent.
  8. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup carrots, and ½ cup celery. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  9. Whisk 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and ¼ tsp white pepper in a small bowl.
  10. Return chicken to pan and add 8 oz noodles with prepared sauce mixture.
  11. Toss ingredients for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated and evenly coated with sauce.
  12. Plate the dish and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish.

Notes

  • Always cut chicken and vegetables into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying moves quickly and you need everything ready to go in the pan.
  • Use high heat and keep ingredients moving constantly in the wok to prevent burning and achieve that classic crisp-tender vegetable texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular chow mein noodles with rice noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14-17 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 367 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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