There’s a certain joy in the kitchen that comes from creating a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. As I was prepping dinner on a busy weeknight, the thought of takeout crossed my mind, but I knew I could whip up something just as delicious right at home. Enter my Homemade Chicken Chow Mein—a vibrant dish that boasts succulent chicken, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together in a rich, aromatic sauce.
With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can craft this crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekly dinner routine or impress your family with a takeout alternative, this recipe is highly customizable, so you can mix and match your favorite vegetables or proteins. Join me as we dive into a cooking adventure that promises to transform your weeknight meals into something special!
Why will you love this Chicken Chow Mein?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires minimal prep and can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The rich, aromatic sauce brings all the ingredients together, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as takeout.
Personalized Touch: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, from crispy tofu to succulent shrimp!
Healthy Choices: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a wholesome alternative to greasy fast food options.
Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal family dinner solution.
One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy hassle-free cleanup with this one-pan meal that simplifies your cooking experience!
Chicken Chow Mein Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs – Provides lean protein; substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Cornstarch – Helps marinate chicken for a tender texture.
- Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry) – Adds depth of flavor; can be replaced with chicken broth if desired.
For the Sauce
- Chicken Broth – Base for the sauce and adds richness; use low-sodium for better salt control.
- Oyster Sauce – Contributes umami flavor; substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and hoisin if needed.
- Soy Sauce – Essential for seasoning; light soy sauce is preferred for a lighter taste.
- Sugar – Balances the overall flavors.
- White Pepper – Adds a gentle heat; black pepper works as a tasty alternative.
- Sesame Oil – Infuses nuttiness and aroma into the dish.
For the Vegetables
- Shredded Cabbage – Provides a satisfying crunch; use pre-packed coleslaw mix for ease.
- Garlic and Ginger – Key aromatics that elevate flavor; freshly minced is best.
- Carrots and Optional Anaheim Pepper – Adds sweetness and additional flavor.
- Green Onions – A refreshing garnish that brightens the dish.
For Stir-Frying
- Peanut Oil (or Vegetable Oil) – Ideal for stir-frying; can be substituted with any neutral oil.
- Chow Mein Noodles – The star carbohydrate; fresh noodles give the best texture, but dried can work too.
Transform your weeknight dinners into a delightful experience with this Chicken Chow Mein recipe that everyone will love!
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating your boneless chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor and achieve a tender texture.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, additional Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. This mix serves as a rich flavor foundation.
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Cook the Noodles: Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions, typically for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat peanut oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 1-2 minutes until it turns just white and golden. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-fry the Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the Veggies: Throw in shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking until they are just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine and Heat: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the noodles, pouring the prepared sauce over the entire mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated, heating through for another 2 minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh green onions and serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot for a delightful meal!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Chow Mein preparations are ideal for busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce—a blend of chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings—up to 3 days ahead; simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. When it’s mealtime, all you have to do is stir-fry the garlic, ginger, veggies, and finish the dish with the marinated chicken and prepared sauce for a quick, seamless dinner. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality Chicken Chow Mein with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Chow Mein
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to keep the sauce separate if possible.
Freezer: Chicken Chow Mein can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Use a nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out as it warms.
Room Temperature: For food safety, do not leave Chicken Chow Mein at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Chicken Chow Mein Variations
Elevate your homemade Chicken Chow Mein by exploring these exciting twists and substitutions!
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for firm tofu, marinated and cooked until golden, for a satisfying meatless option.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute with shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood version that adds a touch of elegance.
- Extra Crunch: Add bean sprouts or water chestnuts for an additional layer of texture and a refreshing crunch in each bite.
- Veggie Medley: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more color and nutrition; these veggies cook quickly and keep their vibrant taste.
- Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes or add sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry for those who crave heat.
- Saucy Flavor Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness and complexity in the flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Noodle Variations: Try swapping chow mein noodles for udon or rice vermicelli for a different noodle experience!
Get creative with these variations, and let your taste preferences shine through in this delicious Chicken Chow Mein!
Expert Tips for Chicken Chow Mein
- Prep in Advance: Gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking. This saves time and makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to achieve a tender texture and deep flavor with the Chicken Chow Mein.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat for a short time for extra crispness in your veggies while keeping them vibrant and fresh.
- Watch Your Sauce: Don’t pour all the sauce in at once; add gradually, and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Noodle Type Matters: Use fresh chow mein noodles for the best texture, but if you’re using dried, be sure to rinse them well after cooking.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap vegetables to match your taste or what you have on hand, but keep the overall ratios balanced for the Chicken Chow Mein’s delicious flavor!
What to Serve with Chicken Chow Mein?
Elevate your homemade Chicken Chow Mein by pairing it with delightful sides that enhance the flavors and bring joy to the table.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fluffy, this classic accompaniment soaks up the rich sauce beautifully for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Broccoli: A crunch-packed veggie side that adds freshness and a burst of flavor, complementing the savory notes of the chow mein.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables, these bite-sized delights make for a perfect finger-food option that pairs wonderfully with the dish.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad balances the hearty chow mein with a tangy, sesame dressing that awakens the taste buds.
- Hot & Sour Soup: A warm bowl of this traditional soup provides a comforting contrast, with its spicy and tangy flavors enhancing your dinner experience.
- Chili Oil: Drizzle a touch of this spicy condiment on your Chow Mein for an extra kick, adding depth and vibrancy to each bite!
- Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet touch, this dessert beautifully complements the meal’s savory elements and brings a delightful end to your dinner.
Chicken Chow Mein Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for my Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely! For your Chicken Chow Mein, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully. Look for pieces that are fresh and have a nice, pink color without any dark spots. If you’re leaning towards a vegetarian option, opt for firm tofu that’s well-pressed to get a great texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Chow Mein?
Very! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consider keeping the sauce separate from the noodles and veggies. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
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Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely, you can freeze Chicken Chow Mein for up to 3 months. To do this, let the dish cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge!
What should I do if my noodles stick together after cooking?
No worries! If your noodles are sticking, rinse them under cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that can cause sticking. If they still clump together when you stir-fry, sprinkle in a little bit of oil or broth to help separate them.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind with Chicken Chow Mein?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to someone with food allergies, make sure to double-check the ingredients in your sauces, especially for soy sauce and oyster sauce, as they can contain gluten. For a nut-free version, use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil to avoid any issues.
Can I customize my Chicken Chow Mein with different vegetables?
Very much so! The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out the cabbage and carrots for whatever fresh veggies you enjoy, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to keep the cooking time in mind; some vegetables will need a bit more time to soften, while others will cook quickly!
Delicious Chicken Chow Mein: A Quick and Fresh Dinnertime Win
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine boneless chicken with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, additional Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil chow mein noodles as per package instructions (about 3-4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat peanut oil in a skillet. Cook marinated chicken for 1-2 minutes until white and golden, then set aside.
- Stir-fry the Aromatics: In the same skillet, stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Veggies: Add shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Combine and Heat: Add chicken and noodles back into the skillet with the sauce, stir well, and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions and serve hot.