Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe features tender chicken breast stir-fried with fresh vegetables and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful homemade chow mein sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is a perfect quick and delicious weeknight meal that brings restaurant-quality Chinese flavors right to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized strips
Vegetables
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
Noodles
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Cooking Oil
- 3 Tbsp oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and corn starch until smooth. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the bite-sized chicken strips and cook them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, and pressed garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they soften slightly and the cabbage becomes translucent.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat all ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chow mein and serve hot directly from the pan for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the oyster sauce quantity to taste; some brands are saltier than others.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free chow mein noodles.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles during boiling or stir-frying to keep them from becoming mushy.