Authentic Chicken Chow Mein With Homemade Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Dive into a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering chicken chow mein that promises an explosion of flavors and textures.

Our carefully crafted chow mein sauce recipe elevates every single bite of this classic Chinese-inspired dish.

Tender strips of chicken dance alongside crisp vegetables in a wok-tossed masterpiece that sings with authentic taste.

Packed with umami-rich ingredients, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Each strand of noodle carries a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that will transport your taste buds.

Quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, this chow mein turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Vital Tools For Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying chicken and vegetables with high, even heat.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the delicious chow mein sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce components smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables with precision.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps create even, thin slices of chicken and vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
  • Tongs or Spatula: Great for tossing and mixing noodles, chicken, and vegetables during cooking.
  • Colander: Used to drain cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.

Steps To Prepare Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

  • Noodle Preparation

Boil the chow mein noodles until they reach perfect tenderness. Let them rest and drain, ready for their flavor adventure.

  • Chicken Sizzle

Heat up your cooking surface and transform chicken pieces into golden, mouth-watering morsels. Each slice should dance with delicious potential.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Create a colorful medley of crisp vegetables in the same pan where chicken just performed. Let garlic and onions release their aromatic magic, welcoming carrots and cabbage to the flavor party.

  • Sauce Magic

Whisk together a delectable blend of sauces that will elevate the entire dish. This liquid gold will connect all ingredients with irresistible harmony.

  • Final Fusion

Reunite chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a spectacular culinary embrace. Toss everything together so each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

  • Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh green onions on top, adding a final burst of brightness. Present your masterpiece immediately, while everything remains hot and vibrant.

Savory Tricks For Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

  • Perfect Noodle Tricks: Start with fresh, thin egg noodles for authentic texture and flavor. Slightly undercook noodles before final stir-frying to prevent mushiness during the last cooking stage.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or lean pork for versatile protein options that match different dietary preferences. Vegetarians can use extra-firm tofu cubes seared until golden brown.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat-based noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure complete gluten elimination while maintaining rich umami flavor.
  • Veggie Volume Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to increase nutritional value and create more colorful, interesting dish. Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version. These alternatives provide similar texture while reducing overall calorie content and adding extra nutrients.

How To Plate Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

  • Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in a hot wok or large ceramic bowl to keep the dish warm and create an authentic dining experience.
  • Side Companion Delights: Pair with crispy egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad to complement the chow mein's rich flavors.
  • Spice Lovers' Twist: Add a drizzle of sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a fiery kick to their meal.

Storage Tips For Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and store portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Divide into single-serving sizes for grab-and-go lunches at work or school.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep noodles and sauce separate from crispy vegetables to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze uncooked chicken and prepared sauce in zip-lock bags for future meal prep. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir-fry fresh vegetables for a quick dinner solution.
  • Meal Prep Time-Saver: Chop vegetables and slice chicken in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This reduces cooking time and makes weeknight dinner preparation a breeze, allowing you to have a delicious meal ready in minutes.

What’s Inside Chicken Chow Mein With The Best Chow Mein Sauce

For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
  • Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, sweet-savory complexity, opt for authentic Asian brands.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Contributes sweet-tangy profile, look for gluten-free versions if needed.
  • Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty aroma, use toasted version for more intense flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy texture, ensure it's fresh and lump-free.
  • Sugar: Balances overall sauce flavor, can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, select low-sodium for better control.
For Protein and Noodles:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs sauce beautifully, slice against grain for tenderness.
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Provides hearty base, fresh noodles preferred over dried versions.
For Vegetables:
  • Garlic: Builds foundational flavor, fresh cloves offer most robust taste.
  • Onion: Creates aromatic base, sweet varieties like Vidalia work wonderfully.
  • Carrots: Adds crunch and natural sweetness, julienne for even cooking.
  • Cabbage: Provides texture and lightness, Napa or green cabbage both work great.
  • Bean Sprouts: Introduces crisp freshness, use immediately after purchasing.
  • Green Onions: Delivers bright garnish, use both white and green parts.
Print
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Authentic Chicken Chow Mein With Homemade Sauce Recipe

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein With Homemade Sauce


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Irresistible chicken chow mein showcases authentic Chinese noodle magic with a perfectly balanced sauce that elevates home cooking. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and savory sauce will delight anyone seeking a delicious restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, for touch of sweetness)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
  • 2 cups (150 g) shredded cabbage or bok choy
  • ½ cup (50 g) bean sprouts (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and chicken broth in a compact bowl until smooth. Allow flavors to meld while preparing other components.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook chow mein noodles in rapidly boiling water according to package instructions. Drain completely and reserve for later integration.
  3. Protein Execution: Sear chicken slices in a hot skillet with vegetable oil, creating a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough cooking. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.
  4. Vegetable Transformation: Reheat skillet with additional vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and onions until fragrant. Rapidly incorporate carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, maintaining their crisp texture through quick, dynamic stirring.
  5. Combining Elements: Return chicken to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Add prepared noodles and pour the previously crafted sauce over the mixture. Toss meticulously to guarantee complete coating and flavor distribution.
  6. Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately to preserve peak flavor and textural integrity.

Notes

  • Sauce Balance: Mix sauce ingredients carefully, tasting and adjusting ratios to prevent overpowering saltiness from soy sauce or excessive sweetness from sugar.
  • Noodle Texture Mastery: Avoid overcooking noodles by monitoring boiling time strictly; rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and maintain ideal al dente consistency.
  • Stir-Fry Temperature Control: Use high heat throughout cooking to achieve proper wok hei (breath of the wok) technique, ensuring vegetables remain crisp and chicken develops caramelized edges without becoming rubbery.
  • Vegetable Variation: Swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or seasonal availability; consider adding bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms while maintaining similar cooking times to preserve crunch and nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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