Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a takeout favorite but want to whip it up at home with a special touch, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing my go-to Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out instead of just cooking it yourself!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chicken chow mein blends fresh veggies, tender chicken breast, and those famously crispy chow mein noodles, all tied together with the best chow mein sauce you’ll find. Look for good-quality oyster and soy sauce to make the flavor pop.

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless works best for uniform pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Oil: I use a neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola for stir-frying, but you can swap olive oil if preferred.
• Chow mein noodles: Uncooked is ideal; they get crispy and absorb the sauce well.
• Cabbage: Adds crunch and sweetness; thinly sliced for even cooking.
• Carrot: Julienned for that fresh color and subtle natural sweetness.
• Green onions: Chopped and tossed on top for a bright, oniony finish.
• Garlic: Pressed or minced – it’s the base flavor that wakes everything up.
• Oyster sauce: The soul of the sauce—choose a quality brand and adjust to taste.
• Soy sauce: I recommend low sodium to keep balance but go as you like.
• Light sesame oil: Not toasted—this keeps the sauce aromatic without overpowering.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce silky.
• Corn starch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect clinginess.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the salty and savory components for harmony.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible so you can make it suit your taste or what’s available in your fridge. You can add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for diversity.

• Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I throw in snap peas or bell peppers for extra crunch and color, and my family loves it!
• Protein Switch: Try this with shrimp or tofu if you want a pescatarian or vegetarian option — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce brings a pleasant heat that lifts the whole dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free chow mein noodles to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together That Amazing Sauce

This is where the magic starts. I combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, light sesame oil, chicken broth, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. It’s important to get everything well mixed so the cornstarch doesn’t clump—this gives you that silky, luscious sauce consistency you want later.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles and Set Aside

Boil your chow mein noodles according to package instructions, usually just a couple of minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Rinsing stops the cooking and prevents stickiness. I find that setting them aside like this keeps them nice and springy for stir-frying.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken Until Golden

Heat your wok or a large skillet with oil over medium heat. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and cook them until they get that beautiful golden brown on the outside. It’s tempting to overcrowd the pan, but trust me, giving the pieces some breathing room helps with better browning. Once cooked, remove the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 4: Softly Sauté Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your julienned carrots, sliced cabbage, and pressed garlic. You’ll want to sauté them just until the carrots soften slightly and the cabbage turns translucent—this keeps the texture lively without being too raw or mushy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan along with the noodles, then pour your prepared chow mein sauce over everything. Toss and cook for another couple of minutes—this is when the sauce thickens and radiates its unbeatable flavor through every bite. Don’t rush here; giving the stir-fry time to finish cooking lets the noodles soak up all that saucy goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top just before serving for a fresh, crisp contrast. Serve the chow mein steaming hot straight from the pan—you’ll love how the aroma fills the kitchen at this point!

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with freshly chopped green onions because they add a lovely oniony kick and a pop of color. Sometimes, if I want a little extra, I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a subtle nutty crunch. It’s those small touches that bring it all together.

Side Dishes

This chicken chow mein pairs wonderfully with simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. If I’m in the mood for a bigger meal, I like serving it with steamed dumplings or a light miso soup on the side — perfect balance!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when friends come over, I serve the chow mein in little lettuce cups as handheld bites or pile it high in colorful bowls topped with extra herbs and a drizzle of sriracha. Presentation makes the meal feel festive and really impresses the crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat it within 2-3 days. The noodles soak up sauce over time, so leftovers taste even better but lose some crispness—still delicious!

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze chow mein because the noodles can get mushy when thawed, but if you must, freeze the cooked chicken and veggies separately and toss with freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat. This way, any excess moisture evaporates, and the noodles get a bit of that delicious crisp back. Microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet method is my favorite for bringing back the original texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious. I love how it brings the comforting vibes of takeout right to my dining table, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going in each bite. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again—your family and friends will thank you, too!

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