Chicken chow mein is a beloved dish that has captured hearts and taste buds around the world! This recipe features the best chow mein sauce that brings together a delightful blend of savory and umami flavors, making every bite unforgettable. What I love most is how quick and easy this dish is to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just crave something comforting yet delicious. Trust me, once you try this chicken chow mein, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s a cozy meal that warms not just your stomach, but your soul!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your scrumptious chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce:
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (look for the thin, crispy kind for that perfect texture)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing your chicken and veggies)
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced (tender and juicy, a must for this dish)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color you love—red, green, or yellow add a splash of color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, they add a nice crunch)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned (these add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for a fresh, oniony kick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that classic savory umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds depth and richness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that toasty finish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the sauce to perfection)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (to bring it all together and enhance the flavor)
How to Prepare Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and you’ll be enjoying this comforting dish in no time.
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, let’s get those chow mein noodles cooking! Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and once it’s bubbling away, add in the noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they’re just tender but still have a nice bite. You want them al dente! Trust me, overcooked noodles can ruin the whole dish. Once they’re ready, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for now.
Sautéing the Chicken
Next up, let’s get that chicken sizzling! In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (you can tell if it shimmers a bit), toss in the sliced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully browned and smells divine! Don’t rush this step; the more golden, the better!
Adding Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add some color and crunch! Toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots into the pan with the chicken. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to retain some crispness, but they should be tender enough to enjoy. The vibrant colors will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Mixing the Chow Mein Sauce
While those veggies are cooking, let’s whip up the chow mein sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Whisk them together until it’s nice and smooth. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well mixed for that perfect flavor!
Combining Everything
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Pour that delicious chow mein sauce over the chicken and veggies in the pan, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Then, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until it’s all combined. You’ll see the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully! Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through, and then it’s time to serve hot. Wow, doesn’t that sound incredible?
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delicious chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
This hearty meal provides a wonderful balance of protein, veggies, and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken chow mein turns out absolutely delicious every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls!
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: The key to perfect chow mein noodles is to cook them just until they’re al dente. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit when you toss them with the hot chicken and veggies. So, keep an eye on them and drain them right when they’re done!
- High Heat is Your Friend: When stir-frying, make sure your pan is hot enough. This helps achieve that lovely, slightly charred flavor! If the heat is too low, your ingredients will steam instead of fry, and we definitely want that crispy texture.
- Prep Everything Before You Start: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your veggies and slice your chicken beforehand, so you can focus on the cooking process without scrambling around.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to match your flavor preference. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more oyster sauce; if you want it saltier, a splash more soy sauce works wonders!
- Add Veggies in Stages: Different vegetables cook at different rates. If you’re adding things like snap peas or mushrooms, toss them in at different stages so everything finishes cooking perfectly.
- Finish with Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top just before serving. It adds a fresh crunch that’s simply delightful!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce! You’ll impress your family and friends, and maybe even yourself, with your culinary skills!
Variations of Chicken Chow Mein
If you’re like me and love to experiment with flavors, there are so many fun ways to mix up your chicken chow mein! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Swap the Protein: While chicken is a classic, feel free to use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead! Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a bit more time to get tender.
- Vary the Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to customize the veggies! Try adding snap peas, baby corn, or even mushrooms for an earthy touch. You could also toss in some bok choy or zucchini for a fresh crunch.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while stir-frying to give it that delightful kick!
- Go Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tempeh or extra firm tofu, and replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative or just add more soy sauce. You’ll still get that savory flavor without the meat!
- Herbs and Greens: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil at the end for a burst of freshness. You can even toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
- Experiment with Sauces: Change up the sauce by adding hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor or a dash of rice vinegar for some tang. You could also try a splash of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor!
These variations keep your chicken chow mein exciting and new, so don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
To make your chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce even more delightful, consider pairing it with a few complementary dishes! Here are some of my favorite side options that will elevate your meal:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls make a fantastic appetizer. Their crunch and fresh flavors are the perfect contrast to the savory chow mein!
- Steamed Dumplings: Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or veggie dumplings, these little pockets of goodness are a hearty addition that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the chow mein.
- Asian Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a sesame dressing brightens up the plate. It adds a refreshing crunch that complements the dish perfectly!
- Hot and Sour Soup: This classic soup brings a warm, spicy element to your meal. Its tangy flavors balance the richness of the chow mein wonderfully.
- Rice: If you’re in the mood for a bit more carbs, serve the chow mein over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice. It’s a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce!
- Pickled Vegetables: Adding a small side of pickled cucumbers or radishes can provide a zesty contrast to the savory chow mein, giving your meal a delightful pop of flavor.
These serving suggestions not only enhance your chicken chow mein experience but also create a vibrant and satisfying feast. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect combination!
FAQ Section
Can I use different noodles for this chicken chow mein?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can also use lo mein noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so follow the package instructions for whichever noodles you choose!
Is it possible to make chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! I recommend cooking the chicken and veggies just before serving for the best texture. You can also prepare the chow mein sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding it to your stir-fry!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make chicken chow mein gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, ensure your chow mein noodles are labeled gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy!
What can I add to the sauce to give it more flavor?
If you want to amp up the flavor of your chow mein sauce, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for tang or a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness. You can also stir in some chili paste or fresh ginger for an extra kick!
How do I store leftovers?
To store your chicken chow mein, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back some moisture!

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious chicken chow mein featuring a savory chow mein sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and green onions, stir for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well.
- Add cooked noodles and toss to combine.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste.
- Add more vegetables if desired.
- For extra spice, add chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken chow mein, chow mein sauce, easy chicken recipes