Easy Chicken Chow Mein

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This delicious Chicken Chow Mein is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your entire family will love! It’s made with fresh veggies, noodles, and sautéed chicken, tossed in a simple, savory glaze.

The entire meal can be thrown together in less than 30-minutes and you’ll feel like you’re eating from your favorite take-out restaurant! Don’t miss some of my other favorite “better than take-out” recipes like this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, Mongolian Beef and Easy Fried Rice.

Top-down view of chicken chow mein served in a black bowl.

Chicken Chow Mein

If I can make something for dinner that has fresh vegetables, protein, and my kids love it, I consider that a major win! I love how light and fresh this chicken chow mein is and it’s packed with amazing flavor. My husband always requests that I double the recipe so we can have leftovers for lunch during the week. (Because Chinese food is one of those things that tastes just as good heated up the next day!)

This homemade chicken chow mein is super easy to whip up and takes less than 20 minutes. Convinced yet? You’ll be able to make some in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive! So next time you’re craving some takeout, try making it in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients! (And if you’re looking for more better-than-takeout recipes, try this orange beef or Chinese lemon chicken!)

What’s the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?

The main difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein is the noodles. Lo mein noodles are a little thicker, and chow mein noodles are usually thin, and sometimes crispy or fried. To achieve that texture you could pan-fry the chow mein noodles in a little hot oil before adding them to this stir-fry.

Ingredient List

These are all the ingredients that will make your chicken chow mein and the savory sauce taste so good! Grab some coleslaw mix and chow mein noodles next time you’re at the store; chances are you already have everything else to make this tasty dish! (Measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post!)

  • Sesame Oil (or Canola Oil): Use a little sesame oil for a nice nutty taste, or you can go with canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. This is the cooking oil that you will use for stir-frying.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice your chicken into thin pieces for a quicker and tastier cook.
  • Garlic: Add some fresh minced garlic for that perfect savory flavor.
  • Coleslaw Mix: Grab a bag of coleslaw mix with shredded veggies for some crunch.
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Prep your chow mein noodles, either the refrigerated or dry ones. Cook them as the package says beforehand.
  • Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, oniony kick.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and savory punch. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • Chicken Broth: A way to adjust the consistency of the sauce while also adding flavor.
  • Oyster Sauce: A little oyster sauce for some sweet but savory flavor!
  • Sesame Oil: More sesame oil in the sauce makes it nuttier and tastier.
  • Freshly Grated Ginger (or Ginger Paste): Grate some fresh ginger or use ginger paste for a zesty kick in the sauce for your chicken chow mein.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Sweeten things up with a little bit of light brown sugar.
  • Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, so it sticks nicely to your noodles and other stir-fry ingredients.

How to Make the BEST Chicken Chow Mein

Grab all of your ingredients and get ready to make a quick and easy meal with the best flavor! This chicken chow mein is sure to become a new favorite in your house. My family loves it so much, we never have leftovers! (Which is a shame because they’re the best for enjoying later! This chicken chow mein retains its flavor and texture so well.)

  1. Prep Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, oyster sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
  3. Stir-Fry: Heat the oil in a large pan or wok on high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry just until cooked through. Add the garlic and then cook for 30 more seconds.
  4. Add Veggies: Add the coleslaw mix and stir fry for 1-2 minutes or until cabbage has wilted.
  5. Add Sauce and Noodles: Then add the noodles and sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy!
4-photo collage of all of the ingredients and sauce being mixed together and stir-fried.

What else can I add to Chicken Chow Mein?

This recipe is very easy to adapt to add whatever vegetables you like or have on hand. I love to add bok choy, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or water chestnuts. To make it your own, you could also substitute the chicken for tofu, steak, or shrimp.

Serve With These Other Dishes

A skillet filled with chow mein.

Storing Leftover Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken chow mein is fantastic left over, and will stay good in your fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat it, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. Another great way is to reheat it in a pan on the stove. Just toss it in there, warm over medium heat, stir occasionally, and in a few minutes, you’ll have some piping hot and delicious chow mein ready to enjoy all over again!

Note: if your noodles are dry or sticking to each other, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to add some moisture back in when reheating.

Picking up a bite of noodles and chicken with chopsticks.

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Chicken Chow Mein

  • Prepare the noodles according to package instructions.

  • In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, oyster sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch.

  • Heat the oil in a large pan or wok on high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry just until cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.

  • Add the coleslaw mix and stir fry for 1-2 minutes or until cabbage has wilted.

  • Add the noodles and sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

  • Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Originally posted February 25, 2019
Updated on October 31, 2023

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

 

Published by Staff Reporter