Chicken Chow Mein is one of those comforting, restaurant-style dishes that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to recreate a takeout favorite or just craving something savory, this Chicken Chow Mein recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can bring this delicious meal to life in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Mein
A Balanced Meal in One Bowl
This Chicken Chow Mein is not only delicious but also a well-balanced meal. It combines lean protein, a hearty serving of vegetables, and comforting noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. There’s minimal cleanup and no need to prepare multiple dishes.
Ideal for Busy Weeknights
Thanks to its simple prep and quick cook time, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
Ingredients and How-To Guide
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrot
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. - Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and keep it ready. - Make a Cornstarch Slurry
In another bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a small splash of water. This slurry will help thicken the sauce later. - Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onion, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and green onions if using. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp. - Combine and Cook
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add in the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Mix well to combine evenly. - Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and chicken nicely. - Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Easy Customization Options
You can easily switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or just load up on more vegetables.
Perfect Pairings and Storage
This dish pairs well with a light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Savor the Flavor: Chicken Chow Mein Made Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A flavorful and easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe packed with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and saucy noodles. A perfect takeout-style dish made at home.
Ingredients
“2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced”,
“2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)”,
“12 oz chow mein noodles”,
“1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage”,
“1/2 cup julienned carrot”,
“1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)”,
“1 small onion, sliced”,
“2 tablespoons soy sauce”,
“1 tablespoon oyster sauce”,
“1 tablespoon hoisin sauce”,
“1 tablespoon cornstarch”,
“1/4 cup water”,
“Salt and pepper to taste”
Instructions
- “Bring a pot of water to boil and cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.”,
- “In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water. Stir and set aside.”,
- “In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry.”,
- “Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.”,
- “Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Stir-fry onion, cabbage, carrots, and green onions for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.”,
- “Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked noodles and sauce. Toss everything together to combine.”,
- “Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.”,
- “Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.”
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American