There’s nothing quite like the savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly saucy taste of chicken chow mein. Crispy noodles, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables tossed in a rich sauce make it a favorite at home and in restaurants alike. With the right technique, you can make the best chicken chow mein recipe ever in your own kitchen—fast, fresh, and full of flavor!
🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Marinade:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and green)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup snow peas or snap peas
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked chow mein noodles (or spaghetti as substitute)
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sugar
¼ cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes for extra tenderness.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.
Stir well and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry chicken until cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add remaining oil to the pan.
Toss in garlic, onions, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Combine & Toss
Add cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan.
Pour sauce over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Mein
High heat cooking → Stir-fry quickly on high heat to keep veggies crisp.
Don’t overcook noodles → Slightly undercook them before stir-frying.
Marinate the chicken → Adds flavor and keeps meat tender.
Mix sauces evenly → Avoid clumps of hoisin or oyster sauce.
Customize veggies → Mushrooms, cabbage, or bean sprouts all work beautifully.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a full takeout-style experience.
Drizzle with extra sesame oil or chili sauce for a flavor boost.
Conclusion
With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this is how you make the best chicken chow mein recipe ever at home. Quick, delicious, and full of restaurant-quality flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Once you try this recipe, homemade chow mein will become a regular favorite! 🍜🐔