Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein: A Weeknight Favorite (Print Version)

Whip up Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein at home! Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory noodles for a quick, comforting meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
02 - 8 oz fresh or dried chow mein noodles
03 - 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
04 - 1 cup carrots, julienned

→ Flavor Boosters & Sauce Base

05 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp oyster sauce
07 - 1 tbsp sesame oil (plus extra for tossing noodles)
08 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
11 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

→ Veggies & Finishing Touches

12 - 1 cup bean sprouts
13 - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get everything ready! Slice your chicken into thin strips, julienne those carrots, shred the cabbage, and mince your garlic and ginger. Trust me, stir-frying happens fast, and you don't want to be scrambling for ingredients mid-cook. I've definitely had moments where I was chopping an onion while the wok was smoking, and it was pure chaos. This step, often called mise en place, is your best friend for making Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein.
02 - Boil your chow mein noodles according to package directions, but aim for slightly al dente. You don't want them mushy, because they'll cook a little more in the wok. Drain them well and toss with a tiny bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking. I always used to overcook them, thinking softer was better, but then they'd break apart in the stir-fry. Live and learn, right?
03 - Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of oil until it's shimmering. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they're cooked through and lightly browned. Don't overcrowd the pan like I always used to, or your chicken will steam instead of sear, and we want that lovely browned texture! You should hear a satisfying sizzle as it hits the hot pan.
04 - Push the chicken to one side of the wok, or remove it temporarily. Add the garlic and ginger to the empty space and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—oh, the smell is incredible! Then, add the carrots and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of a bite. I love how the kitchen smells at this point; it just feels so vibrant.
05 - Return the chicken to the center (if you removed it) and add the cooked noodles to the wok. Pour in your pre-mixed sauce (soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and a splash of sesame oil). Toss everything together using tongs, making sure the noodles and veggies are evenly coated in that delicious, savory sauce. This is where you can really feel the dish coming alive, coating every strand of noodle.
06 - Finally, toss in the bean sprouts and green onions, stir-frying for just another minute until they're heated through but still retain their crispness. You want those vibrant colors and textures! Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more soy sauce for me, always. Serve your Easy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein immediately, steaming hot and ready to be devoured. It should look glossy and inviting, a true testament to your kitchen prowess.

# Notes:

01 - Always have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast!
02 - Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for best texture, avoid the microwave if you can.
03 - Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you're feeling adventurous, it works surprisingly well!
04 - Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls for an extra special weeknight meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large wok or large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - tongs
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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