Name: Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 8 oz chow mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 cup shredded cabbage; ½ cup carrots, julienned; ½ cup bell pepper, sliced; ½ cup bean sprouts; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken); ¼ cup water

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Takeout – Homemade chow mein is fresher and tastier than restaurant versions.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust veggies, and tweak the sauce to your preference.
Balanced Flavors – A perfect blend of salty, sweet, and umami-rich sauce.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup required!

Ingredients

For the Chow Mein:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
8 oz chow mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup bean sprouts
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
1/4 cup water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Noodles – Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Cook the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables – In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute, then add cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked noodles, and pour in the chow mein sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Serve & Garnish – Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or chili paste for extra heat.
Vegetarian – Substitute tofu or mushrooms for the chicken.
Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles.
Extra Protein – Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or pork.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different noodles?

Yes, you can use lo mein, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles.

What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything and store it separately, then toss together before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but fresh vegetables provide the best texture.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss them with a little oil after cooking.

What’s the best pan to use?

A wok works best, but a large skillet will also do the job.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, if you like extra saucy noodles, double the sauce ingredients.

What protein works best besides chicken?

Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu all work great.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas are great additions.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is a quick, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. With its perfect balance of savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, this meal is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy it fresh and hot for the best experience!