Chicken chow mein is a quick and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. The combination of soft noodles and slightly crunchy vegetables creates a balanced texture that makes this dish a go-to for busy meals.
This version keeps the ingredients simple while building flavor through fast cooking over high heat.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 cups chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the noodles
- 200g chow mein noodles (or egg noodles), cooked and drained
For the vegetables
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Other
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Tools
- Wok or large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Let it sit for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the vegetables
In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add garlic, then cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Add noodles
Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss with the vegetables.
6. Add sauce and chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
7. Finish and serve
Add chopped green onions and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken chow mein pairs well with:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Soup
- Fried rice
- Chili sauce on the side
Tips for Best Results
Cook on high heat for better texture.
Do not overcook vegetables to keep them crisp.
Use pre-cooked noodles to save time.
Toss quickly to prevent sticking.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan for better texture.
Freezing is not recommended as noodles may soften.
Variations
Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use shrimp instead of chicken.
Add chili sauce for a spicy version.
