Chicken Chow Mein Faster Than Takeout Better Than Ever

Chicken Chow Mein with the Faster Better Than Takeout

By Emily TorresOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a takeaway night in but don't want the grease? Ever wondered how to make Chicken Chow Mein that tastes better than your local Chinese? Well, you're in the right place! This recipe brings the vibrant flavours of your favourite Chicken Chow Mein Recipe right into your kitchen.

Quick Hook: Chow Mein Magic

Honestly, who doesn’t love Chicken Chow Mein ? This recipe nails that classic umami flavour. It’s also surprisingly easy to whip up!

Brief Overview: Stir Fried Goodness

Chicken Chow Mein , a stir fried noodle dish, is thought to originate from Northern China. The preparation is easy to make and is a perfect midweek meal.

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe takes about 45 minutes. That's faster than waiting for delivery, innit?

Main Benefits: Healthy and Happy

Packed with veggies and lean protein, this Homemade Chicken Chow Mein is healthier than takeout. Make this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe With Rice Noodles for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Best Chow Mein Noodles

You know, finding the perfect noodles can be a bit of a mission. Some folks swear by fresh, while others dig the dried stuff.

I've tried both and, honestly, as long as they're cooked al dente , you're golden.

Chow Mein Sauce

Now, the sauce is where the magic really happens. This Chow Mein Sauce is sweet, savoury, and just a little bit sticky. It’s honestly better than anything you'd get from a restaurant.

So, grab your wok and let's get cooking!

**Ingredients & Equipment for the best Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce**

Chicken Chow Mein Faster Than Takeout Better Than Ever presentation

Alright, let's dive into the stuff we need to make some seriously tasty Chicken Chow Mein . We're aiming for restaurant quality.

But easy enough for a weeknight! Honestly, this Homemade Chicken Chow Mein will blow your mind.

What you need for Chow Mein Nirvana!

Here's a breakdown of everything. Don't worry. It's not complicated.

Chicken: 1 lb ( 450g ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality chicken that looks fresh. It makes a difference!.
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) for the chicken marinade. Use good quality naturally fermented soy sauce, or low sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) . This helps the chicken get nice and tender!
Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) . A little goes a long way.
Ground Ginger: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) . Adds warmth and zing.
White Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) . Optional, but a nice touch.

Get Saucy: The Chow Mein Sauce Breakdown

The sauce is where the magic happens. This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe hinges on it.

Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Again, go for quality.
Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . This adds that umami depth. Mushroom sauce works too!.
Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp (30ml) , packed. For a little sweetness to balance the saltiness!
Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds a tangy zing.
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Thickens the sauce beautifully.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Veggie broth works too.
Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) . More delicious nutty flavour!
White Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) . Optional, but adds a subtle kick.

Noodle Know How and Veggie Variety

Now, onto the fun stuff! These are the ingredients that brings the Authentic Chicken Chow Mein !

Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For stir frying all the good stuff.
Onion: 1, thinly sliced. Adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. A must!
Ginger: 1 inch ( 2.5cm ), minced. Essential for that authentic flavour.
Carrots: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. Adds sweetness and colour.
Celery: 1 cup (100g) , sliced. Adds a nice crunch.
Bell Peppers: 1 cup (100g) , sliced. Any colour works!
Mushrooms: 1 cup (100g) , sliced. I love shiitake!
Chow Mein Noodles: 4 cups (approx. 350g) , fresh or dried. If you can’t find them, spaghetti works in a pinch! These are also known as Best Chow Mein Noodles , but use any that you like!
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced. For garnish, and fresh flavour.
Sesame Seeds: For garnish. Adds a nutty crunch.

Seasoning Secret

For the seasoning, you really can't skip on soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger. They build up that amazing Stir Fry Noodles with Chicken flavour.

And don't be afraid to experiment! A little dash of chilli oil can be amazing too!

Essential Equipment for a Quick Chicken Chow Mein

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal. But a big skillet works just fine!
Mixing Bowls: For marinating and prepping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key!
Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping all those veggies.

That's it! It's easier than you think to make Chicken Chow Mein Recipe With Rice Noodles from scratch! I promise you'll never want takeout again. Let's get cooking!

Let's Wok 'n' Roll: The Chicken Chow Mein Method

So, you're after the Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce , eh? Honestly, who isn't? Forget that gloopy takeaway stuff.

We're making Homemade Chicken Chow Mein that's gonna blow your socks off. It's all about the method, mate.

Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place

Alright, first things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything ready! Chop your veggies. Measure your sauces.

Marinate that chicken. Trust me, this 25 minutes of prep saves you a load of stress later. And safety first! Keep your fingers outta the way when you're choppin'.

step-by-step: Chow Mein Mastery

Ready to get cookin'? This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe comes together fast.

Marinate your chicken. Mix it with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Whisk together your sauce. It is 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper.
Cook your noodles according to the packet directions. Make sure they are al dente.
Stir fry your aromatics and veggies. Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium high heat . Then toss in onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until they are crisp tender.
Cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Add noodles and sauce, and toss until evenly coated.
Simmer for 2- 3 minutes , or until the sauce has thickened up.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: From Good to Gourmet Chow Mein

Want your Chicken Chow Mein to be the Best Chow Mein Noodles dish ever? Here are a few tricks. Don't overcrowd the wok.

You’ll steam, not stir fry. High heat is your friend. Get that wok hei (smoky flavor). And taste that sauce! Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

If you want Quick Chicken Chow Mein , marinate the chicken the night before.

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Chicken Chow Mein

So, you are about to embark on creating your own Homemade Chicken Chow Mein ! Honestly, I am buzzing for you.

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way to make your dish sing. Let's talk about my favourite Easy Chicken Chow Mein Recipe .

Serving Suggestions: From Wok to Table

Presentation is key, right? When plating your Chicken Chow Mein , think about height. A nice mound of noodles, topped with colourful veggies and glistening Chow Mein Sauce , is super appealing.

Sprinkle some extra green onions and sesame seeds on top, and BAM, restaurant quality.

For sides, I love serving this with crispy spring rolls. They add a nice textural contrast. Or, if you are feeling fancy, a simple cucumber salad cuts through the richness of the Chicken Chow Mein .

A cold beer or iced green tea are perfect drinks to wash it all down. Did you know that the first restaurant to serve Authentic Chicken Chow Mein in the United States was in New York City in 1897?

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Quick Chicken Chow Mein recipe is great the next day.

Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't ideal because the noodles can get a bit mushy, but if you must, portion it out into freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 1 month .
Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Make sure the internal temperature is 165° F ( 74° C) before serving.

Variations: Your Chow Mein, Your Way

The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is how customizable it is.

Dietary Adaptations: To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add some fresh sugar snap peas or corn. In the fall, butternut squash or shredded kale would be delicious.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't health food, but it's definitely better than takeout! I really like my Chicken Chow Mein Recipe With Rice Noodles , It has fewer calories.

Each serving packs a good punch of protein from the chicken and a decent dose of fiber from the veggies.

It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Just be mindful of the sodium content from the soy sauce.

And while the sauce is great, it can be high in sugar, so eat in moderation.

There you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to making the best Chicken Chow Mein ever.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You can’t find Best Chow Mein Noodles in your local grocery store.

Happy cooking!

Delicious Chicken Chow Mein with the Secret Sauce Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are chow mein noodles, and can I use spaghetti instead? I'm in a bit of a pickle!

Chow mein noodles are typically fresh or dried wheat noodles that are a bit thicker and chewier than spaghetti. If you're in a bind, spaghetti can work in a pinch, but try to cook it al dente so it doesn't get too mushy.

Ideally, look for fresh or dried egg noodles at your local Asian grocery store for a more authentic Chicken Chow Mein with the right texture!

My Chicken Chow Mein with the sauce always ends up a bit bland. What am I doing wrong?

Bland chow mein is a common problem! First, ensure you're using good quality soy sauce and oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce). Don't be shy with the aromatics (garlic, ginger) they're flavour bombs.

Also, give your sauce a taste before adding it to the wok and adjust as needed maybe it needs a touch more sugar, vinegar, or even a pinch of salt. A little goes a long way!

How do I stop my Chicken Chow Mein from being a soggy mess? No one likes soggy noodles!

Soggy noodles are a chow mein tragedy! Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente before adding them to the wok; they'll continue to cook in the sauce. Also, don't overcrowd the pan cook in batches if needed. Lastly, avoid adding too much sauce at once; you can always add more if needed but can't take it away!

Can I make Chicken Chow Mein with the ahead of time? I'm planning a right knees-up!

You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. Chop your veggies and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. The sauce can also be made ahead. However, it's best to cook the noodles and stir fry the chow mein closer to serving time to avoid a soggy situation.

If you must make it entirely ahead, reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth to loosen the noodles.

What's the best way to store leftovers, and how long will my Chicken Chow Mein with the last?

Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. Microwaving is also an option, but the noodles might get a bit tougher.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier, any tips for making a lower calorie Chicken Chow Mein with the recipe?

Absolutely! Use less oil when cooking. Opt for chicken breast instead of thigh meat. Load up on the veggies they're low in calories and packed with nutrients! You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce and a sugar substitute in the sauce to reduce sodium and sugar content.

Check the nutritional information on your noodles, some types are lower in calories than others.