Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner or looking to wow guests with a mouthwatering classic, Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce needs to be on your menu. This vibrant Chinese stir-fry weaves juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and tender noodles together in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that truly lives up to its name. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes—from the tangy umami of the sauce to the delicate crunch of veggies—all ready in a flash. It’s comfort food that transports you straight to your favorite takeout spot, right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is—every component brings its own magic, from the chewy noodles to the rich Chicken Chow Mein sauce. Here’s everything you need and why it matters in every delicious forkful:

• Soy Sauce: Adds foundational salty, savory depth and beautiful color to both sauce and stir-fry.
• Oyster Sauce: Gives the dish its classic, irreplaceable umami punch and wonderful sheen.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings a hint of sweetness and complexity, making the sauce irresistibly bold.
• Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty, aromatic finish that instantly elevates the entire dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps the chow mein sauce thicken and cling to every noodle strand (no soggy pools here!).
• Sugar (optional): Just a touch balances out the savory elements if you like your sauce slightly sweet.
• Chicken Broth (or Water): Lends body and flavor to the sauce, keeping it light but luscious.
• Chow Mein Noodles (or thin egg noodles): The backbone of the dish—springy and perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral and high-heat friendly for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Thinly sliced for speedy cooking and tender, juicy bites.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the whole dish with bright, aromatic flavor as soon as it hits the pan.
• Small Onion: Lightly sweet and pungent, onions bring balance and texture to every bite.
• Shredded Carrots: A pop of color and natural sweetness that plays perfectly against the savory sauce.
• Shredded Cabbage or Bok Choy: Adds earthiness, crunch, and another level of nutrition.
• Bean Sprouts (optional): Tossed in at the end for irresistible freshness and crunch—don’t skip if you love texture!
• Green Onions: Sliced for the perfect finishing garnish with their mild zing and bright green color.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar (if using), and chicken broth (or water) in a small bowl. This homemade blend is what gives the Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce its signature silky, glossy texture and mouthwatering layers of flavor—make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved so your sauce stays smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and cook the chow mein or egg noodles according to package directions. I like to keep them al dente, since they’ll finish absorbing the sauce in the skillet. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and toss lightly with a dash of sesame oil if you want to keep them from sticking until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and allow it to sear undisturbed for a minute or so, then stir-fry until no longer pink. Don’t overcook—these bite-sized pieces turn out perfectly juicy when they’re just done. Transfer to a plate and keep nearby.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then toss in the garlic and onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add your carrots and shredded cabbage (or bok choy). Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes—just enough for the veggies to soften slightly but retain their vibrant crunch and color. If using, add bean sprouts for the last 30 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the noodles. Give the chow mein sauce another quick stir (it sometimes settles) and pour it evenly over everything in the wok. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each strand of noodle and every bite-sized veggie gets coated. Cook just until everything’s piping hot and the sauce is glossy and thick.

Step 6: Serve

Finish by sprinkling the sliced green onions all over the top and plate your Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce straight from the skillet. Serve immediately for peak flavor and irresistible texture!

How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions is a must for color and brightness, but don’t be shy about adding a handful of toasted sesame seeds, extra bean sprouts, or even a drizzle of chili oil if you love heat. Each simple garnish layers on an extra pop of taste and elegance, turning your homemade Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce into a takeout-worthy work of art.

Side Dishes

Pair your chow mein with crisp Asian cucumber salad, silky egg drop soup, or a side of steamed dumplings to round out your meal. Even a simple plate of stir-fried greens (like gai lan or bok choy) lets the main dish’s flavors shine while making dinner feel like a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce in individual noodle bowls with chopsticks for a bistro vibe, or arrange it on a big platter for a family-style centerpiece. It’s even fantastic in takeout boxes—which are adorable for parties or picnics—proving that presentation can be as playful as the dish is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Your Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, portion cooled chow mein into airtight, freezer-safe containers. The noodles may soften a touch after thawing, but the flavors stay bold and vibrant. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and warm just until everything is hot throughout—try to avoid microwaving, which can make noodles a bit chewy, but you can use it for a quick fix if you’re in a rush!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap out chicken for thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a fantastic vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly so your protein stays tender and juicy.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If oyster sauce isn’t in your pantry, you can use an equal amount of extra hoisin sauce (for sweetness) or try a vegan mushroom oyster sauce. The flavor will shift a bit, but you’ll still end up with an irresistible chow mein sauce.

How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?

The key is to rinse the cooked noodles under cold water and toss them with a small splash of sesame oil before adding to the wok. This helps keep everything separate and perfectly chewy in your Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and seek out gluten-free noodles or even rice noodles. Double-check your hoisin and oyster sauces too, as some brands contain gluten.

Can I make the chow mein sauce in advance?

You sure can! Prepare the Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce a day ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before adding to your stir-fry, as the cornstarch can settle at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

One skillet, endless flavor—Chicken Chow Mein with The Best Chow Mein Sauce is a total crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again. The way it brings together fresh veggies, juicy chicken, and that silky, addictive brown sauce is nothing short of dinner happiness. Give it a try tonight and taste just how fun homemade takeout can be!

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