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How to Make Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein Today

The smell hit me first. Garlicky, savory, with that sizzle from a hot pan that makes your stomach growl before you can say dinner. If you’ve seen a dozen TikToks of simmering noodle bowls lately, you’re not alone. This one’s a keeper: Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein.

It’s fast. It’s got juicy chicken, tender noodles, and a swipe of soy-sesame magic. Pantry stuff, plus maybe a carrot you forgot in the crisper. Like takeout got a warm, homemade hugand you’ll have dinner ready before your kid finds a new snack. Full details in the blog!

I grew up in a kitchen where stir-fries meant dinner in a hurryand somehow still delicious. My mom had no time to waste but knew her way around flavor. I tested this one for easy wins and quick cleanup. You’ll love the secret!

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HOMEMADE EASY CHICKEN CHOW MEIN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein Delicious Recipe


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  • Author: Josue Balbuena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a delicious Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles. This Chicken Chow Mein is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick, tasty meal at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 ounces chicken breast boneless skinless cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 5 ounces chow mein noodles uncooked noodles
  • 2 cups cabbage sliced thinly
  • 1 large carrot julienned
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced or chopped small
  • 4 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 4 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoon light sesame oil not toasted
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Whisk together oyster sauce sugar sesame oil soy sauce chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Boil the chow mein noodles until tender following package instructions then drain and rinse with cold water; keep aside.
  3. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat and cook the bite-sized chicken until golden brown; remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté carrots cabbage and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften and cabbage is translucent.
  5. Return noodles and chicken to the pan pour the prepared sauce over everything stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve the chow mein hot directly from the pan.

Notes

  • For even better results marinate chicken in the sauce
  • Pour 1-2 tablespoon of sauce over the chicken mix to coat and set aside for 30 minutes
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
  • Prep veggies chicken and sauce ahead of time and keep separately in the fridge for 1-2 days
  • Avoid soggy chow mein by cooking noodles until just firm using high heat stir-fry and not overcrowding the pan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop

Nutrition

  • Calories: 394 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1399mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g + 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.04g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Why It’s a Family Favorite

Do you ever have those nights when dinner needs to come together fast, but you still want something that feels a little special? This recipe fits the bill perfectly! Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein is packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly saucy noodles. It’s like your favorite takeout, but cozierand simpler to make. Plus, it’s a dish the whole family can agree on (a rare win, right?).

It’s also a great way to sneak in veggies without anyone complaining. The cabbage and carrots blend seamlessly with the noodles, soaking up that garlicky, savory sauce. And because you’re making this yourself, it’s easy to adjust the flavors or spice level to fit what your family loves most. Bonus: Less mess than hauling everyone out for takeout!

HOMEMADE EASY CHICKEN CHOW MEIN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Ingredients Breakdown

This dish is all about balance: a little protein, a little crunch, and a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best for quick cooking and tender bites.
  • Chow Mein Noodles: These cook up beautifully in just minutesperfect for busy nights.
  • Veggies: Thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrots add freshness and crunch. Green onions bring a lovely pop at the end.
  • Garlic: For that classic savory base you can’t skip.
  • Chow Mein Sauce: A mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar creates the magic. It’s salty, sweet, and savory all at once.

Pro Tip: If you’re prepping ahead, you can slice the veggies and mix the sauce the night before. Keep everything chilled until you’re ready to cook!

Simple Steps to Make It

This recipe is perfect for when you want homemade dinner but don’t want to feel stuck in the kitchen all evening. Here’s the step-by-step:

  1. Prep the sauce: Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set to the side. It’s the key to tying everything together later.
  2. Cook the noodles: Follow the package instructions, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them hang out while you handle the rest.
  3. Sauté the chicken: Heat oil in a pan or wok, add the chicken, and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the veggies: Add more oil and toss in the carrots, cabbage, and garlic. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they’re softened but still a little crisp.
  5. Bring it all together: Add the noodles and chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything, stir to coat, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until combined and heated through.
  6. Finish with green onions: Sprinkle them over the top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve this meal hot and enjoy!

Easy Customizations

The beauty of Chicken Chow Mein is how versatile it is! Here are a few fun tweaks to make it your own:

  • Swap the protein: Don’t have chicken? Shrimp or tofu work beautifully here. Adjust cooking times as needed.
  • Use different veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms can be added for extra color and flavor. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly.
  • Control the salt: Using low-sodium soy sauce is a good way to keep things balanced if you’re watching salt intake.

Pro Tip: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha when cooking the sauce. It adds just the right kick!

How to Serve & Store

Once your homemade chow mein is ready, serve it straight from the pan for the best texture and flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli for a more complete meal, or enjoy it as-isthe noodles are filling enough on their own!

Storage TypeTips
RefrigeratorStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
FreezerFreeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
ReheatingWarm in a skillet with a splash of broth or extra sauce to keep it saucy.

Shortcut: If you plan to reheat this often, make a little extra sauce to drizzle over the noodles when warming them up. It keeps everything moist and flavorful!

Expert Says

Stir-frying ingredients quickly at high heat, as in this homemade easy chicken chow mein, helps preserve the texture and nutrients in vegetables. Using lean chicken provides a good source of protein without excess fat, making this dish both flavorful and balanced for a satisfying meal.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Perfecting Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein One Stir at a Time

It took several messy attempts to get this Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein right. I learned the hard way that high heat and quick tossing make all the difference, and a few overcooked noodles later, I finally nailed the balance of crisp veggies and tender chicken. This recipe reflects every one of those lessons.

FAQs ( Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein )

How do I prevent noodles from getting soggy?

To keep noodles firm and avoid sogginess, rinse them in cold water after boiling to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly before stir-frying, and toss them quickly to coat with sauce without overcooking. This helps maintain the perfect texture in the dish.

Can I substitute vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely. Feel free to swap or add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli based on your preference. Just ensure they are cut evenly and stir-fry them to keep a crisp-tender bite that complements the chicken and noodles.

What is the best protein cut for this meal?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Breasts provide lean meat while thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Slice thinly and cook quickly over high heat to keep the meat tender and juicy in the stir-fry.

How can I make the stir-fry sauce?

The sauce typically combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey for balance. Mix these ingredients before adding to the pan and simmer briefly to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste for a rich and savory finish.

Can this dish be prepared ahead?

You can chop and prep ingredients in advance, but best results come from cooking just before serving. Store cooked noodles and chicken separately in airtight containers to avoid sogginess, then quickly reheat and combine for freshness and texture.

HOMEMADE EASY CHICKEN CHOW MEIN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered_pin

Conclusion

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about whipping up this Homemade Easy Chicken Chow Mein in just about 30 minutes. You’ll end up with tender chicken, perfectly saucy noodles, and crisp-tender veggies, all mingling in one delicious pan. The garlicky, savory aromas will fill your kitchenit’s comfort food that’s fast, fuss-free, and simply magical. Dinner done right, without the stress.

If you want to switch things up, try swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, or sneak in bell peppers for a little extra crunch and color. Leftovers? No worries! A quick reheat with a splash of broth keeps everything juicymy go-to trick, lifted straight from my aunt’s bustling kitchen. And don’t forget to toss in a pinch of chili flakes if you like things with a gentle kick!

I’d love to hear if this recipe stirs up memories or new favorites at your table. Did you grow up on something similar? Share your photos or kitchen storiesI’m all ears! Save this one for those busy nights when homemade feels just right. Here’s to cozy, delicious meals that bring everyone back around the table.

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