If you have ever craved a restaurant-quality stir-fry that feels both comforting and exciting, then this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked chow mein noodles, and a vibrant sauce that’s bursting with umami and just the right balance of savory and sweet notes. Every bite brings a delightful mix of textures with crisp vegetables and luscious sauce coating each strand of noodle. Whether it’s a family dinner or a quick weeknight treat, this dish will become your go-to for an easy yet impressive meal that satisfies every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full flavor of this Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe. Each element is simple but essential, bringing together savory, sweet, and fresh flavors along with a wonderful range of textures and colors.
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless): Provides tender, lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 3 Tbsp oil: Ideal for stir-frying the chicken and veggies to golden perfection without sticking.
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked): The star carbohydrate, offering a delightfully chewy base for the sauce.
- 2 cups cabbage: Adds crunchy texture and a mild sweetness that balances the dish.
- 1 large carrot (julienned): Brings vibrant color and a subtle earthiness, plus a bit of bite.
- 1/2 batch green onions: Fresh, sharp garnish that lifts the flavors and adds a pop of green.
- 2 garlic cloves: Provides aromatic depth and a savory punch that awakens the palate.
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste): The magical ingredient that delivers rich, briny umami complexity.
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted): Adds a gentle nutty undertone without the intensity of toasted oils.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and helps everything blend together seamlessly.
- 1 Tbsp corn starch: Thickens the sauce perfectly for clingy, luscious noodles.
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to brighten and balance the savory elements.
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and corn starch in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of nuttiness into one smooth, glossy coating that will bind everything beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles until just tender. Then drain and rinse them with cold water. This step stops the cooking process so the noodles won’t get mushy later and preserves their pleasantly chewy texture that’s so satisfying to bite into.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and cook them until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. This ensures the chicken remains juicy while developing a beautiful color that adds to the dish’s appeal. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same pan, toss in the carrots, cabbage, and pressed garlic. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened but still maintain some crunch, and the cabbage turns slightly translucent. This step builds layers of flavor and texture that contrast perfectly with the tender chicken and noodles.
Step 5: Combine Everything with the Sauce
Add the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss everything together while cooking for another two minutes. This quick final simmer thickens the sauce and ensures every noodle and bite of chicken is coated in that irresistible savory glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions to add brightness and fresh crunch. Serve the Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe straight from the pan while it’s still steaming hot to enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors and textures at their best.
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like freshly chopped green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also injects a fresh, crisp bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes can also elevate the dish with extra aroma and a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken chow mein with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired feast. A bowl of hot miso soup or simple stir-fried greens like bok choy can provide a contrast in textures while complementing the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chow mein in individual lettuce cups for handheld bites. You could also plate it beautifully on a decorative platter topped with colorful sliced bell peppers or sprinkle crushed peanuts for additional texture. The key is to keep it vibrant and inviting, just like the dish tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chow mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to separate noodles and sauce slightly if possible to reduce clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce and refresh the noodles, keeping the texture enjoyable instead of dry or clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can swap them out for lo mein or thin spaghetti if needed. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they stay chewy and not overcooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the sauce to suit your taste.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chili peppers into the sauce before cooking. This will give your chow mein a lively kick without overpowering the original flavors.
What type of oyster sauce is best to use?
Look for high-quality oyster sauce with a rich, balanced flavor and minimal additives. Some brands are sweeter than others, so feel free to adjust the sugar in the sauce accordingly to maintain the perfect taste.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Vegetables can be prepped ahead as well. Cooking the chicken and noodles last ensures freshness, but prepping these early saves you time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secret to making Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe, you’re more than ready to create a dish that brings the joy of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious — perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a comforting solo meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe features tender bite-sized chicken breast stir-fried with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful homemade chow mein sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
Vegetables
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
Noodles
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
Sauces & Oils
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste)
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 3 Tbsp oil (for cooking, e.g., olive oil)
Liquids & Others
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, granulated sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add oil. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Fry the chicken strips in the hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and pressed garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and the cabbage becomes translucent.
- Combine and cook: Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over all the ingredients and stir well. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chow mein. Serve the noodles hot directly from the pan for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- You can substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Julienning the carrot thinly ensures it cooks quickly and blends well with the other textures.
- If chow mein noodles are unavailable, thin egg noodles or lo mein noodles can be used as alternatives.
- For added heat, consider adding a splash of chili sauce or fresh chili slices during the vegetable sauté step.
