Chicken Chow Mein With The Ultimate Sauce Recipe

Heavenly Chicken Chow Mein with the Ultimate Sauce Recipe

Wok-tossed chicken chow mein sparkles with an incredible sauce that makes taste buds dance.

Noodles intertwine with crisp vegetables and tender meat chunks.

My grandmother shared her secret recipe decades ago in her tiny kitchen.

Authentic flavors emerge from carefully balanced ingredients and precise cooking techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through Chinese culinary traditions.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

You can create this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and a bit of passion.

Chicken Chow Mein with Signature Ultimate Sauce

  • Unlock Speedy Cooking: Prepare a complete meal in just a few simple steps with minimal kitchen equipment and ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or protein to match family preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Packed with Flavor Punch: The ultimate sauce combines multiple Asian-inspired condiments, creating a rich, complex taste that elevates the entire dish beyond standard stir-fry recipes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by using a single wok or pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty base for the stir-fry and adds substantial flavor to the dish.
For the Noodles:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: A classic Chinese pasta that creates the signature texture and foundation of this popular dish.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: A trio of Asian sauces that deliver complex, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profiles.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty sauce components.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Deepens the sauce's flavor and helps create a smooth, cohesive consistency.
  • Cornstarch: Works as a thickening agent to give the sauce a glossy, clinging texture.
For the Vegetables:
  • Cabbage, Carrots, Bean Sprouts: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds crunch, nutrition, and freshness to the stir-fry.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that bring intense, sharp flavors and authentic Asian taste to the dish.
For the Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a final garnish.
For the Cooking Oils:
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for stir-frying chicken and vegetables at high heat.

How to Prepare Chicken Chow Mein with Ultimate Sauce

Step 1: Noodle Prep Perfection

Boil water in a large pot. Drop chow mein noodles into bubbling water and cook following package directions.

Drain noodles, rinse with cold water, then lightly coat with oil to keep them from clumping together.

Step 2: Sauce Magic Creation

Grab a small bowl and whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Chicken broth
  • Cornstarch

Blend until smooth and set aside for later flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sizzling Chicken Transformation

Fire up a wok or large pan with oil over medium-high heat. Slide chicken slices into the hot surface.

Cook while stirring occasionally until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Vegetable Dance

In the same pan, add fresh oil. Toss in:
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Bean sprouts

Stir-fry until vegetables become slightly tender.

Quickly add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for a quick 30-second flavor release.

Step 5: Symphony of Ingredients

Return chicken to the pan.

Add cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce. Toss everything together over medium-high heat.

Stir-fry until sauce beautifully coats each ingredient and everything is steaming hot.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh green onions over the top.

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your mouthwatering chicken chow mein feast!

Tips to Nail Chicken Chow Mein Every Time

  • Rinse chow mein noodles with cold water after boiling to stop cooking process and prevent mushy texture, then lightly coat with oil to keep them from sticking together.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to your taste by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or extra soy sauce for saltiness, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
  • Use high heat while stir-frying to achieve that authentic restaurant-style sear and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy or losing their crisp texture.
  • Chop all vegetables and slice chicken in advance to streamline cooking process and ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly.
  • Easily swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create different variations of this versatile chow mein recipe.

Variations to Brighten Chicken Chow Mein Flavors

  • Vegetarian Veggie Feast: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, using extra firm variety for best texture. Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms for nutrition boost.
  • Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops, cooking them quickly to prevent overcooking. Use light seafood broth instead of chicken broth for enhanced marine flavor profile.
  • Spicy Korean Fusion: Incorporate gochujang or Korean chili paste into sauce for bold heat. Add kimchi and sprinkle with sesame seeds for authentic Korean-inspired experience.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use rice noodles or gluten-free wheat noodles. Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Pairings That Enhance Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling to complement the savory chicken chow mein. The wine's light acidity cuts through the richness of the dish while enhancing the complex sauce flavors.
  • Refreshing Beer Selection: Choose a light Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo. These clean, crisp beers provide a perfect balance to the salty and umami notes in the chow mein, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Harmonizing Side Drink: Prepare a cold jasmine tea that offers a subtle floral backdrop to the stir-fry. Its delicate flavor profile softens the dish's intense seasonings without overwhelming the meal's intricate taste combinations.

Best Storage Practices for Chicken Chow Mein

Store leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled chow mein to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Warm a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add chow mein and stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • What type of noodles work best for Chicken Chow Mein?

Fresh or dried chow mein noodles are ideal. If unavailable, you can substitute with egg noodles or even spaghetti for a similar texture and taste.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and replace regular oyster sauce with a gluten-free version. Also, choose gluten-free noodles to make the entire dish gluten-free friendly.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped fresh chili peppers during the stir-frying process.

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Chicken Chow Mein With The Ultimate Sauce Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein With The Ultimate Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade chicken chow mein delivers authentic Chinese restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. Savory noodles tangle with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, promising a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy serious comfort food cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, boneless & skinless, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces chow mein noodles (uncooked) or thin egg noodles
  • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)

Instructions

  1. Prepare noodles by boiling in a large pot of water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lightly coat with oil to prevent clumping.
  2. Create the signature sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl. Reserve for later use.
  3. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat (375°F). Cook sliced chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  4. Using the same wok, add additional oil and quickly sauté cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts for 2-3 minutes until vegetables reach a crisp-tender consistency.
  5. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  6. Reintroduce cooked chicken and prepared noodles into the wok. Pour reserved sauce over the ingredients, tossing continuously to ensure even coating and thorough heating.
  7. Continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings perfectly to noodles and protein.
  8. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Remove from heat and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Rinse noodles thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing soggy results.
  • Slice chicken uniformly for even cooking, allowing each piece to absorb sauce and develop consistent flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more chicken broth if too thick or extra cornstarch if too thin, creating a personalized coating that clings perfectly to noodles and ingredients.
  • Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free soy sauce, using tofu instead of chicken for vegetarian option, or adding extra vegetables for increased nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 381 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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