Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: My Weeknight Stir-Fry (Print Version)
My Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe brings takeout comfort home. Quick, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken and noodles. A family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese
# Ingredients:
→ Noodles & Protein
01 -
12 oz fresh chow mein noodles (or dried egg noodles)
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
→ Veggies for Crunch
03 -
2 cups cabbage, shredded (Napa or green)
04 -
1 cup carrots, julienned
05 -
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
06 -
3 green onions, sliced (whites & greens separated)
→ Savory Sauce & Aromatics
07 -
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
08 -
2 tbsp oyster sauce
09 -
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
10 -
1 tsp sesame oil
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
12 -
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
13 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Cooking Essentials
14 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other high-heat neutral oil)
# Instructions:
01 -
This is where the real work happens, and honestly, it makes everything else a breeze. I used to chop as I went, and let me tell you, that was a chaotic mess! Get your chicken sliced, your veggies julienned, and your chow mein sauce whisked together. Trust me, having everything ready before the heat hits the wok is a game-changer. It’s like setting yourself up for success, and avoiding a mid-cook panic. This step makes the Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe so much smoother.
02 -
Toss your sliced chicken with a bit of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Give it a good mix with your hands – yes, get in there! This step, though quick, makes the chicken incredibly tender and helps the sauce cling to it later. I once skipped this, thinking "it's just chow mein," and the chicken was just... fine. Not the juicy, flavorful bites I crave for my Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe. Don't make my mistake!
03 -
Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil, just like you would for pasta. Drop in your chow mein noodles and cook them according to package directions, but aim for al dente. Overcooked noodles are a sad sight, and they'll get mushy in the stir-fry. Drain them well and toss with a tiny bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking. I love the smell of the noodles cooking; it just means my Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is almost ready!
04 -
Heat your wok or a large skillet over high heat with a splash of oil. Once it's shimmering, add your marinated chicken in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear! Let it cook for a couple of minutes until nicely browned, then flip and cook the other side. This is where that amazing aroma starts to fill the kitchen, a promise of the deliciousness to come for your Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.
05 -
Push the chicken to one side of the wok. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in your garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let them burn! Then, add your carrots, celery, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a nice crunch. I love hearing the veggies hit the hot pan; it’s such a satisfying sound when making this Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.
06 -
Return the chicken to the center of the wok with the veggies. Add the cooked noodles and pour in your whisked chow mein sauce. Toss everything vigorously with tongs, making sure every strand of noodle and every piece of chicken and veggie is coated in that glossy, savory sauce. Keep stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is piping hot. Garnish with green onions, and you’re done with your Classic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe!
# Notes:
01 -
A truly hot wok is key for that stir-fry magic—don't be afraid of the heat!
02 -
Prep all your ingredients *before* you start cooking; stir-frying moves fast.
03 -
Don't overcrowd your pan, or you'll steam your ingredients instead of getting that lovely sear.
04 -
A little splash of chili oil at the end? Game changer if you like a kick!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Wok or large skillet
02 -
large pot
03 -
tongs
04 -
whisk
05 -
cutting board
06 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 30 g