Name: Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 6 oz Boneless Chicken (substitution: chicken thighs for richer flavor); 3 tbsp Shaoxing Wine (substitution: dry sherry); 2 tsp Cornstarch; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/4 cup Chicken Broth; 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (substitution: vegetarian oyster sauce); 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or light); 2 tsp Sugar; 1/4 tsp White Pepper (or ground black pepper); 1 tsp Sesame Oil; 2 tbsp Peanut Oil (substitution: vegetable oil); 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Ginger; 4 cups Shredded Cabbage; 2 small Julienned Carrots; 1 Anaheim Pepper (optional); 4 Green Onions; 10 oz Fresh Chow Mein Noodles; 6 oz Dried Noodles (convenient substitute)

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Warm & Familiar Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

I love when a dish feels like a warm hug on a plate—and this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe does just that. It’s one of those meals that’s not only comforting but also bright and fresh, with crisp-edged veggies and juicy bites of tender chicken mingling with velvety sauce and noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weekday lunch or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe makes you feel right at home. You’ll notice how the Shaoxing wine and oyster sauce create a subtle depth, while ginger and garlic lift the whole dish with their fragrant warmth. It’s these little details that make the difference between “just a stir-fry” and a memorable meal you’ll want to keep coming back to. I often find that the balance of textures—the soft noodles, the crunchy cabbage, and the tender chicken—turns every bite into a treat. As we dive into this Chicken Chow Mein Recipe together, I’ll share tips and swaps that keep the process simple but flavorful—giving you confidence in the kitchen and a plate full of delight at the end.

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Standout Details

Comfort meets flavor: Cozy, rich, and balanced.
Beginner-friendly: Clear steps built for real kitchens.
Flexible: Easy swaps for ingredients you already have.
Meal-prep happy: Stores well without losing texture.

Ingredient Breakdown

Flat lay of boneless raw chicken breast, small white bowl with Shaoxing wine, small white bowl with cornstarch powder, small white bowl of salt crystals, small white bowl of chicken broth, small white bowl with oyster sauce, small white bowl with soy sauce, small white bowl of granulated sugar, small white bowl of white pepper powder, small white bowl of sesame oil, two whole garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a pile of shredded fresh cabbage, two small julienned fresh carrots, one whole Anaheim pepper, four fresh green onions, a bundle of fresh chow mein noodles coiled neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354639359234015250 — Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Chow Mein stir-fry, easy chicken chow mein, homemade chicken chow mein, Asian Chicken Chow Mein

Boneless Chicken (6 oz): The star protein; chicken thighs can bring juicier, richer flavor.
Shaoxing Wine (3 tbsp): Adds depth and tenderizes chicken; dry sherry works well too.
Cornstarch (2 tsp): Creates a velvety coating on chicken, locking in moisture during stir-fry.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential for balance and enhancing natural flavors.
Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Builds the savory base of the sauce, adding luscious mouthfeel.
Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): Rich and umami-packed; use vegetarian oyster sauce if avoiding seafood.
Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Provides saltiness and color; regular or light soy sauce changes intensity.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances savory notes with a subtle touch of sweetness.
White Pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers mild heat and aroma, but black pepper substitute works fine.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A fragrant finish essential for that nutty, toasted aroma.
Peanut Oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying; vegetable oil can stand in too.
Garlic (2 cloves) & Ginger (1 tbsp): These aromatics amp up flavor with spicy, warming notes.
Shredded Cabbage (4 cups): Adds crunch and sweetness, balancing the dish’s richness.
Julienned Carrots (2 small): Bright color and a natural crispness complement the noodles.
Anaheim Pepper (1, optional): Offers gentle heat if you like a mild kick.
Green Onions (4): Fresh, grassy finish that elevates layers of flavor.
Fresh Chow Mein Noodles (10 oz): Ideal for a tender but slightly chewy bite; dried noodles (6 oz) work well in a pinch.

Before You Start

Getting everything prepped and ready—mise en place—is your best friend for a smooth Chicken Chow Mein Recipe. Chop, measure, and organize all ingredients close at hand, so your cooking flow stays uninterrupted. Since this recipe happens quickly over medium-high heat, you’ll want to have your sauce mixed and noodles drained before you start stir-frying.

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Kitchen Setup

The tools that make Chicken Chow Mein Recipe easier, faster, and cleaner—plus optional add-ons if you love efficiency.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

A black bowl filled with a colorful noodle dish sits on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the base is a bed of long, golden-brown noodles mixed with thin orange carrot strips, then scattered pieces of light tan cooked chicken sit on top, and the top layer is green sliced scallions along with some pale white onion pieces, adding fresh color. A pair of light brown chopsticks pick up some noodles and chicken from the bowl. In the background, there is an orange chili pepper on the white marbled surface and a small bowl with coarse salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 — Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Chow Mein stir-fry, easy chicken chow mein, homemade chicken chow mein, Asian Chicken Chow Mein

Marinate the chicken: Combine bite-sized chicken pieces with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. Let it rest for 10 minutes to tenderize and form a light coating. This step ensures juicy chicken with a slight velvety texture after stir-frying.
Whisk together the sauce: In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. It’s crucial to prepare this ahead so it melds flavors evenly when added later.
Cook the noodles: Follow package instructions for fresh or dried chow mein noodles. Once tender but still firm, drain and set aside to prevent them from overcooking later. You’ll love how fresh noodles lend a perfect chewiness in the finished dish.
Heat the pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok. High heat creates that signature lightly golden sear without steaming, locking in flavor and texture.
Stir-fry the chicken: Add the marinated chicken, spread in an even layer to brown, cooking 4-5 minutes until cooked through with a soft center. Remove and set aside—don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of crisp.

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Cook Like a Pro

For perfect stir-fry texture, use high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. The cornstarch in the marinade creates a thin barrier that keeps moisture in, helping the chicken stay tender inside while browning outside. Also, prepping the sauce beforehand ensures a smooth, glossy coating without lumps.

Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant and steaming. This brief step releases their warmth without burning, a key flavor foundation.
Cook vegetables: Toss in shredded cabbage and julienned carrots, stirring for 2-3 minutes until veggies soften but retain a crisp bite. The contrast of textures here adds interest and freshness.
Combine chicken & noodles: Return chicken to the skillet, add the cooked noodles, then pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently to combine so sauce coats each ingredient, cooking 2-3 minutes until heated and flavors marry.
Finish with heat and freshness: Fold in sliced Anaheim peppers and green onions, stirring just until warmed through (about 1 minute). Serve piping hot for the best aromatic experience and vibrant flavor.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe - Article Image 2 — Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Chow Mein stir-fry, easy chicken chow mein, homemade chicken chow mein, Asian Chicken Chow Mein

Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili garlic sauce for heat lovers.
Extra crunch: Toss in water chestnuts or snap peas for bright, snappy texture.
Sweet & savory: Stir in pineapple chunks and swap oyster sauce for hoisin for a tropical twist.
Veggie boost: Add shiitake mushrooms or baby corn to deepen umami and variety.
Herbal lift: Finish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an aromatic surprise.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the noodles soak up sauce but can be refreshed with a splash of broth when reheating.
Freeze portioned Chicken Chow Mein Recipe in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating gently on stovetop.
Reheat by stir-frying briefly on medium heat or microwaving with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and avoid dryness.
For meal prep: keep sauce separate until day of serving, then toss freshly heated noodles and chicken in sauce for best texture.