Chicken Chow Mein (Classic Chinese Takeout-Style Noodles)

Chicken Chow Mein brings together tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy egg noodles tossed in a savory Cantonese-style sauce that’s glossy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. This homemade version tastes just like Chinese takeout—but fresher, lighter, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Course: Main dish
Cuisine: Chinese recipe
Region: Cantonese-style Chinese dish

Chicken chow mein is one of the most popular Chinese noodle dishes worldwide thanks to its balance of texture, umami-rich sauce, and customizable ingredients. This easy chicken chow mein recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving classic Chinese takeout flavors at home.

Why Chicken Chow Mein Is So Popular

Chow mein translates to “stir-fried noodles,” and this dish highlights everything people love about Chinese stir-fry cooking: high heat, quick cooking, and bold yet balanced flavors. Cantonese-style chow mein focuses on savory sauces rather than heat, making it approachable and family-friendly. Its versatility also makes it ideal for using up vegetables and adapting to different diets.

DIETARY INFORMATION

• Dairy-free
• Can be made gluten-free with substitutions
• Can be made vegetarian or vegan
• Lower-calorie adaptable

Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free chow mein noodles or rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables; use vegan oyster sauce
• Lower calorie: Use chicken breast, reduce oil, and increase vegetables

Recipe for 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN CHOW MEIN

Protein

• Chicken breast (lean, tender when sliced thin)

Noodles

• Chow mein noodles or Chinese egg noodles

Vegetables

• Green cabbage
• Carrots
• Button mushrooms
• Bean sprouts
• Green onions

Aromatics

• Garlic
• Fresh ginger

Seasonings & Sauce Components

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Sesame oil
• White pepper
• Sugar
• Chicken broth or water
• Cornstarch
• Neutral cooking oil

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN CHOW MEIN

1. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain and marinate briefly with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
2. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain well, and set aside.
3. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and stir-fry the chicken until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add oil to the pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
5. Add vegetables and stir-fry quickly until crisp-tender.
6. Return chicken to the pan, add noodles, and pour in the chow mein sauce.
7. Toss continuously until noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
8. Finish with green onions and serve immediately.

Chicken Chow Mein (Easy Chinese Takeout-Style Noodles)

This easy chicken chow mein recipe features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a savory Cantonese-style sauce. A better-than-takeout Chinese noodle dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast thinly sliced
• 12 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 medium carrot julienned
• 1/2 cup button mushrooms sliced
• 3 green onions sliced

Chicken Marinade

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chow Mein Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

 

• Marinate chicken for 10 minutes.
• Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
• Stir-fry chicken over high heat until just cooked; remove.
• Sauté garlic and ginger briefly.
• Add vegetables and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
• Return chicken, add noodles and sauce.
• Toss until well coated and heated through.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
Calories: 430 kcal (22%)
Carbohydrates: 45g (15%)
Protein: 32g (64%)
Fat: 14g (22%)
Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13%)
Sodium: 820mg (36%)
Fiber: 4g (14%)
Sugar: 6g

Nutrition values are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Course: main dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Cantonese chow mein, chicken chow mein, Chinese chicken chow mein, chinese takeout recipe, easy chow mein recipe, homemade chow mein noodles, takeout style chow mein

Recipe Tips

• Use high heat to avoid soggy noodles
• Slice chicken thinly for tenderness
• Prep all ingredients before cooking
• Sauce can be mixed ahead of time
• Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days

Serving Ideas

• Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls
• Pair with hot and sour soup or wonton soup
• Add chili oil or chili crisp for heat
• Serve alongside fried rice for a full Chinese takeout-style meal

Did you make this recipe?

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