Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and that perfect balance of tender chicken with noodles and crisp veggies, then you are going to adore this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles recipe. It’s a soulful comfort food that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, combining juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce that brings everything together effortlessly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these noodles deliver satisfying taste with a healthier twist compared to take-out versions, making it a reliable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature combination of texture, flavor, and color. The simplicity of fresh produce, quality chicken, and a perfectly balanced sauce makes this dish truly stand out.

• 300g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, thinly sliced: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites; slicing thinly ensures quick, even cooking.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds the essential umami undertone in the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps to give the chicken a silky texture when cooked.
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (Shaoxing wine or dry sherry): Brings a subtle depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 300g chow mein noodles or egg noodles: The soft yet slightly chewy noodles form the hearty base to this dish.
• Half onion, sliced: Provides mild sweetness and crunch when stir-fried.
• Carrots, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a slight natural sweetness.
• 3 scallions, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Their fresh, sharp taste brightens up the whole dish.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Delivers a rich, savory punch in the chow mein sauce.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Forms the salty backbone of the sauce, balancing the oyster sauce.
• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Offers a deeper color and subtle bitterness for complexity in flavor.
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying: Choose a neutral oil for crisp and evenly cooked ingredients.

How to Make Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts diagonally into thin, uniform slices about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite. Toss these slices in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine. This simple marinade not only infuses flavor but also helps the chicken stay juicy when stir-frying. Let it rest briefly while you prepare your other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Chow Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce until fully combined. This sauce is the soul of your chow mein, harmonizing salty, sweet, and savory flavors for the perfect coating on both noodles and chicken. Set it aside for now so it’s ready at hand.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Noodles

Slice your onions and carrots for crispness and sweetness. Separate your spring onions’ white and green parts to maximize flavor and add freshness later on. Cook your chow mein noodles according to package instructions – quickly boiling then rinsing under cold water to stop cooking immediately and keep them from sticking together. Toss with a little oil afterward for perfect separation and shine.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and toss in the onions, carrots, and the white parts of the spring onions. Sauté just until slightly softened, about one minute, so they retain some crunch and brightness. Then transfer them to a plate while you focus on cooking the chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add more oil if needed, and then add the marinated chicken slices to the hot pan. Avoid turning them too soon; let them form a beautiful golden-brown crust on one side for about 1 to 2 minutes before flipping. This technique locks in juices and flavor. Cook for another minute or so until the chicken is just done, then remove it and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Noodles, Sauce, Chicken, and Vegetables

Return to the pan and add your noodles along with the chow mein sauce. Toss these together well for a minute so every strand is coated with that savory sauce. Then add the chicken, cooked vegetables, and the green spring onion parts. Toss everything together gently for another 1 to 2 minutes to marry all the flavors and textures perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds over the noodles for an instant pop of color and a subtle crunch. A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving can deepen the aroma and flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles with simple sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some light miso soup to round out the meal. These accompaniments complement the warm, savory notes of the chow mein without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bamboo steamers or on large Asian-style plates so everyone can dig in family-style. Adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or mint can also brighten the presentation and add a herbal contrast to the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Noodles tend to absorb sauce, so store them slightly under sauced to prevent dryness and maintain that perfect texture when reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes well in portioned containers, making it perfect for meal prepping. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to help the noodles rehydrate evenly and keep their springy texture.

Reheating

Reheat your chow mein gently on the stovetop in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the best texture, as that can sometimes make noodles gummy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While chow mein or egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure the noodles are cooked to your preferred texture before stir-frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This version isn’t gluten-free due to soy sauces and oyster sauce containing wheat. However, you can substitute with gluten-free tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives to enjoy a safe version of the dish.

Can I swap chicken for another protein?

Yes, this recipe adapts beautifully for beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times depending on the protein to ensure everything is cooked through without overcooking.

How do I make the chicken extra tender?

Marinating the chicken with cornstarch and cooking it quickly in a hot pan creates that tender, juicy texture. Cutting the chicken against the grain also helps break down fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What vegetables work best with Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles?

Besides onions, carrots, and scallions, you can add bell peppers, snow peas, bean sprouts, or bok choy to add more crunch, color, and nutrition, tailoring the dish to your taste and what’s in season.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast from the dinner table!