Chicken Chow Mein: Better Than Takeout!

Chicken Chow Mein is one of the most iconic and comforting noodle dishes in Chinese cuisine — and now you can make it perfectly at home. I’ve cracked the code for recreating that irresistible flavor and texture you get from your favorite takeout spot. This recipe gives you everything: tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite.

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Serving: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

For the chicken and marinade:
1/2 pound chicken breast, sliced
Pinch of salt
Pinch of white pepper
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 egg white
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon oil, for marinade
2 tablespoons oil, for stir-frying
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
4 tablespoons water
Pinch of white pepper

For the chow mein:
1 package (12 oz) chow mein noodles
2 tablespoons oil, separated
½ medium onion, sliced
1 cup snap peas
5 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
½ medium carrot, julienned
1 cup mung bean sprouts
2 stalks scallions

Chicken Chow Mein Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken:

• In a mixing bowl, add the sliced chicken breast.
• Marinate it with salt, white pepper, rice wine, egg white, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well.
• Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Cook the noodles:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chow mein noodles and cook for about 20 seconds until al dente.
• Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well.

3. Make the sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and white pepper. Mix well.

4. Stir fry:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4 minutes until fully cooked.
• Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 10 seconds. Remove chicken from the wok.
• In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion, snap peas, shiitake mushrooms, and carrot. Stir fry for about 1 minute until aromatic. Remove from the wok.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Add chow mein noodles and stir fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Return the chicken, vegetables, and sauce to the wok. Mix everything thoroughly.
• Finally, add mung bean sprouts and scallions. Toss everything together and serve hot.

Tips & notes

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles hold up better during stir-frying and give a more satisfying texture.
• Customize your veggies: You can add bell peppers, cabbage, or baby corn based on what you like or have on hand.
• Meal prep tip: Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make weeknight cooking a breeze.