Name: Easy Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300g dried egg noodles (or 2 servings of fresh noodles); 250-300g boneless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2-3 spring onions, sliced; 1 bell pepper, julienned; 2-3 cabbage leaves, shredded; 1 small carrot, julienned; 2-3 tbsp neutral-flavored oil (like vegetable or canola); 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tsp dark soy sauce; 4 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp water; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp corn starch; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 2 tsp sesame oil

Craving a quick and mouthwatering dinner that’s better than takeout? Meet Easy Chicken Chow Mein, the ultimate weeknight hero! With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly stir-fried noodles coated in a savory sauce, this dish delivers all the flavors you love in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen.

Perfect for busy households across America, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, Easy Chicken Chow Mein has you covered. One bite of this flavorful, homemade classic, and everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
Customizable: Swap veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Better Than Takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one wok or skillet.

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Stir-Fry:

300g dried egg noodles (or 2 servings of fresh noodles)
250-300g boneless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 spring onions, sliced
1 bell pepper, julienned
2-3 cabbage leaves, shredded
1 small carrot, julienned
2-3 tbsp neutral-flavored oil (like vegetable or canola)

For the Sauce Mix:

2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp dark soy sauce
4 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp white pepper

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp corn starch
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 tsp sesame oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix all chicken marinade ingredients. Add the sliced chicken, toss well, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Cook the Noodles

Cook dried egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little oil to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same wok, add 1-2 tbsp of oil. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add bell pepper, carrot, cabbage, and half the spring onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping vegetables crisp-tender.

6. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Add the noodles and pour in the sauce mix. Toss everything together over medium-high heat until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 2-3 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chili oil or crushed red pepper for heat.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Additional Protein: Add shrimp, beef, or pork alongside the chicken.
Extra Veggies: Include broccoli, snap peas, or bean sprouts for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, udon, rice noodles, or spaghetti can be used as substitutes.

2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and sugar as a substitute.

3. Can I skip the chicken marinade?

The marinade adds flavor and tenderness, but you can skip it if short on time.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before stir-frying.

5. How do I prevent the noodles from clumping?

Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss with a little oil.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add sriracha, chili flakes, or diced fresh chilies to the sauce or stir-fry.

7. What’s the best pan to use?

A large wok is ideal, but a large nonstick skillet works well too.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce, chicken, and veggies ahead to save time.

9. What can I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?

Pair it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a side of fried rice for a complete meal.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious, one-pan meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory noodles tossed in a rich sauce, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights or satisfying cravings. Give it a try and elevate your dinner game!

Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Chicken Chow Mein: Quick, flavorful stir-fried noodles with tender chicken and veggies. A perfect homemade dinner in just 30 minutes!”