Simple Chicken Chow Mein: Quick Weeknight Noodles (Print Version)

Whip up a flavorful, simple chicken chow mein. This recipe brings a takeout taste to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Contains poultry, soy, shellfish

# Ingredients:

→ Chow Mein Base

01 - 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
02 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
04 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
05 - 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the bias

→ Flavor Boosters & Sauce

06 - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
07 - 2 tbsp oyster sauce
08 - 1 tsp sesame oil
09 - 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tsp brown sugar

→ Aromatics & Finishing

12 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
13 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Get everything chopped, sliced, and ready before you even think about turning on the heat. I learned this the hard way, trying to chop carrots while oil was smoking—pure chaos! Make sure your chicken is in nice, even pieces, and your cabbage and carrots are shredded. It makes the stir-fry flow so much smoother, trust me. This prep makes for truly easy chicken chow mein.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Give it a good mix until the sugar dissolves completely. This is your flavor base, and having it ready means you won't be scrambling mid-stir-fry. I sometimes taste it at this stage and add a tiny bit more sugar if I'm feeling fancy; it helps perfect the simple chicken chow mein flavor.
03 - Boil your chow mein noodles according to package directions, usually just a few minutes until they're al dente. Drain them well and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. I always overcook them slightly, oops! Just try not to make them mushy; they'll cook a bit more in the wok, so a little firmness is good for this easy chicken chow mein.
04 - Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add your chicken pieces and stir-fry until they're cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear. I usually do it in batches if I'm making a big amount; it’s a bit messy but worth it for perfectly cooked chicken in your easy chicken chow mein.
05 - Push the cooked chicken to one side of the wok. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—oh, that smell! Then add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced celery. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. I like mine with a bit of bite, honestly.
06 - Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok with the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together vigorously, making sure the sauce coats every single strand of noodle and every piece of chicken and veggie. This is where the magic happens and the flavors truly meld! Keep tossing for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and glossy.
07 - Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. I sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds too, just for extra texture and prettiness. The steam, the aroma... it's just so satisfying. Enjoy your homemade easy chicken chow mein!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your wok! If you do, everything steams instead of stir-fries, and you lose that lovely crispy texture. Cook in batches if you need to.
02 - For meal prep, store the noodles and sauce separately if possible, then combine and reheat gently to prevent mushy noodles.
03 - No chow mein noodles? Lo mein or even ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) can work in a pinch. I've used them, it's different but still tasty.
04 - A dash of rice vinegar at the very end can brighten up the flavors if it feels a little flat.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large wok or skillet
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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