Pin it
Juicy chicken and crunchy noodles blend together in this genuine Chinese classic that delivers restaurant-worthy tastes straight to your home. This from-scratch chow mein mixes perfectly prepared egg noodles with succulent chicken and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a deep, flavorful sauce that strikes just the right taste balance. Way better than delivery, this single-pan dish lets you pick your own ingredients while giving you all the warmth and delight of your favorite Chinese eatery meal.
When I finally got this sauce right at home, it changed everything. Nobody in my family could tell the difference between our homemade version and takeout. It's now what we make instead of ordering in, and we save money, cut down on calories, but still get that amazing taste we crave.
Master Your Components
- Chow mein noodles: They need just the right cooking time for that special texture; try to find ones with wheat and egg
- Fresh chicken breast: Cut it against the grain so it stays super tender
- Vegetables: Make sure they're all cut the same size so they cook evenly
- Light soy sauce: Adds salt without taking over the whole dish
- Oyster sauce: Gives you that deep, rich flavor that makes chow mein so special
Winning Wok Techniques
- Mix Your Sauce:
- Stir all sauce stuff together until it's smooth, making sure the cornstarch doesn't leave any lumps.
- Cook Your Noodles:
- Don't let them get too soft; they'll finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Brown Your Chicken:
- Get those pieces nice and golden to bring out their best taste.
- Handle Your Veggies:
- Cook them quickly so they stay crunchy and colorful.
- Combine Everything:
- Toss it all together so the sauce covers everything evenly.
- Let It Mingle:
- Give everything a chance to come together while the sauce gets thick and shiny.
Pin it
After trying this dish so many times, I've figured out that when you add things to the pan really matters. One night, I tried putting the noodles in last and letting them get a bit crispy before mixing with the sauce. That's when I discovered the secret to getting that takeout texture everyone loves.
Delicious Side Matches
Make your meal into a complete Chinese dinner by adding some crunchy spring rolls or juicy dumplings on the side. Some simple garlic broccoli works great with these noodles, and a bowl of hot and sour soup turns this into a full feast that's better than most restaurants.
Tasty Twists
Make this dish your own by using shrimp or thin beef slices instead of chicken. For a meat-free option, try tofu and veggie broth in your sauce. Throw in different veggies like bok choy, baby corn, or water chestnuts for new textures and tastes. If you like it hot, add some fresh chili oil or Sriracha for extra kick.
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftover noodles in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, use a wok or pan and add a little water or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. The noodles will soak up sauce overnight, so they'll probably need extra liquid when you reheat them.
This chicken chow mein isn't just dinner at our house - it's our way of bringing restaurant-quality Chinese food into our kitchen while creating family moments. The sound of food sizzling and the smell of that amazing sauce always brings everyone running to the kitchen, wanting to see how it all comes together.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which noodles are good for this dish?
- Pick yellow Chinese egg noodles called 'chow mein noodles' from the Asian aisle.
- → Can I switch up the veggies?
- Of course! Crisp options like bell peppers, celery, snap peas, or bean sprouts work well.
- → Can this be prepped ahead?
- It’s best fresh, but leftovers stay great for 2-3 days in the fridge. Just reheat in a skillet.
- → What’s a good swap for oyster sauce?
- Hoisin works, or you can add extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for a slightly different taste.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Totally! Thighs are super juicy and tender, perfect for this dish.