Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe features tender chicken breast stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful homemade chow mein sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish combines savory and slightly sweet notes for a delicious, satisfying meal that serves eight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 batch green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
Noodles
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)
Sauce and Oils
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce (or added to taste)
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp oil (for cooking, such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, granulated sugar, light sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, and corn starch until smooth. Set this flavorful chow mein sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, and pressed garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they become slightly softened and the cabbage becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken strips and prepared noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the mixture. Stir and cook all ingredients together for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the chow mein. Serve the dish piping hot directly from the pan for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Light sesame oil is preferred over toasted for a milder flavor.
- You can substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce for a pescatarian version.
- Make sure to cook the noodles just until tender for the ideal chewy texture.
- If you prefer spicier chow mein, add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chili during vegetable sautéing.
