I’ve got a secret that’ll transform your dinner routine—authentic chicken chow mein that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Trust me, we’re talking tender chicken strips, crisp veggies, and soft noodles coated in that perfect balance of soy and oyster sauce. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment to achieve that restaurant-quality wok char. Just a few pantry staples and my foolproof method. Ready to discover how to bring this takeout classic to your kitchen with minimal effort?
Why You’ll Love this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
Once you taste this chicken chow mein, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. The magic happens when those egg noodles soak up that perfect blend of soy and oyster sauce, creating that unmistakable savory flavor we all crave.
What makes this recipe special? It’s quick (ready in under 20 minutes), uses simple ingredients from your pantry, and delivers that authentic wok-charred taste without special equipment.
The balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles creates the perfect bite every time.
And that final touch of sesame oil? That’s the secret weapon no restaurant will admit to using.
What Ingredients are in Authentic Chicken Chow Mein?
To create this mouthwatering chicken chow mein at home, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create that classic flavor we all know and love.
- 8oz boneless chicken, sliced
- 6oz egg noodles
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame oil (optional, for authentic flavor)
Feel free to adjust the vegetable mix based on what you have in your fridge—the beauty of chow mein is its flexibility, though the combination of cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts gives you that restaurant-quality texture and flavor balance that’s hard to beat.
How to Make this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Cook 6oz of egg noodles according to the package instructions.
You’ll want them to be just al dente since they’ll continue cooking a bit when added to the wok later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
While the noodles are cooking, slice 8oz of boneless chicken into thin strips and chop up your 2 cups of mixed vegetables.
Having everything ready to go makes the stir-fry process so much smoother—a little kitchen prep saves a lot of panic later!
Step 3: Heat Your Wok
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to your wok or large frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
The wok should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add your sliced chicken to the hot oil and stir-fry until it’s cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
The chicken should have no pink remaining and develop a slight golden color on the edges.
Step 5: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and your 2 cups of mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts).
Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add your cooked egg noodles to the wok along with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.
These sauces are what give chow mein its distinctive savory flavor—they’re absolutely non-negotiable for authentic taste.
For complex recipes like this, using a premium stand mixer can help you prepare other components of your meal while focusing on perfecting your stir-fry technique.
Step 7: Toss and Heat Through
Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are well combined and the sauce coats everything evenly.
Continue cooking for another minute until everything is heated through.
Step 8: Finish with Sesame Oil
For that restaurant-quality finish, drizzle a tiny bit of sesame oil over your completed dish just before serving.
It’s optional, but that nutty aroma takes your homemade chow mein from good to where-has-this-been-all-my-life delicious.
What to Serve with Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
This delicious weeknight dinner deserves some equally tasty companions! For a complete takeout-style meal at home, serve your chow mein alongside some crispy vegetable spring rolls or steamed dumplings.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds a revitalizing crunch that balances the savory noodles perfectly.
For drinks, jasmine tea is traditional, but a cold Tsingtao beer works wonders with these flavors too. If you’re feeling extra, a small bowl of sweet chili sauce on the side lets everyone customize their heat level.
And don’t forget fortune cookies for a fun finish—store-bought is totally fine! This versatile dish works beautifully for both lunch and dinner, and honestly, the leftovers might be even better the next day.
Authentic Chicken Chow Mein Substitutions and Variations
• Flavor boosters: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed peanuts. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. For heat lovers, add sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Leftovers and Storage for this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken chow mein makes excellent leftovers, though the noodles will soften slightly over time. Store any remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, a quick stir-fry in a hot wok or skillet works wonders—just add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too, but cover the dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making day-two chow mein sometimes even more flavorful! However, the bean sprouts will lose their signature crunch, so this dish is at its textural best when fresh.
Not recommended for freezing, as the noodles and vegetables tend to become mushy when thawed.
Final Thoughts
This chicken chow mein brings authentic Chinese flavors right to your kitchen table with minimal fuss.
What makes this dish truly special is its perfect balance of textures—tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles all bound together with that savory soy-oyster sauce combination.
It’s my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying that comes together in under 30 minutes, yet still feels like a proper meal.
The beauty of chow mein lies in its versatility; swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or adjust the sauce to your family’s taste preferences.
Some meals just have that magical ability to transform ordinary evenings into something a little more special, and this chicken chow mein is certainly one of them.
