Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish that is beloved around the world for its delicious combination of tender noodles, stir-fried chicken, and vibrant vegetables. This homemade version of Chow Mein is made with a rich, savory sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how you can make this delicious dish right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Chowmein Recipe

Chow Mein is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. This recipe features tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together in a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out – a balance of salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors from ingredients like oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather all the ingredients for both the Chow Mein sauce and the stir-fry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, umami-rich flavor.
• Soy sauce: Brings in the salty and savory notes.
• Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and a subtle richness.
• Sugar (optional): Balances out the savory flavors.
• Black pepper and white pepper powder: These spices bring a slight kick and depth of flavor.
• Corn flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a silky texture.

For the Stir-Fry:

• Boneless chicken: Cut into strips for a quick stir-fry. You can use chicken breast or thigh for a tender result.
• Garlic: Finely chopped for a fragrant base.
• Broccoli: Slightly blanched or stir-fried for crunch and color.
• Cabbage: Shredded for a bit of softness and crisp texture.
• Capsicum (Bell pepper): Adds a sweet, crunchy bite.
• Green onions: Both the white part for stir-frying and the green part for garnishing.
• Vinegar: A small amount of vinegar adds a tangy finish to the dish.
• Egg noodles or Chow Mein noodles: These noodles are perfect for absorbing the sauce, and their texture is key to a great Chow Mein.
• Chicken stock: Adds extra flavor and moisture to the noodles.
• Salt and crushed black pepper: For seasoning the dish to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chow Mein

1. Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce
   The first step to making your Chow Mein sauce is to combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper powder, white pepper powder, and corn flour together until smooth. The corn flour will help thicken the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the noodles and chicken. Set this mixture aside; your sauce is now ready!
2. Marinate the Chicken
   In a separate bowl, add the chicken strips and one tablespoon of the prepared Chow Mein sauce. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with the sauce’s delicious flavors.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
   Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Next, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken until it changes color and is almost cooked through. Once the chicken is nearly done, toss in the blanched broccoli, shredded cabbage, julienned capsicum, and green onion white part. Stir-fry these vegetables for 1-2 minutes, keeping them crisp and fresh. The vegetables should retain their color and crunch for the best texture.
4. Add the Sauce and Noodles
   Now it’s time to pour in the remaining Chow Mein sauce and the vinegar. Stir everything well, making sure the chicken and vegetables are coated in the flavorful sauce. Add the boiled Chow Mein noodles or egg noodles into the wok, along with chicken stock and salt. Stir-fry the mixture on high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and absorb all the delicious sauce.
5. Finish with Green Onions and Black Pepper
   To bring a burst of freshness and flavor, toss in the green onion tops and sprinkle over the crushed black pepper. Give the dish a final stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Your homemade Chow Mein is now ready to be served! Dish out the noodles into serving plates and garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color. The vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and savory sauce will make each bite a delight. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your loved ones!

Tips for Perfect Chow Mein

• Noodle Choice: Use either Chow Mein or egg noodles for the best texture. Make sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the wok.
• Veggie Variations: While this recipe calls for broccoli, cabbage, and capsicum, feel free to add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version of Chow Mein, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes or some chili sauce to the stir-fry.
• Protein Alternatives: If you don’t eat chicken, you can easily swap it for tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different twist.

Why This Chow Mein Recipe is So Good

What makes this homemade Chow Mein so special is the balance of flavors – the savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in perfect harmony. It’s a customizable dish, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a tasty dish for any occasion. Once you try this recipe, you may never want to order takeout again!

Conclusion

This homemade Chow Mein with chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the best of stir-fry cooking. The savory sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables make it a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this Chinese classic right at home. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy this delicious meal with your family or friends!

Chicken Chow Mein

Here's a simple and delicious Chicken Chow Mein recipe you can try at home:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients

  

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder
• ½ tsp White pepper powder
• 2 tbsp Corn flour

For the Stir-Fry:

• 250 gr Boneless chicken cut into strips
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Chow Mein sauce (prepared above)
• 2 tbsp Oil
• 1 tbsp Garlic finely chopped
• ½ cup ½ cup Broccoli florets (blanched or lightly stir-fried)
• 2 cup Cabbage shredded
• ½ cup Capsicum julienned
• ¼ cup Green onion white part julienned
• 2 tbsp Vinegar
• 1½ cup Chow Mein or Egg noodles boiled
• ¼ cup Yakhni (Chicken stock)
• ½ tsp Salt or to taste
• ½ tsp Black pepper crushed

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (optional), black pepper powder, white pepper powder, and corn flour.
• Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Your Chow Mein sauce is ready!

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a separate bowl, add the chicken strips and 1 tbsp of the Chow Mein sauce.
• Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and marinate for about 15 minutes.

Stir-Fry the Chicken and Veggies:

• Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until the chicken changes color and is almost cooked through.
• Toss in the blanched or lightly stir-fried broccoli, shredded cabbage, sliced capsicum, and the white part of the green onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp.

Add the Sauce and Noodles:

• Pour in the remaining Chow Mein sauce and the vinegar. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and chicken in the sauce.
• Add the boiled Chow Mein or egg noodles, chicken stock, salt, and green onions. Stir-fry everything on high flame for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and well mixed with the sauce.

Finishing Touches:

• Sprinkle the crushed black pepper over the noodles and give everything a final toss.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your delicious Chow Mein hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade stir-fried noodles with a rich blend of flavors!

Keyword chicken chow mein