There's nothing like a warm, satisfying dinner that brings the family together. This easy Chicken Chow Mein recipe offers a takeout-style meal right in your own kitchen. Designed especially for busy home cooks and families, it's a friendly guide to creating a delicious dinner with simple ingredients and clear steps.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
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Chicken: 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
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Noodles: 10 oz Chinese egg noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
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Vegetables:
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2 cups shredded cabbage (napa or green)
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1 cup julienned carrots
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1 cup bean sprouts
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4 scallions, sliced (keep white and green parts separate)
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Aromatics:
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
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Sauce:
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1 tablespoon light soy sauce (for marinating)
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1.5 tablespoons dark soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or mirin as a substitute)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon sugar
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3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in water (to thicken the sauce)
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Cooking Oil: 3–4 tablespoons vegetable, peanut, or canola oil
Tools
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A wok or large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Spatula or tongs
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Measuring spoons and cups
Tip: Keeping things simple makes it easy to focus on the flavors and enjoy a fun cooking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Marinate
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Marinate the Chicken:
Place the sliced chicken in a bowl and toss it with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and a light dusting of cornstarch. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes to help keep the chicken tender and flavorful. -
Prep the Vegetables:
Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the scallions into 2-inch pieces (separating the white parts for cooking and the greens for garnish). Mince the garlic and ginger. -
Cook the Noodles:
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions, but cook them 2 minutes less than recommended so they remain al dente. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and toss with a bit of oil.
2. Stir-Frying for Flavor
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Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in your wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken turns golden on the outside. Remove and set aside. -
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Quickly stir-fry the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the carrots and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and lightly charred. -
Combine with Noodles and Sauce:
Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce mixture (combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, remaining light soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and the dissolved cornstarch) and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. -
Finish Up:
Add the bean sprouts and the green parts of the scallions. Give it one last toss, adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, and drizzle a few extra drops of sesame oil over the top.
Simple Tips & Variations
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For Tender Chicken:
If you have time, let the chicken marinate for a bit longer. A light coating of baking soda (optional) can also help tenderize the meat. -
Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to add or substitute with bell peppers, bok choy, or mushrooms—whatever you have on hand. -
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or simply load up on extra vegetables. Marinate tofu with the same sauces to infuse flavor. -
Noodle Alternatives:
If Chinese egg noodles aren’t available, try using spaghetti, udon, or even yakisoba noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is all about simple ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easy to bring a taste of takeout into your home. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles, it's a delightful dinner option for any family. Enjoy the process, experiment with your favorite veggies, and don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
