Chicken Chow Mein Take-Out Style

Chicken Chow Mein Take-Out Style is a savory and satisfying stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. This classic take-out favorite is simple to make at home and captures all the flavors you love from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Chow Mein Take-Out Style recipe brings the authentic taste of your go-to take-out straight into your kitchen. It is quick to prepare, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. The balance of textures—from juicy chicken to crunchy vegetables and soft noodles—makes every bite delicious. Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles

• Soy sauce

• Oyster sauce

• Sesame oil

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Onion

• Green cabbage

• Carrots

• Bean sprouts

• Green onions

• Cornstarch

• Vegetable oil

• Water or chicken broth

Directions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant.

5. Add carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for a few minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

7. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of water or chicken broth. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.

8. Finish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for a different take.

• Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.

• Spicy version: Add chili garlic sauce or a dash of crushed red pepper for heat.

• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce.

• Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure noodles are gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How is chow mein different from lo mein?

Chow mein is typically stir-fried for a crisp texture, while lo mein is more saucy and uses boiled noodles that are mixed in with the sauce at the end.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it during the final mixing step.

What kind of noodles work best for chow mein?

Fresh chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles are ideal, but you can also use spaghetti in a pinch.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but if needed, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and sugar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and store them separately. Combine and stir-fry just before serving.

Do I need a wok?

While a wok is traditional and helps with even cooking, a large skillet will also work effectively.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss cooked noodles in a bit of oil before adding them to the stir-fry to prevent clumping.

Can I freeze chicken chow mein?

Freezing is not ideal due to changes in texture, especially for the noodles and vegetables, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month if needed.

What vegetables can I substitute?

You can use broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms as alternatives or additions.

How do I make the dish more saucy?

Increase the amount of sauce by adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broth, adjusting to your preference.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein Take-Out Style is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the comfort of your favorite restaurant meal to your home kitchen. With its flexible ingredients and quick cooking time, it is sure to become a go-to dinner recipe. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures of this homemade classic.