Skip the takeout and make this Simple Chicken Chow Mein at home in just 15 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, soft egg noodles, and a savory soy-based sauce come together in one wok for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s packed with authentic flavor. It’s an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 15 minutes.
- Better than takeout.
- Made in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Loaded with savory Asian-inspired flavors.
- Great for using leftover cooked chicken.
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Chow Mein
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 50 g bean sprouts
- 200 g cooked chicken, sliced
- ½ white onion, sliced
- 200 g soft egg noodles, blanched
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 spring onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot.
- Add the vegetable oil and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the bean sprouts, sliced chicken, and onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Add the blanched egg noodles and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Season with white pepper.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Continue stir-frying for about 2 minutes until the noodles become lightly crisp around the edges.
- Remove the wok from the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onion.
- Serve the Simple Chicken Chow Mein immediately while hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Use day-old cooked chicken for the quickest preparation.
- A very hot wok helps create authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fresh egg noodles provide the best texture.
- Add carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Toss continuously to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Low-sodium soy sauce may be used if preferred.
- Adjust the soy sauce to suit your taste.
- Add chili flakes or chili oil for extra heat.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes. Slice raw chicken thinly and cook it completely before adding the vegetables.
Which noodles are best for chow mein?
Fresh egg noodles are traditional, but dried chow mein noodles or ramen noodles also work well.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, and bell peppers are excellent additions.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Blanch the noodles first and toss them gently while stir-frying over high heat.
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the noodles may become soft.
- Reheating: Warm in a hot skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Simple Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Chow Mein
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 50 g bean sprouts
- 200 g cooked chicken sliced
- ½ white onion sliced
- 200 g soft egg noodles blanched
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 spring onion chopped
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot.
- Add the vegetable oil and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the bean sprouts, sliced chicken, and onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Add the blanched egg noodles and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Season with white pepper.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Continue stir-frying for about 2 minutes until the noodles become lightly crisp around the edges.
- Remove the wok from the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onion.
- Serve the Simple Chicken Chow Mein immediately while hot.
Notes
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Low-sodium soy sauce may be used if preferred.
- Adjust the soy sauce to suit your taste.
- Add chili flakes or chili oil for extra heat.
Conclusion
This Simple Chicken Chow Mein delivers everything you love about your favorite takeout in a quick homemade version. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce make this easy recipe one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick dinner after work, this delicious chow mein is always a winner.