If you love the tempting combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles, then you’re going to adore this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With a blend of soy sauces, oyster sauce, and just the right amount of aromatics, this recipe delivers classic takeout vibes right at home, with none of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black frying pan filled with many small shiny pieces of cooked meat, each covered in a thick, dark reddish-brown sauce. The meat pieces have a glossy texture with slight charring spots, and they are spread mostly in the center of the pan, with a few scattered around the edges. The pan's surface has a slightly rough texture with some oil and small burnt bits visible. The background beneath the pan is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to this dish’s success. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the savory chicken, the crunchy fresh vegetables, or the rich, umami-packed sauces that bring everything to life.

300g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Thinly sliced for fast cooking and tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds a salty depth to the chicken marinade, boosting flavor right from the start.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps keep the chicken juicy and gives the sauce a nice glossy finish.
1 tablespoon rice wine (Shaoxing wine or dry sherry): A splash of this enhances the aroma and complexity of the chicken.
300g chow mein noodles or egg noodles: The star that carries the sauce and ingredients, offering that classic chewy texture.
Half onion, sliced: Sliced along the grain for that natural sweetness and crunch.
Some carrot, sliced: Bright color and earthy sweetness that balance the savory sauce.
3 scallions, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Separated into white and green parts for layering flavor during cooking.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This brings deep umami richness and slight sweetness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: A key seasoning for the chow mein sauce, building complexity and saltiness.
1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds robust color and a touch of smoky flavor to the dish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly on the diagonal. This technique ensures the pieces cook quickly and absorb the marinade deeply. Mix the chicken with rice wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch, giving it a gentle toss to coat every piece. Letting it sit for a bit allows flavors to meld and tenderizes the meat for that perfect bite.

Step 2: Mix the Chow Mein Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little water in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and balanced. This sauce is the flavorful backbone of your dish and will coat every noodle with glossy, savory goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice your onion along the grain to bring out natural sweetness, and cut your carrots into thin rounds for a bit of crunch. Separate the scallions into whites and greens: the white parts give a punch of flavor early on, and the green tops provide freshness as a garnish or final stir-in.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Boil the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and helps the noodles stay springy rather than mushy. Once drained, toss them with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together and to give them a shiny finish.

Step 5: Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, then add onions, carrots, and the white parts of scallions. Stir-fry for just about a minute — quick cooking keeps them crisp while releasing those delicious flavors into the oil, setting a fragrant foundation for the dish.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan but resist the urge to stir immediately. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a lovely brown sear, then toss and stir-fry for another minute. Quick cooking keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 7: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Return to your pan with the noodles and pour over the chow mein sauce you prepared earlier. Toss everything together for about a minute, ensuring noodles are evenly coated, shiny, and packed with flavor.

Step 8: Final Toss with Chicken and Vegetables

Add back the chicken and veggies to the pan, including the green parts of the scallions. Toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes so that the noodles, chicken, and vegetables marry perfectly, creating a harmonious, mouthwatering result.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The bottom layer consists of brown stir-fried noodles, slightly shiny from sauce. On top of the noodles, there are small pieces of browned meat mixed with thin strips of orange carrots and translucent white onion slices. The final top layer is scattered with bright green chopped spring onions. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and added texture, sprinkle some freshly chopped green scallion tops or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over your chow mein just before serving. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of chili oil can amp up the flavor if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, crisp cucumber salad, or even lightly sautéed bok choy. These sides provide a refreshing contrast and keep your meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the wok onto a platter for a communal family-style meal, or plate individual servings in bowls and garnish each with a wedge of lime or a sprig of fresh cilantro. For an elegant touch, add a few crunchy fried shallots on top – textures make the experience unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles might absorb the sauce more over time, so a quick toss in a hot pan before serving will freshen them right up.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables, freezing isn’t the best option for this recipe—the texture can suffer. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if you want, then prepare fresh noodles and vegetables when ready to eat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a non-stick pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chow mein or egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with thin ramen noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid mushiness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra crunchy vegetables like snap peas and mushrooms. Using vegetable broth and omitting oyster sauce (or replacing with vegetarian alternatives) keeps it fully plant-based and still delicious.

How spicy is this recipe?

This particular recipe is mild and perfect for all palates, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes, fresh chili, or chili oil according to your taste preferences.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and prep the vegetables ahead of time to save minutes when cooking. Just keep them refrigerated, and assemble quickly when ready to cook.

What type of oil is best for stir-frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil is perfect for stir-frying. These oils heat well and don’t overpower the flavors of your dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making your own takeout favorites, and this Easy Chicken Chow Mein Noodles Recipe nails it every time. It’s speedy, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it an absolute winner for any weeknight dinner or casual lunch. So, grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to wow your taste buds and your loved ones with this delightful dish!