Easy Chicken Chow Mein with Savory Homemade Sauce

This easy chicken chow mein with savory homemade sauce is one of my favorite takeout-style meals to make at home. Tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables are tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce that brings the whole dish together in under 30 minutes. It’s quick, customizable, and better than anything I’ve ordered out.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this chow mein hits all the right notes—salty, slightly sweet, with a hint of garlic and sesame in every bite. The sauce is bold and silky, coating every noodle and veggie perfectly. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but is super easy to make with pantry staples. Plus, I can load it up with veggies or keep it simple, depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chow Mein:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
• Chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
• Cabbage (shredded)
• Carrots (julienned or shredded)
• Green onions
• Garlic (minced)
• Vegetable oil or sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Ground ginger
• Cornstarch
• Water

Directions

1. I start by cooking the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set them aside.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, cornstarch, and water. I set it aside.

3. I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and cook the sliced chicken until browned and cooked through. I remove it and set it aside.

4. In the same pan, I sauté garlic, then add the cabbage and carrots, stir-frying until just tender.

5. I return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce.

6. I toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles evenly.

7. I top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms to switch up the veggies. I’ve also made it with beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken. For extra heat, I add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix. If I want a lower-sodium version, I use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the hoisin a bit.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen everything up. It can also be microwaved, but I stir halfway through to make sure it reheats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use spaghetti noodles instead of chow mein?

Yes, I’ve used thin spaghetti or even ramen noodles in a pinch. The texture is slightly different, but it still works great.

What makes chow mein sauce so flavorful?

The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin creates a deep umami flavor. A little brown sugar adds balance, while cornstarch gives it that perfect glossy finish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the ingredients and sauce ahead, then quickly cook everything when I’m ready to eat. It’s a great option for busy weeknights.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the hoisin and oyster sauces are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?

I usually go with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola, but toasted sesame oil adds extra flavor. I use it in small amounts to finish the dish.

Conclusion

This easy chicken chow mein with savory homemade sauce is everything I want in a quick stir-fry—bold flavor, crisp veggies, and satisfying noodles, all in one skillet. It’s fast, flexible, and seriously delicious. Whether I’m craving takeout or just want a no-fuss dinner, this dish never disappoints.