Whip up a homemade spin on a takeout favorite with a flavor-packed recipe for Quick Chicken Chow Mein.

A top-down view of two bowls containing Quick Chicken Chow Mein and chopsticks

Noodles in every way, shape and form are a food group in our house, whether they’re bathed in a creamy cheese sauce, chilled and tossed in tangy peanut sauce or layered and baked as a classic Italian dish.

If it features noodles, it’s a beloved favorite with my squad of boys.

A clear bowl containing shredded carrots, sliced celery, green cabbage and bean sprouts

Quick Chicken Chow Mein is on our regular recipe rotation because it satisfies everything this mom needs:

  • It takes 30 minutes (or less) to make
  • It’s loaded with veggies and your choice of protein
  • It’s packed with flavor, thanks to a quick-fix homemade sauce
Tongs holding noodles over a pot filled with water

You can’t ask for much more in a takeout-inspired favorite!

The real draw of this chicken chow mein is just that … it doesn’t have to be made with chicken. You can sub in any other protein (think shrimp, steak or tofu) or keep it a meat-free main by loading it up with extra veggies.

Chow mein sauce over noodles and veggies in a large skillet

No matter which way you customize it, one thing is certain: Quick Chicken Chow Mein is the fast, flavor-packed, meal-in-a-bowl answer to all of your “What’s for dinner?” dilemmas!

A top-down view of two bowls containing easy chicken chow mein next to small bowls containing sliced scallions, sesame seeds and chili sauce

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Main Course

Quick Chicken Chow Mein

Toss the takeout menus in favor of a fast and fresh recipe for Chicken Chow Mein that will be on your table in 30 minutes or less.
5 from 3 votes
A top-down view of two bowls containing Quick Chicken Chow Mein and chopsticks
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 6 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients 

For the sauce:

  • 1/3 cup oyster sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

For the noodles:

  • 1 pound yakisoba noodles or fresh chow mein noodles (See Kelly’s Notes)
  • 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into thin 1-inch strips (See Kelly’s Notes)
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup bean sprouts

Instructions 

Make the sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.

Make the noodles:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  • Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring constantly, until it is browned on all sides. (It does not need to be cooked through.) Push the chicken to one side of the pan.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil then add the garlic, ginger, celery, carrots, cabbage and bean sprouts. Cook, stirring constantly and incorporating the chicken, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the noodles and sauce and toss to combine. Serve immediately. 

Kelly's Notes:

  • Yakisoba or chow mein noodles can often be found in the refrigerator section of most major grocery stores. If you can’t find either, you can substitute in spaghetti or linguini. 
  • Switch up this recipe with your protein of choice, including shrimp, steak, pork or tofu.
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!

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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.

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Author Kelly Senyei

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Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 1161mg, Potassium: 311mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 3647IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 3mg

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Comments

  1. chicken chow mein recipe !!!
    regarding noodles, it says see Kelli’s notes. I don’t see any notes. Help !!!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    Awesome tasting recipe! It really was so quick and easy. Have made it twice now and will definitely be making it again and again. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    1. Hi Pj! You can mix soy sauce and hoisin sauce at a 1:1 ratio, the result will be close enough to oyster sauce to get you by. :)

      Reply