Have you ever craved that savory, irresistible flavor of restaurant-style Chicken Chow Mein but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Imagine the perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy-tender vegetables, chewy noodles, and a bold, umami-packed sauce. Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein is a dish that satisfies on every level, from its rich flavors to its incredible simplicity. The best part? You can easily recreate this iconic dish in your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Let’s take a deep dive into this timeless favorite and explore how you can master Chicken Chow Mein at home with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and delicious variations.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Chow Mein
There’s a reason why Chicken Chow Mein is a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the globe. Here’s why this dish will quickly become your go-to:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sherry wine creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and full of depth.
- Customizable: You can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu, and experiment with different vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves noodles, and this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
- Restaurant-Style Results: With a few key techniques, you can achieve that perfect chow mein texture—slightly crispy noodles, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients for Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. The ingredient list is simple but delivers big on taste.
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into chunks) | ½ lb. | Provides tender, protein-packed bites. |
| Avocado or canola oil | 1 tablespoon | For cooking the chicken and adding richness. |
| Oyster sauce | 2 teaspoons | Adds a savory, umami flavor to the chicken. |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances overall flavor. |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds a subtle kick. |
For the Noodles
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Noodles or spaghetti | 10 oz | The star of the dish, bringing chewy texture. |
For the Vegetables
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage (thinly sliced) | 2 cups | Adds crunch and freshness to the dish. |
| Garlic (chopped) | 3 cloves | Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor. |
| Scallions (sliced lengthwise) | 3 | Adds brightness and color. |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Forms the savory backbone of the sauce. |
| Oyster sauce | 3 tablespoons | Adds depth and enhances umami flavors. |
| Dark brown sugar | 1 tablespoon | Balances the sauce with a hint of sweetness. |
| Sherry wine | ⅓ cup | Adds complexity and a touch of acidity. |
Step-by-Step Recipe for Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken chunks with the oyster sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat the avocado or canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced cabbage and scallions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Mix the Sauce
- While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark brown sugar, and sherry wine in a small bowl.
- Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved, and set the sauce aside.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top.
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the sauce evenly coats the noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with additional sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious restaurant-style dish!
Why This Recipe Works
1. The Sauce
The sauce is the heart of any chow mein recipe, and this one delivers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark brown sugar, and sherry wine creates a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
2. Perfectly Cooked Noodles
Cooking the noodles until al dente ensures they retain their chewy texture, even after being tossed with the sauce.
3. Crisp-Tender Vegetables
Sautéing the vegetables just until tender-crisp preserves their natural sweetness and crunch, adding both flavor and texture to the dish.
4. Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
Marinating the chicken in oyster sauce before cooking ensures that each bite is tender, juicy, and packed with umami flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
This Chicken Chow Mein recipe is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients to fuel your day.
| Nutrient | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken | Builds and repairs muscle tissue. |
| Carbohydrates | Noodles | Provides energy and keeps you feeling full. |
| Vitamins | Cabbage, scallions | Supports immunity and overall health. |
| Healthy Fats | Canola/avocado oil | Supports heart health and brain function. |
| Antioxidants | Garlic, scallions | Fights inflammation and promotes well-being. |
Tips for Perfecting Chicken Chow Mein
- Use a Hot Wok or Skillet: Cooking at high heat helps achieve the signature flavors and textures of chow mein.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
FAQs About Chicken Chow Mein
1. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu to suit your preferences.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian-friendly alternative like mushroom sauce.
3. Can I use store-bought chow mein noodles?
Definitely! Chow mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or linguine work just as well if you don’t have chow mein noodles on hand.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may become mushy upon reheating.
6. What pairs well with Chicken Chow Mein?
Serve it alongside egg rolls, wonton soup, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Why You Should Make Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein Tonight
Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From its bold flavors to its satisfying textures, this dish is the perfect way to bring the magic of restaurant-quality cooking to your home kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Try It Today!
Ready to recreate the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant at home? Gather your ingredients and make this Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein tonight. You’ll be amazed at how quick, easy, and delicious it is!
Print
Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein: A Timeless Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
When you’re craving the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, look no further than Classic Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken, chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal to impress family and friends. With this recipe, you’ll recreate the magic of restaurant-quality chow mein right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- ½ lb. chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon avocado or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 10 oz noodles or spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 scallions, sliced lengthwise
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup sherry wine
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken chunks with the oyster sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the noodles or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set the cooked noodles aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté the chopped garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the sliced cabbage and scallions to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark brown sugar, and sherry wine.
- Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, followed by the sauce.
- Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with additional scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade restaurant-style dish!
Notes
- Customize Your Vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more color and flavor.
- Choose the Right Noodles: Chow mein noodles, yakisoba noodles, or even spaghetti can work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese