Chicken Chow Mein Wellplated Com

Sit down to eat this healthy meal at the table, or enjoy it in true takeaway style—in front of a rom-com. No matter the setting, this easy chicken chow mein fits right in. We eat stir fry almost weekly here, for good reason:

Stir fries can serve as a complete meal with servings of veggies, protein, and whole grains. One and done.You can throw just about anything you have in the refrigerator at them. Yes to flexibility!

When cooking stir fry, I tend to default to the “over rice” approach (Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry; Tofu Stir Fry; Sweet and Sour Chicken). Sometimes though, especially when I am REALLY craving takeout, nothing hits the spot like a noodle-based stir fry: Vegetable Lo Mein; simple Stir Fry Noodles; Beef Lo Mein. Swoon.

Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein

Chicken chow mein is similar to chicken lo mein in flavor, but the noodles are treated differently.

Chow mein means “fried” noodles. The noodles are cooked, then pan-fried.Lo mein means “tossed (or mixed or stirred) noodles.” The noodles get tossed in at the end after they are fully cooked.

Chow mein and lo mein are also typically different noodle types.

Chow mein noodles can be fresh or dry and are usually thin, making them ideal for quickly pan-frying.Lo mein noodles are more thick and chewy, perfect for stirring in at the end.

How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

Chinese chicken chow mein is made of noodles, vegetables, and tender chicken chunks all coated in a deliciously sweet, sticky, and salty sauce. This chicken chow mein recipe is my interpretation of the popular Chinese-American takeaway dish, made with ingredients I typically have on hand. If you’d like to look for an authentic chicken chow mein recipe from a Chinese blogger, check out Red House Spice. Her site is scrumptious!

The Ingredients

Chow Mein Noodles. The chow mein noodles become irresistable once they’re lightly crisped and coated in the sweet, sticky sauce. Plus, they add some protein to the dish.

Chicken. Tender chunks of chicken breast or thighs help make this a more satisfying meal. Red Bell Peppers. Red bell peppers add beautiful color and sweetness to the dish. Broccoli Slaw. Broccoli slaw is a fantastic ingredient to use in stir fry recipes like this one! It’s an easy way to incorporate oodles of veggies without the added prep work.

Green Onions. For subtle onion flavor and color. Chow Mein Sauce. Soy sauce adds umami, sesame oil adds nuttiness, and oyster sauce and honey help make the sauce sticky and sweet. I also added some chicken bouillon powder for more complex savoriness.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate chow mein in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. To Freeze. Freeze chow mein in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Liquid Measuring Cups. Ideal for measuring and mixing the sauce. Wok. You can also use a a large skillet. Colander. Essential for draining all the water from your noodles. These colanders collapse for easy storage.

Take me away, takeout style chicken chow mein! Our store also has a variety of thin noodle called “stir fry noodles” that works well in this chow mein recipe.