Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for those who crave a quick, yet incredibly flavorful meal. I remember the first time I tasted authentic Chicken Chow Mein at a bustling street market in Hong Kong. The vibrant flavors, the perfect balance of sauce and texture, and the overall comfort of the dish left a lasting impression on me. This recipe aims to capture that same authentic taste and is sure to become a favorite in your household. With a few fresh ingredients and a quick stir-fry technique, you can recreate this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Chow Mein:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

12 oz chow mein noodles (uncooked)

2 cups shredded cabbage

1 large carrot, julienned

1/2 batch green onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
6 tbsp oyster sauce

3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

3 tbsp light sesame oil (not toasted)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of light sesame oil, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps. Set the sauce mixture aside.
Cook the Noodles
Cook the Noodles: Prepare 12 ounces of chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling the noodles for a few minutes until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking. Set the noodles aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Heat the Pan: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil.

Cook the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Add the chicken strips to the hot oil and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are slightly softened and the cabbage is a bit translucent. The vegetables should retain some crunch for texture.
Combine All Ingredients
Return Chicken and Noodles to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken and the drained noodles back into the pan with the vegetables.

Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the top of the chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.