Flavorful Chicken Chow Mein Sauce

Category: Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion

Dive into chow mein packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and bouncy noodles all covered in a punchy, fragrant sauce. You’ll toss ginger, garlic, soy, and oyster sauces together for deep flavor. A drizzle of sesame oil gives it extra oomph. Pile on bean sprouts and fresh scallions at the end for color and crunch. Want to mix it up? Add more veggies or switch chicken out for tofu with veggie broth for a plant-based meal. It comes together real quick and is just right for any busy night or chill get-together.

Dana
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:13:51 GMT
Noodles, chicken, and veggies in a bowl, ready to eat. Pin
Noodles, chicken, and veggies in a bowl, ready to eat. | chefsnaps.com

Ultimate Saucy Chicken Chow Mein keeps every meal lively and easy You’ll toss soft noodles with juicy chicken crisp veggies and a knockout sauce that’s rich and full of flavor Total comfort you can make right at home

First time I tried this was a random weeknight We were tired and starving Everyone ate every last bite fast and now the sauce is a must in our kitchen

Tasty Ingredients

  • Bell pepper: Go for red, green, or yellow—just make sure they look shiny and feel firm
  • Chicken, cooked: Rotisserie or roasted works great Pull it into bite-sized shreds
  • Sesame oil: Splash for a toasty smell right at the end
  • Soy sauce: Amp up saltiness and deep flavor Quality really matters here
  • Garlic: Finely chopped for full aroma Fresh gives the best kick
  • Green onions: Chop small—use some for mixing and the rest to decorate
  • Oyster sauce: Thick and savory, leaves everything glossy
  • Cornstarch: Smooths and thickens your sauce, go with a powder that’s not chunky
  • Chow mein noodles: Get fresh or air-dried if you can They hold up to the sauce best
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral flavored, can handle serious heat while stir-frying
  • Fresh ginger: Mince for some brightness—pick roots that look juicy and not wrinkled
  • Carrots: Slice into thin sticks so they cook fast and add gentle sweetness
  • Celery: Thin slices using the tender center bits for crunch
  • Bean sprouts: Rinse well and toss in for snap and freshness
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and sticks the sauce together Use low-salt if you want
  • Salt and pepper: Add at the last minute Keep tasting till it’s perfect

Simple StepbyStep

Dive In and Serve
Distribute it into bowls then sprinkle with the leftover green onions It’s best piping hot Dig in pronto
Add Your Noodles
Drop the noodles in the skillet Grab some tongs and toss until every noodle is steamy and slick Try it and add salt or pepper if you think it needs more
Coat With Sauce
Pour your sauce over the veggies and chicken Watch as it thickens and makes everything shiny Give it a good mix for two to three minutes so it all soaks in
Mix Up the Sauce
Whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and broth in a little bowl Mix it until every bit is smooth—lumps are the worst
StirFry Chicken and Sprouts In
Now, toss in your pulled chicken, bean sprouts, and most of the chopped green onion Keep stir-frying a couple minutes until it all gets warm and mingled
Veg, Meet Pan
Flip in carrots, celery, and bell pepper Sauté these for about three or four minutes till they’re just a little soft but still crunchy Keep shaking the pan
Sizzle Up Garlic and Ginger
Warm vegetable oil on medium-high, then throw in minced garlic and ginger Stir all the time for about half a minute Don’t let it burn—just get the smell going
Noodle Time
Boil chow mein noodles as the package says They should bounce when you bite them Drain off the water so they don’t go soggy Set aside, they’ll go in last
A bowl of noodles with chicken and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of noodles with chicken and vegetables. | chefsnaps.com

What gets me every time is how that sauce sticks to each and every noodle Even my little kid asks for more Now it’s a go-to for family dinners People always ask for it at birthday parties too

Keeping It Fresh

Just tuck leftovers into a tight container in the fridge You’re good for three days Warm it up in a skillet over gentle heat with a splash of broth so it stays moist The veg will soften but it’ll taste even better

Swap Options

Chicken not your thing? Try tofu or shrimp instead For gluten concerns, go for gluten-free soy and noodles If you’re not into shellfish, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster

How to Serve

This is awesome with plain steamed bok choy on the side or even a fast cucumber salad Jasmine tea chilled down works with it It’s fun to set it out for everyone to share at the table

A bowl of noodles with chicken and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of noodles with chicken and vegetables. | chefsnaps.com

Backstory

Chow mein means fried noodles in Cantonese It’s a favorite in Chinese American spots Stir-fry fast on high heat to get that old-school flavor What makes it magic is the bold sauce mixed with veggies and noodles—just like they do in family kitchens everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ What's the best way to get chicken that's juicy and tender?

Cut or pull cooked chicken into small chunks. Using rotisserie or poached chicken is a great choice since it stays moist and grabs onto the sauce and veggies nicely.

→ Got any tricks for tossing noodles in a stir-fry?

Once you boil the noodles, rinse them with cold water so they stop cooking. Scoop them into the pan right near the end and lightly mix so they soak up the sauce but don’t turn mushy.

→ Can I swap out the chicken for something else?

Of course! Try it with tofu, shrimp, or thin beef instead. Want it veggie? Use firm tofu plus some veggie broth for a nice twist.

→ How do I make my sauce thick and shiny?

Mix up cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and a splash of sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until smooth then pour it in, cooking till it gets thick and coats everything.

→ What crunchy veggies can I toss in for more bite?

Snap peas, broccoli, or snow peas are awesome picked for this. Add them in with the other veggies so they stay colorful and have crunch.

Chow Mein Sauce Chicken

Tender chicken, snappy veggies, and chewy noodles get coated in a zesty sauce that makes dinner easy and exciting.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Dana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3 green onions, chopped
02 1 cup bean sprouts
03 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
04 1 cup carrots, julienned
05 1 cup celery, sliced
06 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
07 4 cups chow mein noodles
08 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

→ Aromatics and Sauce

09 Salt and pepper, add as needed
10 1 tablespoon sesame oil
11 1/4 cup chicken broth
12 1 tablespoon cornstarch
13 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
14 1/4 cup soy sauce
15 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
16 3 cloves garlic, minced

Steps

Step 01

Pile it into bowls while it's still warm. Sprinkle with more green onions if you want.

Step 02

Toss in the drained noodles. Give everything a good mix so it's all warmed up and coated. Taste it and add salt and pepper if you need to.

Step 03

Pour that sauce over your skillet stuff. Mix it in so it covers everything. Let it cook for a couple minutes till it thickens up.

Step 04

Grab a small bowl. Stir up the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, broth, and sesame oil until it turns nice and smooth.

Step 05

Now, toss in the chicken you cooked earlier, bean sprouts, and the green onions. Stir it for about two minutes. Everything should be mixed and warmed up nicely.

Step 06

In with the bell peppers, carrots cut into thin strips, and celery. Keep them moving in the pan around 3–4 minutes. Stop when they're soft but still a little crunchy.

Step 07

Pour the oil into a big pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chopped ginger and garlic. Keep them moving for half a minute till they smell great.

Step 08

Boil the chow mein noodles by following whatever it says on the package. Drain out all the water and put them off to the side.

Notes

  1. Swap in tofu instead of chicken and go with veggie broth if you'd rather keep it meat-free.
  2. Try adding broccoli or snow peas for a splash of color and more vitamins.

Required Tools

  • Big skillet or wok
  • Chopping board
  • Good knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Allergen Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Has soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce)
  • Has shellfish (oyster sauce might have shellfish inside)

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These details are for reference purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 30 g