Dinner

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

ByBen Miller November 28, 2025November 28, 2025

Introduction

Chicken chow mein is a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that combines tender chicken strips with crisp vegetables and flavorful noodles. This easy recipe brings together aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili for a perfect weeknight meal.

A large metal pan filled with stir-fried noodles and vegetables. The bottom layer shows yellowish noodles twisted and mixed. On top of the noodles are several pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown glaze. Around and above the chicken are small green broccoli florets and thin white bean sprouts. Thin orange carrot strips and small bits of light green vegetables are scattered throughout. The pan sits on a natural cork mat on a white marbled surface with a neutral background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, crushed
Good chunk fresh root ginger, grated
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 chicken breasts, cut into chunky strips
3 blocks dried egg noodles
½ a head broccoli, broken into florets
3 carrots, cut into thin sticks
1 tbsp vegetable oil
300g pack beansprouts
3 spring onions, halved and sliced into long strips
1 tbsp oyster sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Mix together the crushed garlic, grated ginger, chopped chilli, soy sauce, and tomato purée in a bowl. Add the chicken strips and leave to marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the egg noodles, broccoli florets, and carrot sticks. Cook for 4 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through.
Step 4: Add the drained noodles, vegetables, beansprouts, and spring onion strips to the wok. Toss everything together to warm through.
Step 5: Mix the oyster sauce with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the wok mixture just before serving. Combine well to evenly coat the ingredients.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, keep some of the chilli seeds or add a splash of chili oil when stir-frying.
Substitute chicken with tofu or prawns for a different protein option.
Use fresh egg noodles instead of dried for a more tender texture.
Add a handful of chopped cashews or peanuts for crunch.

Storage

Store leftover chicken chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry.

How to Serve

A large silver pan filled with stir-fried noodles, with a mix of bright green broccoli florets, orange carrot sticks, and small pieces of light brown cooked chicken scattered throughout. There are also white bean sprouts layered on top, adding a fresh look. The noodles are golden-yellow and mixed evenly with the vegetables and chicken. The pan sits on a round cork mat, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli and carrots?

Yes, you can substitute with bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or any crunchy vegetable you prefer to suit your taste and what’s available.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinsing cooked noodles briefly under cold water after draining helps remove excess starch and prevents them from clumping. Tossing them with a little oil before adding to the stir-fry also helps.