The Best Chicken Chow Mein Recipe You Need to Try

Introduction – What Is in a Chow Mein?

If you’ve ever wondered what is in a chow mein, the answer is simple: noodles, fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a rich stir-fry sauce that brings everything together. Chow mein is one of the most popular Chinese dishes in the world, but making it the right way requires skill and technique. Many recipes online don’t capture the true texture and flavor of authentic chow mein. This guide will show you exactly how to make restaurant-quality chicken chow mein at home.

The Secret to Perfect Chow Mein Noodles

The foundation of a great chow mein lies in the noodles. Fresh Chinese egg noodles are the best choice. The trick is to cook them three times to achieve the perfect chewy yet saucy texture.

1. First, blanch the noodles for just 20 seconds in boiling water.
2. Spread them out on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry slightly.
3. Stir-fry them in small batches until they’re lightly golden, firm, and separated.

This process ensures your noodles don’t clump together and remain perfectly textured when mixed with the sauce and vegetables.

How to Make Chow Mein Step by Step

If you’re searching for how to make chow mein, here’s the complete process broken down

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken thighs into small pieces.

Marinate with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and a pinch of baking soda. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy

Step 2: Create the Stir-Fry Sauce

Mix together:

• Soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• A touch of sugar

This combination delivers that deep umami flavor that makes chow mein so irresistible.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Use carrots, cabbage, and spring onions. The white part of spring onions adds strong flavor during cooking, while the green part is tossed in at the end for freshness and color

Step 4: Stir-Fry Everything

1. Heat oil in a wok and add spring onion whites with ginger.
2. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until just cooked.
3. Toss in carrots and cabbage.
4. Add the prepared noodles and pour in the stir-fry sauce.
5. Finish with spring onion greens and a dash of sesame oil.

Optional: Drizzle some chili oil for extra spice.

Why This Chow Mein Recipe Works

Unlike basic recipes, this version focuses on texture, flavor layering, and proper noodle handling. The result is a dish that’s saucy yet not soggy, chewy yet tender, and packed with flavor

Conclusion

Now that you know what is in a chow mein and exactly how to make chow mein, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. With the right noodle technique and a balance of sauces and vegetables, your chicken chow mein will impress family and friends every single time.