Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 3. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Break the Spice on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $8.05 total, $2.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (thinly sliced into strips)
  • 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (1 tbsp for marinating, 1 tbsp for sauce)
  • 1.5 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (provides umami)
  • 3 tbsp Water (2 tbsp for marinating, 1 tbsp for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (coats chicken to keep it moist)
  • 0.5 medium Cabbage (core removed, thinly sliced)
  • 2 pieces Carrots (cut into matchsticks)
  • 6 stalks Scallions (green tops cut 2‑inch pieces, white parts finely chopped)
  • 0.5 tbsp Ginger (sliced then minced)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic (minced)
  • 2 pieces Eggs (scrambled then set aside)
  • 8 oz Noodles (egg noodles or chow mein noodles) (cook 2 minutes less than package, drain, rinse cold, coat with oil)
  • 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for stir‑frying and coating noodles)
  • few drops tbsp Sesame Oil (adds fragrance at the end)
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • to taste MSG (optional) (for authentic umami)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken

    Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, place in a bowl, add 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 2 tbsp water, mix and let sit for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare Vegetables

    Cut half a medium cabbage, remove the core and thinly slice. Peel and cut carrots into matchsticks. Cut scallion greens into 2‑inch pieces and finely chop the white parts. Slice and mince the ginger, then mince the garlic.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Mix Sauce

    In a small bowl combine 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp water and 1 tsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Coat Chicken with Cornstarch

    Add 2 tbsp cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cook Noodles

    Bring a pot of water to boil, add noodles and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp oil to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: boiling

  6. Scramble Eggs

    Heat a little oil in the wok over medium‑high heat, pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  7. Stir‑Fry Chicken

    Add a splash of oil to the wok, increase heat to high, and stir‑fry the coated chicken strips until cooked through, about 3‑4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high

  8. Aromatics

    Add a little more oil, then stir‑fry the ginger, garlic and white parts of the scallions for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  9. Cook Carrots

    Add the carrot matchsticks and stir‑fry for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  10. Char Cabbage

    Add the sliced cabbage and stir‑fry until lightly charred around the edges, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  11. Fry Noodles

    Return the oiled noodles to the wok and stir‑fry for 2 minutes to heat through and develop a slight crust.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  12. Combine All Ingredients

    Add the cooked chicken, vegetables, scrambled eggs, and scallion greens back into the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  13. Finish and Season

    Stir‑fry for another 2‑3 minutes, then add black pepper, optional MSG, and a few drops of sesame oil. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains egg, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: soy, egg, wheat, shellfish (oyster sauce)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chicken Chow Mein

Recipe by Break the Spice

A quick and easy Chinese‑style chicken chow mein packed with tender chicken strips, crisp vegetables, and perfectly fried noodles. Ideal for a weeknight dinner.

EasyChineseServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.05
Total cost
$2.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 10 minutes
  • Coating noodles with oil after draining
  • High‑heat stir‑frying to achieve a light char on cabbage
  • Ensuring noodles do not over‑cook or become mushy

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Use caution when chopping raw chicken; avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Chow Mein in Chinese cuisine?

A

Chicken Chow Mein originates from Cantonese street food, where stir‑fried noodles were a quick, portable meal. Over time it became a staple in Chinese-American households, representing comfort food that blends noodles, protein, and vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Chow Mein in Chinese cuisine?

A

In southern China, chow mein is often pan‑fried to create a crispy noodle layer, while northern versions may be softer and boiled. Some regions add bean sprouts or use different sauces like hoisin for a sweeter profile.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Chow Mein traditionally served in Cantonese restaurants?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, on a large platter with the noodles slightly crisped on the edges, garnished with scallion greens and a drizzle of sesame oil. It is eaten with chopsticks and often accompanied by a light soup.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Chow Mein traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Chow mein is a popular dish for family gatherings, birthdays, and Lunar New Year because its long noodles symbolize longevity and prosperity.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Chow Mein special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

The dish balances textures—soft noodles, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken—while the high‑heat stir‑fry imparts a smoky "wok‑hei" flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Chow Mein?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, overcrowding the wok, and burning the garlic. These lead to soggy noodles, steamed vegetables, and bitter flavors.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Chow Mein recipe use cornstarch on the chicken instead of flour?

A

Cornstarch creates a light, silky coating that locks in moisture during the quick stir‑fry, whereas flour would make the chicken heavier and could cause clumping in the wok.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Chow Mein ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance and refrigerate them separately. Cooked noodles and stir‑fried components keep best when stored in airtight containers and reheated quickly in a hot wok.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Chow Mein?

A

The noodles should be glossy and slightly crisp on the edges, the vegetables bright and still crisp, and the chicken tender with a light coating. The sauce should cling to the noodles without pooling.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chicken Chow Mein is done cooking?

A

When the chicken is no longer pink, the vegetables are crisp‑tender, and the noodles are heated through with a faint golden crust, the dish is ready. A quick taste should reveal balanced seasoning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Break the Spice specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Break the Spice focuses on quick, easy-to-follow Asian-inspired recipes that use everyday ingredients, aiming to make flavorful dishes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Break the Spice's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Break the Spice emphasizes speed and simplicity, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many Chinese cooking channels delve into traditional techniques and specialty tools. The channel balances authenticity with practicality for busy cooks.

channel

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