Today I’m sharing how to make chicken chow mein—you know, that favorite Chinese takeout order with the perfect balance of saucy noodles, tender chicken and crispy veggies. You may never order out again!

Don’t get me wrong about Chinese takeout: I understand keeping the kitchen clean and just phoning in your order is a huge part of the appeal. But making this chicken chow mein at home gives you complete control over the ingredients for the freshest flavors and the ability to customize to suit your tastes.

Plus, you’ll be surprised by how simple it is to whip up this meal yourself!

Chow mein, lo mein, chow fun: What’s the difference?

So, what makes chow mein taste like chow mein? And what’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein? What is chow fun? If you do not eat Chinese food often enough to have tried many dishes, you may not have thought about it much.

These particular dishes all come down to the noodles. Chow fun noodles are wide, flat rice noodles with a tender, slightly chewy texture. Lo mein noodles are wheat-based and usually boiled, which keeps them soft.

Chow mein features crispy, pan-fried, noodles that soak up the flavors of the sauce and ingredients without becoming too soggy. While they’re also wheat-based, you can find gluten-free options made of rice flour, tapioca starch or other gluten-free flour.

Think of chow mein noodles as the Goldilocks pick—not too soft, not too crunchy, but just right.

What to serve with chicken chow mein

Now you know more about your main dish, here are some sides and beverages that will balance out the flavors and textures perfectly.

For side dishes, keep it simple. Egg rolls are a classic choice for a crispy, savory appetizer. Roasted, steamed, or stir-fried in a wok, veggies always work well with this chicken chow mein dish. Steam a few heaping handfuls of edamame and add sea salt for a simple, crunchy snack between bites. Also try my easy, oven-roasted broccoli to bring even more green to your plates.

Crisp white wine, Japanese plum wine or sake are all alcoholic beverages that pair well with these flavors. Jasmine tea is a nice, non-alcoholic option. A big, ice-cold glass of sweet tea works well, too, while adding a Southern twist!

Speaking of, I do not have any traditional Chinese desserts to recommend, but I can point you to something close, which is my old-fashioned chess pie. That’s not as far a reach as you may think! Its custard texture is similar to that of egg tarts, a favorite sweet specialty in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients needed to make this chicken chow mein recipe

Let’s take a look at the ingredients for whipping up this easy chicken chow mein.

Chow Mein Noodles: The main ingredient, with these slightly crunchy fried noodles providing the base for all the flavors. 
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein for substance, texture and flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Creates the crispy noodle texture.
Green Cabbage: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. 
Matchstick Carrots: Brings a pop of color, natural sweetness and nutrition. 
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These two combine to add warm, fragrant, and savory notes. 
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: Create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce. 
Sesame Oil: Gives the dish a distinct nutty flavor and adds to its aroma.
Sugar: Balances the savory elements with sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens and binds the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavors. 
Green Onions: An optional garnish for mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
Sesame Seeds: An option for adding extra nuttiness and visual interest.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Stockpot
Colander
Large Dutch oven

Frequently asked questions about this easy chicken chow mein recipe

Whenever I’ve served guests this chow mein dish or shared this recipe with friends, these are the questions I am usually asked. Let me know in the comments if there’s something I haven’t covered, and I will reply as soon as I can!

Is chow mein healthy?

While chow mein is not considered a low-calorie dish, your at-home version will be much healthier than takeout thanks to using lean protein, loading it with fresh veggies, and going lighter on the oil and sauce than what you get from most Chinese restaurants. All of these factors reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

What substitutions or additions can I try with this chow mein recipe?

Feel free to experiment with different protein sources like tofu, pork, shrimp, or beef. You can also toss in more veggies like snap peas, snow peas or chopped celery. Another idea for variations is to swap out cabbage for other crunchy options like bean sprouts, bok choy or thinly sliced bell peppers.

What is the best way to store Chow Mein leftovers?

To store chow mein leftovers, place the cooled food in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to help rehydrate the noodles.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe for chicken chow mein, then take a look at some of these other yummy recipes: