Name: Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 packs chow mein noodles (14 oz total); 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast, sliced thin; 1 cup shredded carrot; 2 cups shredded cabbage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 green onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 cup water or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for stir-frying)

Craving that perfect takeout-style chow mein without leaving the house? This homemade Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce is exactly what your dinner routine needs. It combines crispy noodles, colorful stir-fried veggies, and juicy chicken, all tossed in a rich, glossy sauce that hits every sweet, salty, and savory note. Once you try it, you’ll ditch the takeout menus for good.

What makes this chow mein stand out is the sauce. It clings to every noodle and vegetable like it’s meant to be there, thanks to a blend of soy, sesame, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that balances the whole dish. Fast, flavorful, and satisfying, this chow mein is the weeknight hero you’ve been searching for.

Why You’ll Love This Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

This chow mein delivers restaurant-level flavor but comes together quickly in your own kitchen. It’s customizable with your favorite protein or whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The sauce alone is worth bookmarking—bold yet simple, and it brings everything together in the most delicious way.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Chow Mein?

Fresh yakisoba noodles or refrigerated chow mein noodles are ideal, as they have the best chewy texture. If those aren’t available, dry ramen noodles or spaghetti can be used in a pinch. The key is to not overcook them and to give them a quick toss in oil before stir-frying, so they crisp up just right.

Ingredients for the Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

The ingredients in this recipe are straightforward, and most are pantry staples. But don’t underestimate their power when combined—they create a dish that tastes like it took hours.

Chow mein noodles
Boneless chicken thighs or breast
Carrot
Cabbage
Garlic
Green onions
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Hoisin sauce
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Brown sugar
Ground white pepper
Water or chicken broth

Each ingredient plays a key role: chow mein noodles bring that iconic texture, chicken adds hearty protein, cabbage and carrots offer crunch and color, while the blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces creates that layered umami taste you can’t resist.

Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce (1)

How To Make the Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

Step 1: Make the Chow Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, ground white pepper, and water or broth until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Slice the chicken into thin strips. Chop the cabbage and carrots, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. Set everything up so it’s ready to go.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook the chicken until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, then toss in the cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Add the chow mein noodles to the pan and let them sear a bit. Then toss everything together.

Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss well, letting it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy and coated.

Serving and Storing Your Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce

This chow mein serves about 4 people generously and is best served hot right out of the wok. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back the saucy texture. It even tastes great cold straight from the fridge!

What to Serve With Chow Mein?

Stir-Fried Green Beans

Crunchy and garlicky green beans add a refreshing, crisp contrast.

Egg Drop Soup

Light, silky, and comforting—a classic side.

Spring Rolls

Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a perfect appetizer.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Tangy, slightly sweet, and cold—this balances the warm noodles perfectly.

Steamed Dumplings

Whether pork or veggie, dumplings bring a bite-sized treat to the table.

Sweet Chili Tofu

Adds protein variety and a little sweet heat.

Mango Sticky Rice

For dessert, this chewy-sweet Thai favorite rounds out the meal.

Want More Noodle Ideas?

If you love this chow mein, you might enjoy other comforting pasta and noodle dishes like these:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy, cheesy twist on a childhood classic.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re looking for a quick and hearty one-pot meal.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for Philly flavor meets pasta comfort.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta loaded with creamy richness.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you need something smoky and satisfying.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you make it, let me know how yours turned out! Did you go with chicken or swap in shrimp or tofu? Did you add extra spice? Share your tips and tweaks in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated dinner favorites and comfort food ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find something new to cook tonight!