Chicken Chow Mein Recipe | CookOS

Chicken Chow Mein

Name: Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced; 6 oz chicken breast, cooked and sliced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp MSG (monosodium glutamate); 6 oz chow mein noodles, cooked; 2 tbsp water; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp MSG (monosodium glutamate); 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp light soy sauce

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick stir-fried noodle dish combining tender sliced chicken, onions, bean sprouts, and cooked chow mein noodles tossed in a savory dark soy sauce base. Its standout trait is the balance of tender protein and crispy-edged noodles achieved through high-heat wok cooking.

🌍Chinese 🏷️Chicken chow mein 🏷️Chow mein 🏷️Noodles 🏷️Stir-fry Takeaway-style

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Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by mayflowermotherwell

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Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
6 oz chicken breast, cooked and sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp MSG (monosodium glutamate)optional
6 oz chow mein noodles, cooked
2 tbsp water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp MSG (monosodium glutamate)optional
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 cup bean sprouts
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp light soy sauce

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Instructions

1
Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add the vegetable oil.
2
Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
3
Add the cooked, sliced chicken and toss with the onions for about 30 seconds.
4
Season the chicken and onions with salt and MSG (if using). Stir-fry to combine.
5
Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together.
6
Add a splash of water to the side of the hot wok to create steam, which helps separate the noodles.
7
Season the noodles with another pinch of salt and MSG (if using).
8
Pour in the dark soy sauce and toss vigorously over high heat to coat the noodles and develop wok hei (smoky flavor).
9
Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for another 30-45 seconds until they are just wilted but still crisp.
10
Turn off the heat. Finish the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil and light soy sauce, giving it one final toss.
11
Transfer to a container or plate and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Ensure your wok is smoking hot before adding oil and ingredients — this creates the characteristic caramelization on noodles and seals the chicken quickly.
Slice the chicken breast thinly and cook it just until opaque to prevent overcooking; residual heat will continue cooking it as you stir.
Toss noodles gently with the sauce rather than stirring aggressively to preserve their integrity and create some crispy edges.
Have all ingredients prepped and within arm's reach before you start cooking — wok cooking happens fast and there's no time to chop mid-cook.

Substitutions

Chicken breast → chicken thigh (juicier, more forgiving), pork, shrimp, or tofu (reduce cooking time)
Yellow onion → white onion or scallions (add scallions in the last 30 seconds)
Dark soy sauce → light soy sauce plus 1/2 tsp sesame oil (lighter color, slightly less umami)
Bean sprouts → bok choy, snap peas, or cabbage (adjust cook time for texture preference)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of water to restore texture.

Equipment

wok or large skillet · spatula or wok turner

Common Questions

Can I use fresh noodles instead of cooked chow mein noodles?

Yes. If using fresh noodles, cook them first according to package directions, drain well, and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking before adding to the wok.

What can I substitute for MSG?

Omit MSG entirely for a milder umami flavor, or replace with 1/2 tsp fish sauce or 1/4 tsp soy sauce concentrate per 1/4 tsp MSG.

How do I get crispy noodles?

Spread cooked noodles on a plate to cool and dry slightly before adding to the hot wok. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a light crust on the bottom.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare ingredients (slice chicken, cut onions, cook noodles) up to 4 hours ahead and store separately. Cook fresh to order for best texture and temperature.