Name: Spicy Chicken Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 cups cabbage, shredded; 3 green onions, sliced; 200g chow mein noodles; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste); Salt and pepper to taste

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Spicy Chicken Chow Mein is a classic stir-fried noodle dish made with succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful, spicy sauce. This quick and delicious recipe delivers restaurant-style taste with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory umami flavor. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and requires only a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re craving takeout-style noodles or looking for a versatile meal prep option, this chow mein delivers every time. The combination of tender chicken, spicy sauce, and crisp vegetables makes it a complete and satisfying dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
Chow mein or egg noodles
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Rice vinegar or mirin
Brown sugar
Chili garlic sauce or red chili flakes
Carrot, julienned
Bell peppers, thinly sliced
Spring onions, chopped
Vegetable or sesame oil
Fresh coriander or green onions for garnish

directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well to form the stir-fry sauce.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add additional oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the spring onions for 30 seconds.
Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the noodles. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped coriander or green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Replace chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein source
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version
Add additional vegetables like mushrooms, cabbage, or snap peas for extra texture
Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chili garlic sauce
Swap brown sugar for honey for a slightly different sweetness

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the noodles may become overly soft and lose their texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be used. Add it at the end just to heat through, as it does not require additional cooking time.

What type of noodles work best for chow mein?

Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles are ideal. You can also use ramen or even spaghetti in a pinch, though texture may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes to make it milder without compromising on flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or a plant-based protein. Use vegetarian oyster sauce as a substitute.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After draining the noodles, toss them lightly with a bit of oil. This prevents sticking while you prepare the other ingredients.

Is oyster sauce necessary?</h3>

Oyster sauce adds depth of flavor, but if unavailable, it can be replaced with hoisin sauce or soy sauce with a dash of sugar.

Can I add nuts to this dish?

Yes, roasted peanuts or cashews make excellent toppings, adding crunch and richness.

Do I need a wok to make this recipe?

A wok is preferred due to its high heat and wide surface, but a large skillet will work just as well.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the components in advance and quickly stir-fry before serving. It also reheats well for next-day meals.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Common additions include snow peas, bean sprouts, baby corn, broccoli, and cabbage. Choose vegetables that retain some bite after cooking.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout meal—right from your kitchen. It’s adaptable, easy to prepare, and a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and noodles all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Spicy Chicken Chow Mein

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A flavorful and spicy twist on the classic Chicken Chow Mein, packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and tossed in a bold, savory sauce.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked noodles.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.
Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything to combine well.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and coated with sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.