Easy, Delicious Chicken Chow Mein (My Go-To Weeknight Stir Fry)

There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of chow mein—soft noodles, savoury chicken, crunchy veggies, and that glossy, flavour-packed sauce that brings everything together. This dish has become one of my weeknight staples because it’s fast, filling, and tastes even better than takeout.

When I was growing up in Toronto’s Chinatown, noodle dishes like this were an everyday kind of comfort. The sizzling aroma of soy sauce in a hot wok instantly takes me back to watching cooks stir-fry with such confidence and speed. This chow mein brings that same feeling—simple ingredients, big flavour, and a moment of warmth in a busy day.

And best of all? It uses pantry staples and takes under 30 minutes once everything is prepped.

Easy Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients

For the chicken:

10 chicken thighs, sliced thin
1-inch ginger, minced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1/3 cup water
Salt & pepper

For the stir fry:

3 carrots, sliced thin
1/2 onion, sliced thin
3 cups bean sprouts
1 pack chow mein noodles (fresh or dry)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, water, and cornstarch. Add sliced chicken thighs, season with a little salt and pepper, and toss well. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep your veggies.

2. Prep the Noodles

Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside so they don’t clump.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high. Add a touch of oil, then sauté the marinated chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

4. Cook the Veggies

In the same pan, add carrots and onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add bean sprouts and cook for just 1 minute more.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together over medium-high heat until the sauce coats the noodles and everything is glossy and delicious.