One Pot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

If you are craving a flavorful, fuss-free weeknight dinner that packs a punch, then this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is precisely what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken strips, and perfectly sauced chow mein noodles, this dish comes together quickly without the mess of multiple pans. The blend of soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of ginger creates an irresistible sauce that clings to every bite, making this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it relies on simple but essential ingredients that bring a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and delivering that classic chow mein experience in just one pot.

• Light soy sauce (⅓ cup / 80ml): Provides the salty, umami backbone that every chow mein needs.
• Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth that elevates the sauce.
• Chinese cooking wine or mirin (2 tbsp): Introduces a subtle acidity and complexity.
• Fresh grated ginger (2 tsp): Brings brightness and a hint of spice for freshness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and savory notes.
• Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with that toasty, nutty flavor loved in Asian cooking.
• Chicken powder (2 tsp, optional): Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
• Sugar (2 tsp): Balances the salty and tangy elements with just a touch of sweetness.
• White pepper (½ tsp): Gives subtle heat and a peppery kick distinct from black pepper.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to cling perfectly to noodles and chicken.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): A gentle hint of spice to keep things interesting.
• Chicken breasts (3 large, thinly sliced): Provides tender, juicy protein that sops up the flavor.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Tenderizes the chicken to silky perfection.
• Neutral oil (2 tbsp): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
• White onion (1, julienned): Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Carrots (3, julienned): For vibrant color and a subtle natural sweetness.
• Celery stalks (2, julienned): Gives crisp texture and freshness.
• Green beans (1 cup / 100g, halved): Adds a satisfying snap and bright green hue.
• Green cabbage (2 ½ cups / 250g, shredded): Cooks down softly, imparting mild sweetness.
• Green onions (4, sliced): The white parts cook with veggies; green parts finish the dish.
• Fresh chow mein noodles (10 ½ oz / 300g): Soft, chewy noodles that soak up all the glorious sauce.
• Water (¼ cup / 4 tbsp): Helps bring the sauce together and soften the noodles.
• Sliced green onions: For garnish and fresh aromatics.
• Crisp chili oil (optional): Drizzle on top if you like a touch of heat and spice.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1: Make the sauce and marinade

Begin by combining your soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, chicken powder if using, sugar, white pepper, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir it well to blend all those flavors into a luscious, savory sauce that will deepen the taste of the entire dish and tenderize the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips and place them in a bowl. Add the baking soda and two tablespoons of your prepared sauce, then mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or if pressed for time, marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. This quick step ensures the chicken will be tender and flavorful when cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the vegetables

While your chicken marinates, julienne the white onion, carrots, celery, and cabbage — slicing them into matchstick-like strips about three inches long. Trim and halve the green beans, and slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Prepping your veggies this way keeps the textures crisp and the presentation beautiful.

Step 4: Fry the chicken

Heat your wok or large pan over high heat and add your neutral oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for about a minute or until they start to turn golden. This quick searing locks in juices and creates that perfect contrast of tender inside and lightly caramelized outside.

Step 5: Add the vegetables

Next, toss in the julienned vegetables along with the green beans and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cabbage softens slightly but still retains a bit of crunch. This step brings vibrant colors and fresh textures to your chow mein.

Step 6: Add sauce and noodles

Pour in the remaining sauce mixture along with the water, stirring to combine and letting it come to a gentle simmer. Add the chow mein noodles and the green parts of the green onions last, tossing everything thoroughly so the noodles soak up the sauce and flavors evenly.

Step 7: Serve your One Pot Chicken Chow Mein

In moments, your delicious One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is ready to enjoy. Garnish with extra sliced green onions, and if you want to kick it up a notch, drizzle with some crisp chili oil for that wonderful spicy finish.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Chow Mein

Garnishes

Fresh sliced green onions add a pop of color and delicate bite as a finishing touch. For an extra layer of flavor and heat, a drizzle of chili crisp or chili oil is the perfect accompaniment. Toasted sesame seeds can also give a lovely nutty crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep your meal balanced with simple sides like steamed edamame, a tangy Asian slaw, or even some crispy spring rolls. These options add refreshing contrasts to the rich, saucy noodles while keeping the entire meal light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve One Pot Chicken Chow Mein in lettuce cups for a handheld option that’s both fresh and delicious. Alternatively, plating it on a banana leaf or garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro can provide an inviting, restaurant-quality presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken Chow Mein keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as tasty, if not more so, when reheated.

Freezing

While the dish freezes well, be aware that the noodles might soften further upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, portion it out in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 1 to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to reheat evenly without losing texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just slice them thinly and follow the same marinating and cooking steps.

What if I can’t find fresh chow mein noodles?

No worries! You can use dried chow mein or even spaghetti as a substitute. Just cook them according to the package instructions and add them at the same stage in the recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep the dish savory.

How spicy is this recipe?

The basic recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes, chili oil, or fresh chili to your taste.

Can I prepare One Pot Chicken Chow Mein in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and prep the vegetables a few hours ahead or even the day before to save time. The actual stir-frying and combining steps are best done fresh for optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

If you want a no-fuss, incredibly tasty dinner that feels special, this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is your new best friend. It’s quick to prepare, full of satisfying flavors and textures, and perfect for sharing with family or friends any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!

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