A saucy, savory, high-protein chicken noodle stir-fry loaded with veggies, lean chicken, and the perfect glossy chow-mein sauce.
Quick Description
This high-protein chow mein uses lean chicken breast, lightly stir-fried noodles, and a flavorful soy-garlic sauce. It’s fast, filling, and macro-friendly while tasting like classic takeout.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients List
Protein Base
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps chicken stay tender)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Veggies
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- 1 small onion, sliced
Noodles
- 10–12 oz chow mein noodles (or whole-wheat spaghetti for higher fiber)
Chow Mein Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- ½–1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Oil
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the Noodles
- Boil noodles according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes).
- Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Toss noodles with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2 — Prep the Chicken
- Pat diced chicken dry.
- Toss with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet.
- Cook chicken on medium-high until lightly browned and cooked through (5–6 minutes).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3 — Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add onion, carrots, and cabbage.
- Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add green onions last.
Step 4 — Make the Sauce
- Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (optional), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
- Mix cornstarch and water separately.
- Add the slurry to the sauce to thicken.
Step 5 — Combine Everything
- Add chicken back to the pan.
- Add noodles and pour sauce over.
- Toss everything together on medium-high heat until glossy and coated (2–3 minutes).
- Adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce to taste.
Additional Notes
- For even more protein, add 1–2 scrambled eggs or swap chicken breast for chicken thighs.
- Kids love this recipe — mild, saucy, and not too spicy.
Dietary Info
- High-protein
- Can be made low-carb (use low-carb noodles)
- Dairy-free
- Meal-prep friendly
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Add mushrooms, bean sprouts, or snap peas for crunch.
- Make spicy chow mein by adding sriracha or chili garlic paste.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Soy sauce → coconut aminos (lower sodium)
- Hoisin → sweet chili sauce
- Chow mein noodles → ramen, udon, spaghetti, or protein pasta
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Serve with air-fried chicken for extra crunch.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or green onions.
- Pair with miso soup or cucumber salad for a full meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to restore texture.
- Freezing not recommended (noodles get soft).