fortune mouse

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

  1. Boil noodles according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes).
  2. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
  3. Toss noodles with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2 — Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat diced chicken dry.
  2. Toss with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet.
  4. Cook chicken on medium-high until lightly browned and cooked through (5–6 minutes).
  5. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3 — Stir-Fry the Veggies

  1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and cabbage.
  3. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add green onions last.

Step 4 — Make the Sauce

  1. Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (optional), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
  2. Mix cornstarch and water separately.
  3. Add the slurry to the sauce to thicken.

Step 5 — Combine Everything

  1. Add chicken back to the pan.
  2. Add noodles and pour sauce over.
  3. Toss everything together on medium-high heat until glossy and coated (2–3 minutes).
  4. 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).