Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein: A Flavorful Asian Classic You Can Make at Home

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein brings the bold flavors of Asian cuisine straight to your kitchen. This dish combines succulent pieces of chicken, vibrant vegetables, stir-fried noodles, and a rich teriyaki sauce, creating a meal that’s satisfying, colorful, and far better than takeout. Easy to prepare at home, this recipe offers endless customization options, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes
• Rich, balanced teriyaki flavor with plenty of umami
• Filled with fresh, colorful vegetables
• Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
• Customizable with your choice of protein and veggies

What is Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein?

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein is a fusion dish that marries the flavors of Japanese teriyaki chicken and Chinese stir-fried noodles. Chow mein refers to stir-fried noodles cooked with vegetables and a protein, commonly found in Chinese cuisine. Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique in which foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar. This recipe brings these two techniques together for a delicious, one-pan meal.

Ingredients

Most of the ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein are everyday staples or can be easily found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• Noodles: Chow mein noodles or other wheat noodles
• Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, broccoli, cabbage (feel free to substitute with bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms)
• Aromatics: Garlic and ginger, finely minced
• Teriyaki Sauce: Homemade or bottled, with possible additions of cornstarch for thickening
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying
• Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Ingredient Measurement Table

Preparation Steps

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips, making it easy to cook quickly and evenly.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix half the teriyaki sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch with the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for best flavor).
3. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prep the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and slice all vegetables as described above.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining teriyaki sauce with 1 teaspoon cornstarch. This will be added at the end for a glossy finish.

Cooking Instructions

1. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked and slightly caramelized (about 4–5 minutes). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry the onions, carrots, and celery for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add broccoli and cabbage; stir-fry another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
3. Add the Aromatics:
   Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine Noodles and Chicken:
   Add cooked noodles and chicken back to the pan. Toss everything together.
5. Add Sauce:
   Pour in the remaining teriyaki sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until noodles are well coated and everything is heated through. If you like a bit of char, let the noodles sizzle against the pan before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use a very hot wok or large skillet for best results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook chicken in batches if needed to get good browning.
• Prep all ingredients before you start cooking as stir-frying moves quickly.
• If you want spicier chow mein, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Swap in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference or what’s in season.

Ingredient Variations & Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different twist.
• Noodles: Can’t find chow mein noodles? Use spaghetti, ramen, or even udon noodles.
• Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever you have on hand – snow peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy all work well.
• Sauce: Use a blend of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sake if you’re making the teriyaki sauce from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish makes a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Steamed dumplings or potstickers
• Egg drop soup or miso soup
• Steamed edamame or Asian pickles

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.
• If noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or more teriyaki sauce when reheating.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep all veggies and slice chicken ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge.
• Mix the sauce and keep ready to pour in during the final stir-fry step.
• Cook noodles ahead, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

*Percentages may vary based on brands and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, high-quality bottled teriyaki sauce works perfectly. For more control over flavor and sweetness, try making your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and sake.

What noodles are best for chow mein?

Egg noodles labeled as “chow mein” or “lo mein” are ideal. In a pinch, spaghetti or ramen noodles can substitute effectively.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use tofu or extra vegetables in place of chicken, and substitute mushroom or vegan oyster sauce for extra flavor.

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein means “stir-fried noodles” and is cooked over high heat for a lightly crispy texture, while lo mein means “tossed noodles,” where noodles are mixed into the stir-fry at the end and remain soft.

How do I prevent noodles from sticking?

Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss them lightly with oil before stir-frying. Cook everything quickly in a hot pan to keep noodles separate and springy.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein

• Slice all ingredients evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
• Stir-fry aromatics (ginger and garlic) at the last moment to avoid burning and maximize flavor.
• Don’t overcook vegetables—they should remain bright and crisp for best texture and nutrition.
• For glossy noodles, always add the thickened sauce at the end and toss until well-coated.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Chow Mein: Stir in chili oil or chopped fresh chilies for heat.
• Peanut Teriyaki Chow Mein: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty twist.
• Seafood Chow Mein: Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a pescatarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free noodles and tamari for soy sauce.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

• Serve in large shallow bowls garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Offer extra teriyaki sauce on the side for guests to drizzle.
• Pair with a crisp Asian salad or steamed edamame for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein is the ultimate Asian-inspired comfort food. Not only does this dish pack big flavor and texture, but it also comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, you’ll love the ease, flavor, and endless customization this recipe delivers. Skip the takeout and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of home, tailored just to your tastes!

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman