Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A speedy stir-fried noodle dish with tender chicken, crisp snow peas, and sweet carrots in a savory soy sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, tablespoons canola oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook 6 ounces chow mein noodles for 3 minutes until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add chicken strips and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink and edges start to brown.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup snow peas and 1 cup julienned carrots, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything, about 2 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss gently to combine and warm through.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons canola oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quick Chicken Chow Mein with Snow Peas and Carrots?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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