This easy copycat Panda Express Chicken Chow Mein is packed with flavor, and the best part is that it's ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! This one-pan dish is perfect for weekday meals when you need something that the entire family will enjoy. And it tastes just like take-out from your favorite Chinese Restaurants!
Jump to:
- Panda Express Chicken Chow Mein
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Chicken chow mein variations
- Step-by-step instructions
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Watch and learn: recipe video
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
- Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Panda Express Chicken Chow Mein
This quick and easy copycat recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, and all of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery stores. No need to go to the asian market.
The stir fry mix and soy sauce adds amazing flavor to the tender chicken in this dish. If you love chow mein then skip the high prices and make this dish at home.
Ingredients you’ll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Spaghetti - of course you can use fresh chow mein noodles, or ramen noodles, but everyday pasta works just fine!
- Coleslaw mix - or chop fresh cabbage.
- Rotisserie chicken - cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or chicken thighs.
- Stir fry seasoning mix
Chicken chow mein variations
- If you want to change up the protein in this easy recipe, swap out the chicken for cooked beef, shrimp or pork.
- You can add more flavor by adding fresh garlic and fresh ginger.
- Add some additional vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, bean sprouts, bell peppers, green cabbage, bok choy or snap peas. Leave out the chicken - wouldn't that be a wonderful vegetable lo mein? YUM!!!
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or sriracha sauce.
- Sliced water chestnuts add a great crunch.
- Garnish with a few sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for a great finish!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in a medium pot. Add the salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook for 6 minutes (until al dente), then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large skillet add the olive oil and heat up with medium-high heat.
- Add the coleslaw mix and cook for 5 minutes, until wilted.
- Add the chicken and spaghetti and heat through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chow mein sauce.
- Pour all over the chicken and spaghetti and toss well until all is coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle some green onions on top (optional garnish) and serve immediately.
Essential tools for this recipe
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Watch and learn: recipe video
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
There are different types, you can use the coleslaw mix with the red cabbage or the matchstick carrots - so pretty! Or, you could just chop the cabbage yourself. The great thing about chow mein is that it is very forgiving.
The main difference between the two is that Lo mein is usually made with egg noodles, while chow mein uses noodles made with wheat flour or rice noodles. Chow mein is also use pan-fried where lo mein is typically not.
Unlike the options at your Chinese restaurant, this dish is relatively healthy. It contains plenty of fresh vegetables and chicken and it's low on saturated fat.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Make sure that you cook your pasta until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook when you add it to the skillet.
- I also recommend that you drain the pasta well so that your dish does not end up watery.
- The first time I made this I used a whole-wheat pasta and I wasn't a fan.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store leftover chow mein will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat - You can reheat this dish in the microwave, or in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat.
Freezer – You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Make sure that you store it in an airtight and freezer-safe container.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
And here are a few more recipes to enjoy!
- Shrimp Chop Suey is a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
- Another great noodle dish is Korean Black Bean Noodles. Rich and velvety, the silky sauce is packed with vegetables and tender pork.
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or fresh noodles
- 2 Quarts water + ⅓ cup divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 pound rotisserie chicken chopped
- 1 packet 0.75oz stir fry seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in a medium pot. Add the salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook for 6 minutes (until al dente), then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large skillet add the olive oil and heat up with medium-high heat.
- Add the coleslaw mix and cook for 5 minutes, until wilted.
- Add the chicken and spaghetti and heat through.
- Mix together the stir fry seasoning mix, soy sauce and ⅓ cup water, with a whisk.
- Pour all over the chicken and spaghetti and toss well until all is coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle some green onions on top (optional garnish) and serve immediately.
Kathy Maxwell says
Awesome recipes. I love how simple and easy the ingredients and directions are to follow. Theres something for everyone.