Soft springy noodles tossed with crunchy vegetables and a glossy savory sauce come together in one lively pan on your stovetop, releasing a comforting aroma that feels like takeout in your own kitchen.
This copycat recipe shines when you are craving that signature Panda Express chow mein but want to control the sodium and customize the vegetables to suit your family.
SaveI first tested this on a busy weeknight and my family asked me to make it again the very next week so it is reliable, scalable, and totally doable if you follow the steps closely.
Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
Noodles and Aromatics
Vegetables and Protein
Sauce
Finishing
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients
Measure out your sauces, mince the garlic and ginger, slice the vegetables and protein so everything is ready before you turn on the stove.
- Cook the noodles if needed
If using dried noodles, cook them in boiling salted water just until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear the chicken
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove to a plate.
- Stir fry the aromatics and vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, garlic and ginger, and stir for 15 to 30 seconds until fragrant, then add cabbage, carrot, and scallions, stir frying until crisp tender about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add sauce and noodles
Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, sugar, and broth around the pan, add the cooked noodles and chicken, and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the sauce
Drizzle the cornstarch slurry over the noodles and toss quickly, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the noodles and vegetables.
- Finish and garnish
Remove from heat, taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or extra soy if needed, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- Serve hot
Divide the chow mein among warm plates or bowls and serve immediately while the noodles are springy and the sauce is glossy.
Substitutions and variations
- Use tofu or firm tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Swap in bell peppers or snap peas if you do not have cabbage or carrots.
- Choose gluten free tamari and hoisin labeled gluten free for a gluten free adaptation.
- If you cannot find fresh noodles, use dried chow mein noodles cooked according to package and drained well.
- Replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce for a vegan alternative.
Chloe's tips
- Work quickly over high heat to get that signature loose tender noodle texture without soggy clumps.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for extra brightness if you like a little tang.
- Keep the sauce components measured ahead of time because this dish comes together fast.
- For extra aroma, use chicken broth infused with scallions instead of plain water.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with an extra tablespoon or two of broth or water while tossing.
How to store it
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of broth to refresh the noodles.
- Sauce can be prepped a day ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Serving suggestions
Serve this crowd pleasing chow mein hot from the pan as a satisfying main course.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for color
- Pair with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad
- For a complete Panda Express style meal add orange chicken on the side
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use certified gluten free soy sauce, hoisin, and tamari, and verify that your noodles are gluten free or choose a rice based noodle option.
Why are my noodles mushy?
Overcooking or allowing them to sit in leftover sauce can cause mushiness, so cook just until al dente and toss immediately with the hot sauce right before serving.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely, use a larger wok or two skillets and work in batches to keep the heat high so the vegetables stay crisp and the sauce stays glossy.
What is the orange poultry served at Panda Express?
That is their signature Orange Chicken, which is battered, fried, and tossed in a sweet orange glaze, and you can easily add a batch alongside this chow mein for a true copycat meal.
Let's get cooking!
Making restaurant style chow mein at home is easier than you think and so satisfying when you hear the noodles sizzle in the pan, so give this copycat recipe a try and enjoy a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a special takeout night any night of the week.
