
This chicken chow mein pairs tender velveted chicken with lightly crisped Hong Kong-style noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a savory soy-oyster sauce. It is a restaurant-style stir-fry you can make at home with a hot wok and a little prep before cooking.
Slice the chicken thinly across the grain. In a bowl, combine it with the water, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, cornstarch, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp neutral oil. Massage until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is evenly coated.
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a wok or large pot. Add the chow mein noodles and cook for 1 minute, then drain, rinse under cold water, and spread them out so excess moisture can evaporate.
Make the sauce by stirring the hot water and sugar together until dissolved. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tsp Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and salt; set aside.
Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp neutral oil. Spread the noodles into a thin, even layer and cook for about 2 minutes, adjusting the heat so they brown without burning.
Turn the noodles over in sections if needed. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil around the edge of the wok and cook for 90 seconds, then toss or flip again and cook about 2 minutes more, until lightly crisp in spots. Transfer to a plate.
Increase the wok to high heat. Add the remaining 1 tbsp neutral oil, then spread the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 30 seconds, turn, sear another 30 seconds, then stir-fry briefly until mostly cooked. Remove the chicken, leaving any oil in the wok.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the ginger and cook for about 15 seconds, then add the garlic, mushrooms, and carrot. Stir-fry for 1 minute, just until fragrant and slightly softened.
Raise the heat to high. Return the noodles and chicken to the wok, then add the snap peas. Pour the sauce over everything and toss with a lifting motion for 30 to 45 seconds, until the noodles are evenly coated.
Add the bean sprouts and scallions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute more, just until the scallions soften and the sprouts stay crisp. Serve immediately while the noodles are hot.
For best texture, let the boiled noodles drain well before frying; wet noodles steam instead of crisp. Chicken thighs can replace breast for a juicier result. If you do not have Shaoxing wine, use dry sherry or a small splash of mirin. Keep the wok hot and avoid overcrowding so the vegetables stay crisp and the noodles pick up a lightly smoky flavor.