Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with savory flavors, packed with crisp veggies, and comes together in just about 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat—Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma! This classic Chinese-American favorite features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles, all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this Chicken Lo Mein will soon become one of your most-requested, most-loved meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Lo Mein is that it relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each one bringing its own special touch to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe shine and just how each component makes a difference.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (12 ounces): These provide that signature chewy, slurpable base—spaghetti is a great substitute if you don’t have Chinese noodles on hand.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything cook up golden and glossy; use a neutral oil for best flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): The star protein, sliced thin so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups): Think bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for a colorful, crunchy mix—feel free to use your favorites!
- Green onions (3, sliced): Add a peppery freshness and a beautiful pop of color, both in the stir fry and as a garnish.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Brings that unmistakable, savory aroma that fills your kitchen the moment it hits the pan.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lends a warm, zesty note for authentic depth of flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty, umami-rich backbone of the sauce—using low-sodium keeps things balanced.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity you can’t get anywhere else.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a hint of sweetness and that classic “takeout” flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to infuse the entire dish with nutty, aromatic notes.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it coats the noodles to perfection.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a bit of heat—add more or less to taste.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Give a toasty crunch and a lovely finished look to your Chicken Lo Mein.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. You want them just tender, with a bit of bite left (al dente), because they’ll soak up a bit more sauce in the pan. Once cooked, drain and set them aside—you’ll add them back in later to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and let it sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll be reunited with the noodles soon!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies, Garlic, and Ginger
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in your favorite mixed vegetables, along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry everything for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are bright and crisp-tender. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce
While the veggies cook, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch-water mixture in a small bowl. This luscious sauce will tie all the flavors together and bring that signature Chicken Lo Mein taste.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Add the chicken back into the pan, followed by the drained noodles. Pour your sauce mixture all over and toss everything together so every noodle and veggie gets beautifully coated. Turn the heat up slightly and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is glossy and thickened.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy) over the top. Serve your Chicken Lo Mein piping hot and enjoy every savory, slurp-worthy mouthful!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
A finishing touch of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds make your Chicken Lo Mein look as good as it tastes. For a bit of color and crunch, you can also add a handful of fresh bean sprouts or a few extra red pepper flakes. These little extras bring freshness and flair to every plate!
Side Dishes
Chicken Lo Mein is satisfying on its own, but if you want a full feast, pair it with simple sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or classic Chinese egg drop soup. These sides complement the rich flavors and turn dinner into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not have a little fun with your presentation? Serve Chicken Lo Mein in individual takeout-style boxes for a playful, restaurant-inspired touch, or pile it high on a large platter for family-style sharing. For a party, you can even twirl small nests of noodles on appetizer plates, topped with extra veggies and chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Lo Mein (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen if needed—just make sure it’s fully cooled first. Pack into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers into a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen things up. Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but stovetop reheating helps preserve that signature noodle texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, spaghetti or linguine work well in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up to stir-frying and sauce.
What vegetables work best in Chicken Lo Mein?
Classic choices like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas are always a hit, but you can use almost any quick-cooking vegetable—think broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or even shredded cabbage.
How do I make Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten, too.
Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Definitely! Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu all work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed so your protein stays tender and juicy.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein?
The base recipe is mild, so it’s family-friendly, but you can easily amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil when serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about making your own Chicken Lo Mein at home—the flavors are vibrant, the noodles perfectly saucy, and it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have—it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a flavorful Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce. It’s an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that can be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Noodles
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauces & Oils
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Other
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions. Drain them well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables and Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the mixed vegetables, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss and Cook: Toss all ingredients together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles and chicken are heated through and coated evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Lo Mein.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp, beef, or tofu in place of chicken for variation.
- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand such as broccoli, cabbage, or snap peas.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of vegetable oil and opt for whole wheat noodles.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1040 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
