Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Wonder

Twirling chopsticks through a delectable chicken lo mein promises a culinary adventure that sparks instant hunger.

Noodles dance with tender meat and crisp vegetables in this classic Asian dish.

Home cooks can easily master these vibrant flavors without complicated techniques.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and umami notes.

Fragrant sesame and soy create a magical combination that feels both comforting and exciting.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few smart moves.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why Chicken Lo Mein Is A Takeout Favorite

  • Quicken Cooking Pace: Slicing chicken and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces dramatically reduces preparation time and ensures consistent cooking.
  • Master Flavor Fusion: Mincing garlic and ginger releases intense aromatics, while the umami-rich sauce blends perfectly with tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
  • Versatile Meal Magic: This lo mein recipe adapts seamlessly to different protein preferences, vegetable combinations, and spice levels, making it a flexible dinner solution for diverse tastes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Using a single wok minimizes cleanup, reduces cooking complexity, and allows flavors to build and intensify throughout the cooking process.

What Goes Into Chicken Lo Mein

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that provides a tender and succulent base for the lo mein dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Bell Peppers, Green Onions, Bean Sprouts: A colorful and crunchy mix of vegetables that adds texture, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to the lo mein.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that infuse the dish with deep, warm, and zesty undertones.
For the Sauce and Noodles:
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Soft wheat noodles that serve as the primary carbohydrate and foundation of the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: A savory and salty condiment that enhances the overall umami flavor profile.
  • Oyster Sauce: A rich, sweet, and briny sauce that adds depth and complexity to the lo mein.
  • Sesame Oil: A nutty and fragrant oil that provides a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Basic seasonings that help balance and elevate the taste of the dish.

Steps To Make Chicken Lo Mein Fast

Step 1: Slice Chicken Tenderly

Cut chicken breast into slender, even strips ensuring uniform cooking and quick preparation.

Step 2: Chop Colorful Vegetables

Prepare vegetables by cutting:
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Green onions
  • Bean sprouts

into bite-sized pieces for balanced texture and visual appeal.

Step 3: Mince Aromatic Ingredients

Finely chop garlic and ginger to release their intense flavors and distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.

Step 5: Cook Chicken Perfectly

Sauté chicken strips while continuously stirring for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and cook completely with no pink visible.

Step 6: Remove Cooked Chicken

Transfer chicken from wok and keep warm for later integration.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Crisp Vegetables

Add extra oil if needed and quickly cook carrots and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 8: Prepare Noodles

Cook lo mein noodles following package instructions, typically boiling for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 9: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Blend together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Ginger
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

to develop a rich, complex sauce.

Step 10: Combine All Components

Return chicken to wok, add cooked noodles and prepared sauce, tossing thoroughly for 2 minutes to ensure complete coating.

Step 11: Add Fresh Elements

Incorporate green onions and bean sprouts, cooking for 30 seconds to preserve their vibrant crunch.

Step 12: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling additional green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.

Tips To Get Chicken Lo Mein Just Right

  • Slice Like a Pro: Cut chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips to guarantee even cooking and faster preparation time.
  • Veggie Precision Matters: Chop carrots, bell peppers, green onions, and bean sprouts into consistent bite-sized pieces for perfect texture balance.
  • Flavor Explosion Technique: Mince garlic and ginger super finely to maximize their aromatic impact and distribute flavors throughout the dish.
  • Wok Master Move: Heat vegetable oil until shimmering to create the ideal cooking surface for achieving golden-brown chicken and crisp vegetables.
  • Quick Toss Secret: Add green onions and bean sprouts at the very end of cooking to preserve their fresh crunch and vibrant color.

Creative Twists On Chicken Lo Mein

  • Vegetarian Lo Mein: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or use mixed mushrooms like shiitake and oyster for a hearty, plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat lo mein noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Protein Boost: Add sliced beef, shrimp, or tempeh for extra protein, incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute noodles with spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic stir-fry flavor profile.

Tasty Pairings For Chicken Lo Mein

  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair zesty Chinese Tsing Tao beer with the savory lo mein, cutting through the dish's richness while complementing its umami notes.
  • Refresh Your Palate: Select a crisp, chilled Riesling wine to balance the salty soy sauce and provide a light, fruity counterpoint to the hearty noodle dish.
  • Enhance Aromatic Experience: Match the lo mein with jasmine green tea, which will cleanse the palate and highlight the ginger and garlic undertones in the meal.
  • Complete the Dining Journey: Add a side of cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to introduce a cool, tangy element that contrasts with the warm, savory lo mein.

How To Store Chicken Lo Mein Correctly

  • Seal cooled lo mein in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the freshness of noodles and vegetables.
  • Transfer lo mein to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying.

FAQs For Chicken Lo Mein Explained Clearly

  • Can I use different types of noodles for this lo mein recipe?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti if traditional lo mein noodles are unavailable.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for extra heat and kick.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional lo mein contains soy sauce and oyster sauce, which typically have gluten. Use gluten-free alternatives like tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce to make it celiac-friendly.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Craving a quick Chinese-inspired “chicken lo mein” dinner? Savory noodles intertwine with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 1 lb lo mein egg noodles
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breast into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and quick preparation.
  2. Prepare all vegetables by cutting carrots, bell peppers, green onions, and bean sprouts into consistent, bite-sized pieces for balanced texture.
  3. Mince garlic and ginger finely to release their aromatic flavors and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
  5. Sauté chicken strips for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
  6. Remove chicken from wok and set aside, keeping warm.
  7. In the same wok, add additional oil if needed and quickly stir-fry carrots and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  8. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes in boiling water, then drain and set aside.
  9. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt to create a vibrant, umami-rich sauce.
  10. Return chicken to the wok, add cooked noodles and prepared sauce, tossing everything together for 2 minutes to ensure even coating.
  11. Fold in green onions and bean sprouts, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to maintain their fresh crunch.
  12. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra green onions if desired, for a restaurant-quality lo mein experience.

Notes

  • Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for tender, more flavorful meat that absorbs sauce better.
  • Prepare all ingredients beforehand to create a smooth, fast-paced cooking process with minimal interruption.
  • Select fresh, crisp vegetables to enhance texture and maintain vibrant colors in the final dish.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu, shrimp, or beef for diverse dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
  • Control heat carefully when stir-frying to prevent burning and maintain vegetable crispness and chicken tenderness.
  • Allow noodles to drain completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure optimal sauce absorption.
  • Customize sauce intensity by adjusting soy sauce and sesame oil quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 80 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star