If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in just about half an hour, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is the answer you’ve been searching for. Combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe delivers that restaurant-quality taste without the fuss, making it an instant favorite in any home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list that you’re likely to have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. Each component plays an essential role—from the chewy lo mein noodles that soak up the sauce to the fresh vegetables adding crunch and color, and the savory sauces that bring everything together with a burst of umami flavor.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): Use lo mein for authenticity or spaghetti as a convenient substitute that absorbs sauce wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and keeps noodles from sticking after cooking.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: Provides a lean, tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating): Vital for seasoning the chicken and building the savory foundation of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a juicy texture once cooked.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly at high heat without burning.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances savory notes.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds crunch, sweetness, and a splash of orange brightness.
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas: Bring crisp freshness and a pop of green, making the dish lively.
- 3 green onions, chopped: Infuse mild oniony sharpness that brightens up every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for depth, imparting warm pungency.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds zesty spiciness and invigorates the flavor profile.
- Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce without overwhelming the palate.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Delivers rich, slightly sweet umami intensity.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle fruity sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances saltiness with a gentle caramel note.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Finishes the sauce with warm nuttiness and aroma.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. This step ensures your noodles have the perfect chewy texture that will soak up every bit of sauce without falling apart. Once drained, toss them gently with a tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together and infuse that signature nutty hint right from the start.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While the noodles cook, combine your thinly sliced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. This quick marinade seasons the chicken deeply and the cornstarch forms a light coating that locks in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy bites after stir-frying. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all those flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked and starting to get golden edges. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside—don’t worry, it will join back soon for the final delicious toss.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, throw in the red bell pepper slices, shredded carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry these crunchy veggies for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp, so they retain their beautiful texture and color. Then add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions, cooking everything for just another minute until fragrant and vibrant.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the prepared noodles, and pour in the sauce mixture made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together energetically so each strand and bite is coated with that luscious, savory sauce. Heat through until piping hot, and your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is ready to be served!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
You can take your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe to the next level with fresh garnishes like toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or extra green onions for bursts of freshness. A drizzle of chili oil or a handful of crushed peanuts adds a delightful texture contrast if you want a bit of pizazz.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad. These sides bring complementary textures and flavors that round out the meal perfectly, especially if you’re serving guests or craving a comforting, complete dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for an edible bowl twist. Another idea is layering in a bento box alongside colorful pickled vegetables and edamame for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Lo Mein Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the noodles’ texture and prevent sogginess. When you’re ready for a quick meal, it’s ready to enjoy without compromising flavor or quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to one month. To freeze, cool the Chicken Lo Mein completely and pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to ensure even heating and preserve the noodles’ texture and the fresh vegetable crunch as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover Chicken Lo Mein on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and rehydrate the noodles if needed. Stir frequently until heated evenly. You can also use a microwave on medium power, covering to trap steam and prevent drying out. Freshen it up with a sprinkle of green onions or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful option and can be used in place of breasts. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re tender and cooked through.
What can I substitute for lo mein noodles if I can’t find them?
Spaghetti or other thin wheat noodles work well as a substitute for lo mein noodles and absorb the sauce nicely. You can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free twist, though the texture will differ slightly from the traditional chewy lo mein.
Is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep thanks to its quick cooking time and easy storage. Make a batch ahead, portion into containers, and enjoy quick and satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with favorite veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy. Just add them in during the stir-fry step based on their cooking times to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe? Can I make it spicier?
The base recipe is mild and crowd-pleasing but totally adaptable. For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes either while cooking the sauce or as a garnish. That way, you can control the spice level to suit your taste perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen wins. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without hours of prep. So grab your wok or skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels both comforting and exciting in every bite.
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This delicious Chicken Lo Mein recipe features tender slices of chicken breast stir-fried with fresh vegetables and tossed with perfectly cooked lo mein noodles in a savory, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick weeknight dinner that combines the satisfying textures and authentic taste of classic Asian cuisine with ease.
Ingredients
Noodles & Chicken Marinade
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and toss with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly and let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add the red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions to the vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared noodles. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute other vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, or mushrooms based on your preference to customize the dish.
- For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce before tossing.
- Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crisp-tender texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
