When it comes to quick, delicious, and comforting meals, few dishes can beat the appeal of a chicken lo mein. This Chinese-American classic brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles, all tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re craving takeout or want to impress your family with homemade comfort food, this chicken lo mein recipe is an easy winner. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you’ll be savoring a delicious dinner in no time.
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken lo mein is a stir-fried noodle dish that’s popular both in Chinese restaurants and home kitchens across the U.S. The term “lo mein” literally translates to “stirred noodles,” and it refers to the way the dish is prepared—by stir-frying the ingredients in a hot pan or wok. Unlike chow mein, which features crispy noodles, lo mein uses soft, chewy egg noodles, making it a comforting dish that’s easy to eat and even easier to love.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. While you might find variations across different Chinese regions, American-style chicken lo mein typically features egg noodles, marinated chicken, a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and cabbage, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the soft noodles to the crunchy veggies and tender chicken. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein for a meal that suits everyone’s tastes.
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Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: {{yield}}
Description
**Chicken Lo Mein** is a stir-fried noodle dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and chewy noodles in a savory sauce. This homemade version is just as flavorful as your favorite takeout, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Slice the chicken thinly and marinate with soy sauce, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes.
- 2. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
- 3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- 4. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add cabbage, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- 5. Add the cooked noodles and chicken to the pan, then pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar over the mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
- 6. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- 7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding extra vegetables like carrots or snow peas. If you’re in a rush, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
Nutrition
- Sugar: {{sugar}}
Ingredients You’ll Need for Classic Chicken Lo Mein
To make a chicken lo mein that’s as delicious as what you’d get at your favorite Chinese takeout spot, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what to grab:
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1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced (or thighs for more flavor)
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8 oz lo mein noodles (fresh or dried, but egg noodles work best)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
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1 cup cabbage, shredded
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1 bell pepper, sliced thin
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1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or regular)
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional but recommended for extra sweetness)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a slurry)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper, to taste
With these ingredients in hand, you’ll be ready to whip up a dish that’s a hit every time.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Technique
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making chicken lo mein.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preparing everything in advance. Slice the chicken thinly, shred the cabbage, and slice your bell pepper and mushrooms. This helps the cooking process go faster. Also, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. If using fresh noodles, just boil them for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While the noodles are cooking, marinate your chicken. Combine sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and makes the chicken more tender when cooked.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and toss in your garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the cabbage, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant and crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything—this is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and a bit of sugar. Stir everything to coat the noodles evenly. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the pan, tossing to combine. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and give the noodles that glossy, shiny texture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your chicken lo mein hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. The result is a comforting, savory dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying to the last bite.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
While this chicken lo mein is already a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to modify to fit various dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions to make it work for your dietary preferences.
Vegan Lo Mein
To make a vegan version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use a plant-based oyster sauce or substitute with mushroom-based sauce. Also, make sure to use vegan-friendly soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is plant-based.
Gluten-Free Lo Mein
For those following a gluten-free diet, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti). Be sure to check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free or replace it with a gluten-free alternative.
Low-Calorie Lo Mein
To lower the calorie count, use chicken breast instead of thighs, reduce the oil for stir-frying, and load up on extra veggies like zucchini or snow peas. You can also use spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles as a low-calorie substitute for the lo mein noodles.
Halal Lo Mein
For a Halal version, simply use Halal-certified chicken and ensure that your sauces (like soy and oyster sauce) are Halal-friendly. Most store-bought sauces are fine, but it’s always best to double-check.
Chicken lo mein is one of those dishes that feels like a treat, yet it’s so simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or hosting friends for dinner, it’s bound to be a hit. The best part is that you can easily customize the dish to fit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile option that everyone will love.
By following the steps above, you’ll have a dish that’s as satisfying as your favorite takeout but made with fresh ingredients and a lot of love. The next time you’re craving that Chinese restaurant comfort, skip the delivery and make this easy chicken lo mein at home. You might just find it’s even better than what you get in the restaurant!
FAQ
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein and chow mein are both popular Chinese noodle dishes, but the difference lies in the noodle texture. Lo mein features soft, chewy noodles that are stir-fried with sauce and vegetables, while chow mein uses crispy fried noodles. The cooking methods and sauces also vary slightly, but both dishes are equally delicious.
Can I use any type of noodles for chicken lo mein?
While lo mein noodles are the traditional choice, you can use spaghetti or linguine if you can’t find lo mein noodles. The key is to use a noodle that can hold up to stir-frying and has a similar texture, so these alternatives work well in a pinch.
How can I make chicken lo mein gluten-free?
To make chicken lo mein gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or replace it with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I make chicken lo mein ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance to save time, but the noodles are best cooked fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish by adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the noodles.
What vegetables can I add to chicken lo mein?
Feel free to customize your chicken lo mein with a variety of vegetables. Common choices include bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, snow peas, and mushrooms. You can add as many vegetables as you like, making the dish as healthy and colorful as you prefer.
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