There’s just something magical about Chicken Lo Mein—a tangle of savory noodles, crisp vegetables, and juicy chicken all slicked with the perfect, glossy sauce. It’s a dish that captures the spirit of your favorite takeout order, but right from your own kitchen, and in under thirty minutes! Whether you grew up slurping these noodles or are searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, Chicken Lo Mein brings together comforting flavors, bold colors, and irresistible textures. If you love meals that feel like a hug in a bowl, this one will quickly become your weeknight staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Lo Mein is that its ingredients are simple, but each one plays a supporting role—whether adding crunch, color, juiciness, or umami depth. Get ready to see just how wonderfully these pantry and produce staples come together!
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): The backbone of the dish—springy, chewy, and ready to soak up sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a luscious, nutty aroma and keeps the noodles from sticking.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): The protein star; slicing thinly ensures tender, fast-cooking bites.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Neutral and perfect for stir-frying both chicken and veggies.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): For sweetness and crispness, plus a flash of color.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): A classic in lo mein for crunch and a touch of earthiness.
- Snow peas or sugar snap peas (1 cup): Bring fresh, green snap and visual brightness.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Layer in delicate onion flavor and vibrancy.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): For deep, classic savory flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Gives a gentle heat and zesty aroma.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The base of your sauce; salty, rich, and savory.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep, caramelized undertones and silkiness.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a sweet-and-spicy complexity to the mix.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): For thickening the sauce so it clings perfectly to everything.
- Chicken broth or water (1/4 cup): Loosens the sauce and infuses extra savory flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Kick it up a notch for anyone who loves heat!
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook and Prep the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package directions until they’re just al dente—so they still have that satisfying chew. Drain the noodles, toss them immediately with sesame oil, and set aside. This not only infuses them with toasty flavor, but also ensures they won’t stick together when it’s time to combine everything.
Step 2: Mix Up Your Sauce
While the noodles are cooking, whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water) in a small bowl. Make sure the cornstarch dissolves completely—you want the sauce smooth and ready to thicken beautifully once it hits the heat.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat up 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer. Let it cook, undisturbed, to get a good sear, then stir until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove the chicken and keep it handy for the grand reintroduction.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the bell pepper, carrots, and peas. Stir-fry everything for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften but still have crunch. Now, drop in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green onions—sauté for just a minute to unlock incredible aroma.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to your skillet of veggies and add the noodles. Pour over all of your sauce, making sure nothing is left behind. Use tongs to toss and mix until everything is beautifully coated. Cook for 2–3 minutes more; the sauce will thicken, and those irresistible Chicken Lo Mein flavors will soak into every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds right on top before serving. A fresh hit of cilantro or a few drops of sesame oil never hurt anyone either! If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is the perfect finishing touch to set off the flavors.
Side Dishes
While Chicken Lo Mein is hearty enough to shine solo, it’s a fabulous companion to light side dishes. Think simple cucumber salad, a crisp plate of Asian slaw, or some homemade steamed dumplings. Even some hot-and-sour soup or roasted edamame would bring extra flair to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress family and friends by twirling the Chicken Lo Mein into individual bowls or stacking a nest of noodles high with tongs for a dramatic flair. For casual evenings, pile everything into a big platter for everyone to dig in family-style, maybe with chopsticks at the ready. You can even serve the noodles in takeout-style boxes for a fun, restaurant-at-home vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Lo Mein keeps remarkably well for next-day cravings. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you love meal prep, this recipe is a winner for easy weekday lunches!
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Lo Mein for longer storage, though the noodles may soften slightly when thawed. Let the dish cool completely, then pack individual portions into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and refresh the noodles. Microwave reheating also works—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring between to warm evenly. Either way, your leftovers will bounce right back to deliciousness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles have the perfect chewy bite, spaghetti or linguine work well in a pinch. Just aim for a noodle that’s sturdy enough to hold up to tossing and saucy goodness.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken stays tender?
Slicing the chicken thinly is key for fast, even cooking. Be sure not to overcook it—just a quick sear over high heat until it’s no longer pink will keep every bite juicy and soft.
Can I make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even a bigger mound of mixed veggies like mushrooms and cabbage. The sauce is already vegetarian except for the oyster sauce, so sub in a vegetarian oyster sauce or extra hoisin instead.
Is Chicken Lo Mein spicy?
Chicken Lo Mein is generally mild, but you can dial up the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil. Feel free to customize the spice level to please everyone at your table!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, and it’s a smart idea because everyone will want seconds! Use your largest wok or two skillets to avoid overcrowding, and you’ll have a big batch of Chicken Lo Mein ready in no time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, color, and seriously big flavor, Chicken Lo Mein truly delivers. After your first homemade twirl, it may just become a standard for quick, joyful dinners. Don’t wait for takeout—try this once, and I know you’ll want to make it again and again!
