My Favorite Easy Takeout-Inspired Dish!

My favorite Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a simple way to enjoy restaurant-style lo mein at home, made with tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and a delicious, savory sauce that perfectly coats every bite of noodles.

It’s been a while since I made this dish, but now I prepare it for my family at least once a week because it’s just so easy to throw together. With its simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it has become my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving a quick and delicious meal.

When I make this dish, I love how the chicken is perfectly seasoned and stir-fried until golden. The noodles absorb all the flavors of the sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Some days, I add extra vegetables; other times, I keep it simple with chicken and noodles. No matter how I make it, it always turns out delicious!

If you like savory noodle dishes with rich umami flavors, this recipe is perfect for you. The result is just Wow! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect weeknight dinner, this dish never disappoints.

I prefer to enjoy it with a side of egg rolls or dumplings. A drizzle of sriracha or extra soy sauce makes it even better. This recipe is super easy to make, and every bite is packed with deliciousness.

What Makes This Chicken Lo Mein Special?

This Chicken Lo Mein is special because it’s better than takeout and comes together in just 30 minutes. The perfectly stir-fried noodles, the tender chicken, and the savory sauce make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein options!

Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights: This dish is ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals.
• Takeout Lovers: If you love Chinese food, this is a great homemade version.
• Meal Prep: Lo mein reheats well, so it’s great for lunches throughout the week.
• Customizable Meals: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

For the Lo Mein:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl

How to make Chicken Lo Mein

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground ginger. Set aside.

Cook the Noodles:

Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onions for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine Everything:

Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Serve and Garnish:

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

Additional Tips

• Lo mein noodles are best because they have the perfect chewy texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or fettuccine noodles work as a substitute, but be sure to cook them until just al dente to maintain the right consistency. Rice noodles can also work but may require different cooking times.
• Cutting the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips ensures it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce better. If you have time, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a little cornstarch for an even more tender texture.
• Cooking on high heat ensures that the noodles don’t become soggy and gives the dish a slightly smoky taste, just like at a restaurant. Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients, and work quickly to prevent overcooking.
• Cook the noodles until just al dente, as they will continue cooking when tossed in the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, making the final dish less enjoyable.
• If you love extra saucy lo mein, double the sauce recipe. The noodles absorb a lot of liquid, so having more sauce ensures every bite is full of flavor. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli add crunch and vibrant color, making the dish more appealing and nutritious. Cut them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly, and add firmer veggies first, followed by softer ones like snow peas or mushrooms.

Optional Ingredients

• Mushrooms – Adds extra umami and texture to the dish.
• Baby Corn – A classic lo mein ingredient that brings a sweet crunch.
• Water Chestnuts – Gives a nice, crisp texture to the noodles.
• Chili Garlic Sauce – For those who love a spicy kick.
• Cashews or Peanuts – Adds crunch and extra protein.
• Pineapple Chunks – A sweet and savory twist that enhances the flavor.

What to Pair with Chicken Lo Mein?

If you love a full Asian-inspired meal, pair this dish with crispy egg rolls. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft, savory noodles.

For a healthier meal, serve this with a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad. The freshness balances out the rich flavors of the lo mein.

If you enjoy soup as a side, a bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup pairs perfectly with this noodle dish.

For a quick and complete dinner, serve Chicken Lo Mein with a side of steamed bok choy or stir-fried green beans to add more greens to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Beef Lo Mein: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef strips for a richer flavor.

Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with shrimp and cook them for just 2-3 minutes before adding the noodles.

Vegetable Lo Mein: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cabbage for a vegetarian version.

Tofu Lo Mein: Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and stir-fry until golden before adding the noodles.

Peanut Butter Lo Mein: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty, creamy texture.

Coconut Lo Mein: Add coconut milk to the sauce for a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

Low-Sodium Lo Mein: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to cut down on salt without sacrificing flavor.

How to Store

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a water or soy sauce splash to refresh the flavors.

For freezing, let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of noodle for Lo Mein?

Yes! If you can’t find traditional lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even ramen noodles. Just cook them al dente to maintain the right texture.

What’s the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

Lo Mein noodles are soft and tossed in sauce, while Chow Mein noodles are fried until crispy. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can lightly pan-fry the noodles before mixing them with the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and replace the noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Also, ensure that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free.

How can I add more protein to this recipe?

You can add shrimp, beef, tofu, or even extra chicken to make the dish more protein-packed. Just cook your protein first and set it aside before stir-frying the vegetables.

How do I make the sauce taste more like takeout?

Use oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil for that signature umami flavor. A pinch of white pepper and a bit of sugar can also help balance the flavors.

What vegetables can I use in Chicken Lo Mein?

Common options include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, and cabbage. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand!

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a dash of hot oil while stir-frying. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Chicken Lo Mein

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

This Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and easy homemade takeout dish. With tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• For the Lo Mein:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced

• 1 cup carrots, julienned

• 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken:
• In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Make the Sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground ginger. Set aside.
• Cook the Noodles:
• Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onions for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
• Combine Everything:
• Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
• Serve and Garnish:
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!