Craving that perfect takeout flavor but want to skip the delivery wait? This lo mein chicken recipe brings all the savory goodness of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your dinner table in just 15 minutes! As someone who's perfected countless Asian noodle dishes, I can tell you that this lo mein chicken recipe delivers the same satisfying taste you love without leaving your kitchen.
Nothing beats the comfort of slurping tender noodles coated in that signature glossy sauce, especially when paired with perfectly seasoned chicken. This lo mein chicken recipe has become my go-to dinner solution when I want something both quick and incredibly satisfying ; it's the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.
Why This Lo Mein Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn't just another Chinese chicken lo mein recipe ; it's a game-changer for busy weeknights. What sets this lo mein chicken recipe apart is how it captures that authentic takeout flavor while being surprisingly simple to make. The secret lies in the perfect balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ingredients that create that irresistible lo mein sauce we all crave.
Unlike complicated stir fry recipes that require precise timing, this lo mein chicken recipe is forgiving and flexible. Whether you're a beginner cook or someone who's been making Asian noodle recipes for years, you'll find this approach both accessible and rewarding. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thin
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
For the Lo Mein Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Garlic, minced
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- Fresh or dried lo mein noodles
- Vegetable oil
- Onion, sliced
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- Green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for 10 minutes.
- Mix all lo mein sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Chop all vegetables and have them ready near your cooking area.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add remaining oil to the same pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss to combine.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan with chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over everything and toss quickly for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Cooking Tips
The key to restaurant-quality results lies in a few professional techniques that make all the difference. First, always velvet your chicken by marinating it with cornstarch and soy sauce ; this creates that tender, silky texture you get in the best lo mein chicken recipe versions.
- Temperature control is everything. Keep your heat at medium-high throughout the cooking process. Too low and your ingredients will steam instead of getting that beautiful caramelized flavor. Too high and you'll burn the sauce before everything cooks through.
- Prep is your best friend. Have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, and you won't have time to stop and chop vegetables once you begin.
- Don't overcook the noodles. Fresh lo mein noodles should be slightly undercooked since they'll finish cooking in the pan with the sauce. For dried noodles, cook them 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This versatile lo mein chicken recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences. For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use rice noodles instead of wheat-based lo mein noodles.
- Protein swaps work wonderfully. Try shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu for different flavor profiles. Each protein brings its own unique character to this chicken lo mein recipe easy base.
- Vegetable combinations are endless. Broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and bean sprouts all work perfectly. The key is maintaining a good ratio of crunchy to tender vegetables for the best texture contrast.
For a lighter version, increase the vegetables and reduce the noodles. You can also make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Equipment Recommendations
A large wok or deep skillet is essential for this chicken lo mein recipe easy preparation. The high sides allow you to toss ingredients without making a mess, and the shape distributes heat evenly for perfect stir-frying results.
- Sharp knives make all the difference. A good chef's knife will help you slice the chicken uniformly and chop vegetables quickly and safely.
- Prep bowls are game-changers. Having small bowls for your sauce mixture and prepped ingredients makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
A pasta pot with a strainer insert makes draining noodles effortless, though any large pot will work perfectly fine for this recipe.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Leftover chicken lo mein recipe portions store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in airtight containers. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making it an excellent meal prep option.
- Freezing works, but with considerations. The noodles may become slightly softer after freezing, but the dish remains delicious. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Reheating tips: Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to restore moisture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
For meal prep, you can pre-cut all vegetables and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook the noodles and store them separately until ready to stir-fry.
Master Chef Secrets for Perfect Lo Mein
The restaurant secret that makes professional lo mein chicken recipe versions so addictive is the sauce application technique. Instead of just mixing everything together, create a well in the center of your pan and pour the sauce there first. Let it bubble and thicken for 30 seconds before tossing with the noodles.
Another professional trick is the "breath of the wok" ; that slight smoky flavor you get from high-heat cooking. If you have a gas stove, don't be afraid to let the flames lick the sides of your pan occasionally. This adds an authentic char flavor that makes homemade lo mein chicken recipe versions taste just like your favorite takeout spot.
FAQ
What is lo mein sauce made of?
Lo mein sauce typically combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Some variations include garlic, ginger, or cornstarch for thickening. The key is balancing salty, sweet, and umami flavors that make any lo mein chicken recipe irresistible.
What is typically in chicken lo mein?
Traditional lo mein chicken recipe includes tender chicken pieces, soft wheat noodles, mixed vegetables like carrots and cabbage, and green onions, all tossed in a savory brown sauce.
How do I make my lo mein taste better?
Use fresh garlic, don't overcook the vegetables, and add a splash of sesame oil at the end. Marinating the chicken beforehand and using high heat for stir-frying also dramatically improves any lo mein chicken recipe flavor.
Is lo mein healthier than rice?
Lo mein noodles and rice have similar calorie counts, but a well-made lo mein chicken recipe often includes more vegetables. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat noodles and loading up on vegetables while reducing the noodle portion.
Bringing It All Together
This lo mein chicken recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals don't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With just 15 minutes and simple pantry staples, you can create a dinner that satisfies those takeout cravings while being fresher and more nutritious than delivery options.
The beauty of this lo mein chicken recipe lies in its flexibility and speed. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with your cooking skills, this dish delivers every single time. Once you master this basic technique, you'll find yourself reaching for these ingredients whenever you need a quick, delicious meal. For more Asian-inspired dinner ideas, try our Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe or Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for variety in your weekly meal rotation.
Happy cooking! There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making restaurant-quality lo mein at home 🍜- Adams
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Lo Mein Chicken Recipe:
15-Minute Lo Mein Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large wok or deep skillet
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- Prep bowls
- 1 Pasta pot with strainer
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce For chicken marinade
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For chicken marinade
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil For chicken marinade
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce For sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce —
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil —
- 1 teaspoon Sugar —
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch For sauce thickening
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 12 oz Fresh lo mein noodles Or 8 oz dried
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil Divided
- 1 medium Onion Sliced
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas
- 3 Green onions Chopped
- Salt and pepper To taste
Instructions
- Slice chicken, marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in wok, cook marinated chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Stir-fry onions and mixed vegetables in the same pan until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to pan, add noodles and sauce. Toss everything together until coated and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
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