Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft noodles tossed in a savory sauce. This homemade version delivers all the flavors of your favorite takeout, prepared quickly and easily in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your choice of vegetables and protein.
• Healthier Than Takeout: Control the ingredients for a fresher, less oily dish.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
• Lo mein egg noodles or spaghetti noodles
• Vegetable oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas)
• Green onions, chopped
• Soy sauce (both dark and light varieties)
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth

Directions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir until well mixed.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the assorted vegetables. Cook until they are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or a combination.
• Vegetable Choices: Use any combination of vegetables such as mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn.
• Noodle Alternatives: If lo mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti or linguine can be used as substitutes.
• Spice Level: Add a dash of Sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

Lo mein refers to noodles that are boiled and then tossed with sauce and other ingredients, resulting in a softer texture. Chow mein involves frying the noodles, giving them a crispy texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use tofu or additional vegetables as a substitute.

Where can I find lo mein noodles?

Lo mein noodles are available in the international aisle of most supermarkets or at Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, spaghetti noodles can be used as an alternative.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, mushroom sauce can be used as a substitute.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze chicken lo mein?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the texture of the noodles may change upon reheating.

How can I make the dish healthier?

Use whole wheat noodles, lean protein, and increase the quantity of vegetables. Also, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, scrambled eggs can be added for additional protein and flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein brings the beloved flavors of a classic Chinese takeout dish into your home kitchen. With its quick preparation, customizable ingredients, and delicious taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Print