Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft egg noodles tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your choice of vegetables and protein.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Control the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the Sauce:
- Chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- For the Lo Mein:
- Lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, broccoli)
- Green onions
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: If using fresh noodles, rinse them under hot water to loosen. For dried noodles, cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips and toss with a small amount of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the assorted vegetables and stir-fry until just tender yet still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
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 with a splash of water or chicken broth until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until hot.
FAQs
What type of noodles are best for Chicken Lo Mein?
Fresh egg noodles labeled as “lo mein noodles” are ideal. If unavailable, spaghetti or fettuccine can be used as substitutes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use tofu or additional vegetables. Ensure the oyster sauce is replaced with a vegetarian alternative or additional soy sauce.
Is there a difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Yes, lo mein features soft, boiled noodles tossed with sauce, while chow mein uses fried noodles that are crispier.
How can I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, pre-cooked noodles can be used. Rinse them under hot water to separate before adding to the stir-fry.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute.
How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients, including noodles, are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and quickly stir-fry them together before serving.
How do I add more flavor to the dish?
Marinating the chicken and using fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger enhance the flavor. Adjusting the sauce ingredients to taste can also help.
Can I freeze Chicken Lo Mein?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon thawing.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen. With its versatility and quick preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This savory chicken lo mein is a quick and satisfying takeout-style dish made at home. Tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, and crisp vegetables are tossed in a rich soy-based sauce—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
-
8 oz lo mein noodles
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1 lb chicken breast, sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
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1/2 cup sliced carrots
Instructions
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Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
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In a wok, heat oil and cook chicken until golden.
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Add garlic, veggies, and stir-fry until just tender.
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Add sauces and noodles, tossing to coat evenly.
Notes
Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a variation. Add chili garlic sauce for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese