Effortless Chicken Lo Mein

Craving delicious takeout but short on time and looking for a healthier option? This incredibly easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is your answer! Whip up a family-favorite meal in less than 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a rich, savory Lo Mein sauce. Forget the wait and high costs of delivery – your homemade Lo Mein will taste even better, guaranteed to become a new weeknight staple!

Why This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a Must-Try

• Unbeatable Speed and Simplicity: This noodle dish truly comes together in a flash, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. It’s often quicker than placing a takeout order and waiting for delivery or pickup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy.
• A Perfectly Balanced Meal: Enjoy a wholesome and well-rounded dinner all in one plate! This stir-fry is loaded with lean, protein-packed chicken, energizing noodles, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, ensuring you get a good mix of macros and micronutrients with every forkful.
• Incredibly Versatile and Adaptable: One of the best aspects of this Lo Mein is its flexibility. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand that need to be used up. From broccoli to bell peppers, mushrooms to snap peas, almost any vegetable pairs wonderfully with these savory noodles, allowing for endless customization.
• Healthier Than Takeout: By preparing Lo Mein at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means less oil, lower sodium options, and fresher vegetables, resulting in a lighter and more nutritious meal compared to typical restaurant versions.
• Budget-Friendly: Making Lo Mein at home is significantly cheaper than ordering out for the whole family. You can feed multiple people for a fraction of the cost, making it an economical choice without compromising on flavor.

• Chicken Tenderloin: Opt for tenderloins for their natural tenderness and quick cooking time. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; simply slice them thinly against the grain to ensure they cook evenly and remain succulent.
• Lo Mein Noodles: These are the star of the dish! Look for fresh or dried Lo Mein egg noodles in the international aisle of your grocery store or at Asian markets. If unavailable, fresh or dried spaghetti or linguine can serve as a suitable substitute in a pinch.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is ideal for stir-frying. Canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even peanut oil would also work well, adding a subtle nutty flavor.
• Carrot: Julienned carrots add a touch of sweetness, color, and a pleasant crunch. Pre-cut carrot sticks can save time if you’re in a hurry.
• Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers contribute a lovely sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to swap them for yellow or orange bell peppers, or even green if you prefer a slightly more bitter note.
• Snow Peas: These crisp, flat pods offer a refreshing sweetness. If snow peas are hard to find, snap peas make an excellent alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Julienned yellow onion forms an aromatic base for the vegetables. Sweet onions can be used for a milder flavor.
• Sliced Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy cremini mushrooms (also known as baby Bella) add depth of flavor. White button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms can also be used.
• Green Onion Stalks: Chopped into 2-inch sticks, green onions provide a fresh, pungent finish. Remember to discard the root ends.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Essential for garnishing, these tiny seeds add a nutty aroma and a visually appealing touch to the finished dish.
• Salt: To season the chicken and balance the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Creating this delicious Chicken Lo Mein is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

• Prepare Your Noodles: Begin by cooking your Lo Mein noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooking will result in soggy noodles, which is definitely something you want to avoid in Lo Mein. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
• Whisk the Savory Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the Lo Mein sauce: minced garlic, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, and sriracha (if using). Whisk until completely smooth and the cornstarch is dissolved. This ensures a consistent flavor and thickness.
• Mise en Place – Prep Your Ingredients: This step is crucial for stir-frying! Slice the chicken tenderloin into uniform julienne strips (thin, even strips). Then, prepare all your vegetables: julienne the carrot and yellow onion, slice the red bell pepper and cremini mushrooms, and chop the green onion stalks into 2-inch pieces. Having everything ready before you start cooking on high heat will make the process much smoother.
• Sear the Chicken to Perfection: Heat a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the julienned chicken. Pan-sear it, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Season lightly with salt while it cooks. Immediately remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a bowl. Cover it with foil wrap to keep it warm and moist while you cook the vegetables.
• Stir-Fry the Fresh Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add another ½ tablespoon of oil over high heat. Toss in the firmer vegetables first: onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, snow peas, and carrots. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. The goal is to get them slightly tender-crisp, retaining some of their bite and vibrant color, not to let them become soft or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lo Mein

What are the best noodles to use for Lo Mein?

Authentic Lo Mein traditionally uses fresh Chinese egg noodles, which are typically round, soft, and chewy. You can often find them in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores. If these aren’t available, dried Lo Mein noodles or even fresh or dried thin fettuccine or linguine can be excellent substitutes, providing a similar texture.

How do I store leftover Chicken Lo Mein?

Leftover Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic next-day meal! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, stirring occasionally, or warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this a delicious vegetable Lo Mein, simply omit the chicken. You can either serve it as is, or for added protein, stir-fry some extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh, or edamame with the vegetables. You can also swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian oyster sauce or a dash of mushroom-based umami seasoning.

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

The main difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein lies in how the noodles are prepared and the final texture. Lo Mein, meaning “tossed noodles,” features soft, chewy noodles that are tossed with sauce, protein, and vegetables, resulting in a saucy dish. Chow Mein, meaning “fried noodles,” involves frying the noodles until they are crispy, then often serving them with a lighter sauce and toppings. Chow Mein noodles are typically drier and crunchier.

What other vegetables can I use in Lo Mein?

Lo Mein is incredibly versatile! Beyond the suggested vegetables, you can experiment with a wide variety of additions. Great choices include broccoli florets, zucchini sticks, bok choy, green beans, edamame, spinach (add at the very end), bell peppers of different colors, snap peas, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.

What kind of sauce is in Lo Mein?

The signature Lo Mein sauce is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, tangy, and sometimes spicy flavors. It typically includes soy sauce (both regular and dark for color), chicken broth, oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative), a touch of sugar (often brown sugar), rice vinegar for tang, minced garlic and fresh ginger for aromatics, and cornstarch as a thickener to give it that perfect glossy, clingy consistency. Sriracha can be added for heat.

What equipment do I need for stir-frying?

A large wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and ability to distribute heat evenly. However, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven can also work very well. You’ll also need a sharp knife for prepping ingredients, a cutting board, and tongs or a stir-fry spatula for tossing everything together.

Delicious Lo Mein Recipe Variations to Explore

• Shrimp Lo Mein: For a delightful seafood twist, replace the chicken with shrimp. Sauté the shrimp until almost cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per side, then remove from the pan. Add them back in during the final minute of cooking with the noodles, as they will continue to cook and absorb the sauce.
• Beef Lo Mein: If beef is more to your liking, try my dedicated Beef Lo Mein recipe. It features tender slices of beef, marinated and stir-fried to perfection, making for an equally satisfying and flavorful noodle dish.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: This is arguably the simplest and healthiest variation. Load up on your favorite vegetables, cooking them until they are just tender-crisp. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms are all excellent choices for a hearty and flavorful meat-free meal.
• Pork Lo Mein: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pork loin makes a wonderful addition. Marinate it briefly in some soy sauce and a touch of cornstarch before stir-frying for extra tenderness.

Easy Chicken Lo Mein

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Made in less than 30 minutes, this easy Chicken Lo Mein comes together in a flash! It’s made with delicious noodles, tender chicken tenderloin, various vegetables, and then tossed in a savory lo mein sauce. A perfect healthier alternative to takeout.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Dish:

• 1.5 lb. chicken tenderloin, julienned
• 10 oz. lo mein noodles, dry
• 1 ½ tbsp. vegetable oil (or oil of choice)
• 1 large carrot, julienned or use carrot sticks
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup snow peas
• 1 cup yellow onion, julienned
• 1 cup sliced cremini or baby Bella mushrooms
• 3 green onion stalks, chopped into 2-inch sticks
• Toasted Sesame seeds for garnishing
• Salt to taste

Lo Mein Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps. normal soy sauce, low sodium
• 2 tbsps. dark soy sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 2 tbsps. oyster sauce
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 tbsp. sriracha sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Do not overcook the noodles. Drain and set aside.
2. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a small cup or bowl, mix all Lo Mein sauce ingredients together until well combined.
3. Prep chicken and vegetables: Slice the chicken into julienne strips. Slice all the vegetables (carrot, red bell pepper, snow peas, yellow onion, mushrooms, green onion) as directed.
4. Sauté the chicken: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp. of oil. Pan-sear the chicken until lightly browned and fully cooked. Season lightly with salt. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside in a bowl, covered with foil.
5. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet over high heat, add ½ tbsp. of oil. Sauté the onion, mushroom, bell pepper, snow peas, and carrots together for a couple of minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Combine all ingredients: Add the prepared sauce and cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss and cook together for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the noodles.
7. Finish the dish: Add the cooked chicken and chopped green onion into the pan. Toss everything together and cook for another minute with the noodles to heat through.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately.

Notes

• Cook your noodles exactly according to the package directions to avoid overcooked, mushy noodles.
• Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to better control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Slice your vegetables and meat into thin, even strips for consistent cooking and a pleasing presentation.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or while sautéing vegetables.
• If chicken is not available, you can easily substitute with Beef Lo Mein or other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
• Regular soy sauce can be used if dark soy sauce is unavailable, though the dish’s color may be lighter.
• Hoisin sauce is a suitable substitute for oyster sauce if needed, though it is generally sweeter.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1567mg | Potassium: 1023mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3937IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg