If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and boasts a delightful mix of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and vibrant veggies, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. The perfect balance of savory soy, a touch of sweetness, and subtle heat makes every bite a memorable experience. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, homemade Chinese-inspired food that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing that classic, authentic taste while keeping things quick and straightforward. Each component plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken to the fresh vegetables that add color and crunch, and the sauce that brings it all together with a lovely depth of flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless, and small-sized for quicker cooking and easy bite-sized pieces.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
- Peanut oil: Ideal for stir-frying due to its high heat tolerance; you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce; can be omitted if needed.
- Mixed stir-fry vegetables: A colorful vegetable medley boosts texture, nutrition, and vibrancy.
- Lo mein noodles: The chewy noodles are the heart of the dish; ideally 10 oz. package but amount can be adjusted per preference.
- Chicken and beef broth: Together they provide a rich, savory base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Essential for that umami-packed savory flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds a perfect touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy and savory broth.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce the perfect velvety texture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the aroma and taste significantly.
- Hot sauce: A teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce like Frank’s or Sriracha gives a gentle kick.
- Toasted sesame oil: Just a splash brings a nutty finish and richness to the dish.
- Ground ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the garlic and soy.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra burst of heat, a pinch adds great flavor.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by whisking together all your sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup, then scoop out about ¼ cup of that mixture into a smaller bowl. This smaller portion will soak your chicken, infusing it with deep flavor from the get-go. Before that, tenderize your chicken with a meat mallet under plastic wrap to ensure each piece is nice and tender. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then cut into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and quickly. Toss the chicken in the reserved sauce using kitchen tongs, allowing it to marinate while you prep your vegetables and boil water for the noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a couple of tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding them. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust, then toss and cook the remaining sides for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step is crucial to locking in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine and use a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. This process, called deglazing, unlocks incredible flavor by capturing all those caramelized pieces from cooking the chicken. Let the wine bubble away and reduce by half, roughly 2 minutes. Then, add your vegetables to the skillet along with a dash more oil if needed, and stir-fry for about 3 minutes. This softens the veggies while keeping their vibrant colors and crisp-tender texture.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
While the veggies are cooking, boil your lo mein noodles in salted water. Follow the package instructions but set a timer to drain the noodles about 1 minute before they reach al dente to avoid overcooking. The noodles finish cooking in the sauce, so slightly undercooked noodles will be perfect once combined.
Step 5: Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Chicken
Pour your pre-mixed sauce from step one into the skillet with the veggies and bring it to a boil. Then reduce to low, adding in the noodles slowly with kitchen tongs so you can find your preferred noodle-to-sauce ratio. I usually add about 8 ounces instead of the full 10 because the noodles soak up a lot of sauce as the dish rests. Finally, toss the seared chicken back into the skillet and mix until every strand of noodle and chunk of chicken is gloriously coated and heated through for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra spice. This final splash rounds out the dish beautifully. Now your homemade Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe to new heights. Try sprinkling with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of fresh cilantro. For an added crunch and flavor boost, crushed peanuts or sliced water chestnuts make a fantastic topping without overpowering the delicious saucy noodles.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy offers a refreshing contrast to the savory, slightly sweet lo mein. If you want to keep it balanced, a side of simple garlic sautéed spinach or stir-fried snap peas brings that satisfying crunch and greens to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls garnished with colorful chopped peppers or fresh herbs for a pop of color. For a fun twist, try wrapping the lo mein in large lettuce leaves as handheld bites or serving over a bed of stir-fried cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Lo Mein makes an excellent next-day lunch or dinner. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce over time, deepening the flavors even more, making every bite even more comforting.
Freezing
Freezing chicken lo mein is possible but not ideal since noodles can become mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze it, package leftovers in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. For the best texture upon thawing, try freezing the components separately, if possible.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly, as it tends to make the noodles sticky and dry.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp, beef strips, or tofu can easily replace chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What vegetables work best in Chicken Lo Mein?
Mixed stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms all work beautifully here. Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand for a great flavor and texture mix.
Is it necessary to use both chicken and beef broth?
Using both adds depth to the sauce, balancing richness and umami. If you only have one broth type, it will still taste great; just adjust seasoning to your liking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes the cooking process even quicker and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
The recipe calls for a small amount of hot sauce and optional red pepper flakes, so it has a mild to moderate heat level that you can easily adjust by adding more or less to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe a whirl. It’s such a joy to make, with flavors that perfectly hit that sweet spot between savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Enjoy the process, savor every mouthful, and don’t forget to share the love!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken breasts, mixed stir fry vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner full of bold Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (just over 1 lb.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (plus more as needed, can substitute olive oil)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s hot sauce or Sriracha works well)
Liquids
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup beef broth
Vegetables
- 2 ½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Carbohydrates
- 10 oz. lo mein noodles (about 8 oz. preferred for desired noodle-to-sauce ratio)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (can substitute honey)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Prepare all ingredients by gathering and measuring them. Optionally tenderize the chicken breasts under plastic wrap using a meat mallet. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Sauce: Combine chicken broth, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, hot sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup with a spout and stir until smooth. Transfer ¼ cup of this sauce to a separate medium bowl.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the ¼ cup of sauce and toss with kitchen tongs to coat. Let it sit while preparing vegetables and boiling water for noodles.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden. Toss and cook other sides for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Deglaze Skillet: Add dry white wine to the same skillet over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides to lift flavorful remnants. Let wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Add lo mein noodles to boiling salted water and cook for 1 minute less than package al dente instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: If needed, add a bit more oil to the skillet and add mixed stir fry vegetables. Cook for about 3 minutes to slightly soften.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the remaining sauce mixture into the skillet with vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Combine Noodles: Using kitchen tongs, slowly add cooked noodles into the sauce and vegetables a bit at a time until you reach desired noodle-to-sauce ratio (about 8 oz. noodles works well). The noodles will absorb sauce and flavors will meld as it stands.
- Reintroduce Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Dry white wine enhances flavor but can be omitted or substituted with additional broth.
- Mixed stir fry vegetables can include bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, broccoli, or your favorites.
- Adjust the noodle quantity depending on preferred noodle-to-sauce ratio; using 8 oz. instead of full 10 oz. helps avoid overly saucy noodles.
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
- You can substitute peanut oil with olive oil if preferred.
