If you have been craving a delicious, homemade takeout favorite, then this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly coated noodles in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Every bite bursts with flavor and just the right amount of texture, making it a comfort food classic that you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a Chicken Lo Mein Recipe that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant, you don’t need complicated ingredients—just simple, fresh components that work beautifully together. Each item plays a crucial role, from tender chicken strips adding protein to crisp Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots that bring vibrant color and crunch.
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips: Provides the tender, juicy protein base for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated: Brings warmth and subtle spice to brighten the overall flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness without being overwhelming.
- 1 (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake): Offer an earthy depth and meaty texture.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a mild bite that balances the dish.
- 1 ½ cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded: Contributes a crisp, refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup matchstick carrots: Provide bright color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth: Helps create the sauce and keeps everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature to Chinese-inspired dishes.
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: Rounds out the sauce with a savory boost.
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory with a touch of sweetness.
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions: Acts as the perfect noodle base to soak up all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the canola oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips. Cook them until they’re beautifully browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step locks in all the juicy, savory goodness that makes the chicken stand out in the recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, in the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these fragrant aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes. The combination of garlic and ginger is essential in this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe—it creates that irresistible base flavor that will perfume your kitchen and elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the mushrooms, chopped onion, shredded Napa cabbage, and matchstick carrots to the pan. Stir-fry everything for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still have a satisfying crispness. This balance of textures makes every bite exciting and fresh.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar. This simple mixture is the magic that brings everything together in this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. It thickens into a glossy sauce that clings to the chicken, vegetables, and noodles beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the noodles you prepared earlier. Pour the sauce over the top, stirring well to ensure every strand and piece of chicken is coated evenly. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, and prepare for a dish that tastes like it took way more time and effort than it did.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds add an extra burst of flavor and texture to your Chicken Lo Mein. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous. These simple touches elevate the dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad. If you want to add more variety, some steamed dumplings or a hot egg drop soup also complement the meal perfectly, rounding out your homemade Chinese feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected twist, try serving the Chicken Lo Mein over crispy wonton strips or inside lettuce cups for a fun, finger-food style presentation. You can also pack it into a bento box for a colorful, convenient lunch that impresses coworkers or family members.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can also freeze Chicken Lo Mein, but keep in mind that the noodle texture may soften upon thawing. To freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. The dish will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may not maintain the dish’s signature texture as well.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Traditional lo mein noodles work best, but spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more mushrooms, tofu, or other favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful and satisfying vegetarian version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, add chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce mixture or as a garnish. This will add a pleasant kick without overwhelming the flavors.
What is the best way to shred Napa cabbage?
Remove the tough core, then slice the leaves thinly lengthwise to create fine shreds. This ensures the cabbage cooks quickly and blends beautifully into the stir-fry.
Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?
You can chop vegetables and slice the chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking. The sauce can also be mixed up in advance. However, for the best texture, it’s best to cook everything fresh right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe truly brings comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor to your table all in one bowl. From the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables to the perfectly sauced noodles, every bite is a celebration. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a delicious way to enjoy a beloved classic with the satisfaction of having made it yourself.
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe features tender chicken strips stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-based sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for a quick and delicious homemade Chinese-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Proteins & Oils
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
- 1 (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
Sauce & Broth
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the canola oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build flavor.
- Cook vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, shredded Napa cabbage, and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, and light brown sugar to create the flavorful sauce mixture.
- Combine chicken and noodles: Return the cooked chicken strips to the pan, then add the cooked pasta noodles.
- Add sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, vegetables, and noodles, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce and broth to control the salt content.
- For extra flavor, consider adding green onions or a splash of oyster sauce.
- Pasta can be substituted with traditional lo mein noodles if available.
- To make it vegetarian, swap chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
