This chicken lo mein is one of those quick, better than takeout dinners we love to make as a team on a busy weeknight. Tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed with chewy noodles in a savory sauce, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
Experience the delightful flavors of this chicken lo mein recipe. This dish features tender chicken stir fried with vibrant vegetables and chewy lo mein noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy chicken lo mein requires minimal prep time and is endlessly customizable.
What makes this chicken lo mein so good is the toss at the end. Chewy noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables all soak up the savory sauce.
Why You Will Love This Chicken Lo Mein
- Better than takeout. Fresh and full of flavor.
- Tender chicken. Stir fried until golden.
- Colorful vegetables. Peppers, carrots, and green onion.
- Chewy noodles. Tossed in a savory sauce.
- Quick and easy. Ready in about 35 minutes.
What Makes This Chicken Lo Mein So Good
Chewy lo mein, the classic Chinese stir fried noodles, soak up all the savory sauce.
Tender chicken makes it hearty. Stir fried until golden, it brings protein and flavor.
Crisp vegetables add color. Bell peppers, carrots, and green onions stay tender crisp.
A good soy sauce, the savory fermented seasoning, is the backbone of the sauce that coats every noodle.
Optional Pro Tip: Do Not Overcook the Noodles
Cook noodles to al dente. They finish in the hot pan.
Have everything ready. Stir fries come together fast.
Tips for the Best Chicken Lo Mein
- Cook noodles al dente. They finish cooking in the pan.
- Chop everything first. Stir fries move quickly.
- Use high heat. For a good stir fry sear.
- Cook the chicken through. Until golden, then set aside.
- Keep vegetables crisp. Stir fry just until tender crisp.
- Toss well. So everything is coated in sauce.
- Adjust the sauce. More soy sauce to taste.
- Add a little sesame oil. For a nutty finish.
Variations and Add Ins
This chicken lo mein is easy to customize.
- Add more vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or cabbage.
- Make it spicier. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil.
- Use a different protein. Shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Add ginger. Fresh grated ginger with the garlic.
- Use tamari. For a gluten free option.
- Add a savory sauce. A splash of oyster or hoisin sauce.
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the chicken, add extra veggies.
- Top with sesame seeds. For crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great next day lunch.
Reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water to loosen the noodles, or microwave in short bursts, stirring, until heated through.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Lo Mein
This chicken lo mein is a satisfying meal on its own, perfect with a side of egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad.
It also pairs beautifully with a light vegetable soup or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra green onion makes it look beautiful.
For serving, pile the noodles into bowls and finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and crunch.
- With egg rolls. Or dumplings.
- With a cucumber salad. A fresh, crisp side.
- With a light soup. A comforting pairing.
- With sesame seeds. For crunch and nutty flavor.
For another quick, better than takeout favorite, our healthy orange chicken is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken lo mein?
It is a popular Chinese noodle dish of chewy lo mein noodles stir fried with tender chicken and vegetables, all tossed in a savory soy based sauce.
What noodles should I use?
Lo mein noodles, fresh or dried, are classic. If you cannot find them, spaghetti or egg noodles make a good substitute.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook them just to al dente, since they finish cooking when tossed in the hot pan with the sauce and vegetables.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or tofu all work well in place of, or alongside, the chicken.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes. Use tamari in place of the soy sauce and a gluten free noodle for a gluten free lo mein.
What vegetables work best?
Bell peppers, carrots, and green onions are classic. Broccoli, snap peas, cabbage, and mushrooms are all great additions.
Can I add more sauce?
Yes. Whisk up a little extra soy sauce with a touch of sesame oil, and toss it in until the noodles are coated to your liking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but leftovers keep for up to three days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What should I serve with it?
Egg rolls, dumplings, a cucumber salad, or a light vegetable soup all pair wonderfully with this noodle dish.
Takeout Style at Home
This chicken lo mein tosses chewy noodles, tender chicken, and crisp, colorful vegetables in a savory sauce for a dish that tastes just like your favorite takeout. It comes together quickly in one pan and is endlessly adaptable.
Quick enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough to crave, it is a guaranteed favorite. Once you try it, this chicken lo mein will be a regular in your dinner rotation.
Craving another savory favorite? Our chicken piccata is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all the ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite sized pieces.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
- Add the oil and saute the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes, then remove from the skillet.
- In the same pan, stir fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until tender yet crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Serve hot with extra soy sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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