Easy chicken lo mein recipe featuring juicy tender chicken, springy lo mein noodles, carrots, cabbage and a rich and savory, glossy stir fry sauce can be your perfect weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes.
Tender slices of marinated chicken, tossed with vibrant and crisp carrots, cabbage, and soft and chewy lo mein noodles and coated in a mouthwatering, glossy, umami-rich stir fry sauce create the most satisfying chicken lo mein you will ever have.
This chicken lo mein recipe is also easily customizable. You can swap out the protein, add more vegetables, or even add some heat based on your preferences. The best part about this recipe for chicken lo mein is that you can enjoy it in under 20 minutes!
Chicken lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that is made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken tossed in a savory, aromatic soy-based sauce. “Lo mein” translates to “tossed noodles” in Cantonese which refers to the cooking method of tossing boiled noodles with a variety of vegetables and sauces.
Typically, this Chinese chicken and noodle stir fry is made with noodles, a protein like chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp, and vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. It is then tossed in a savory and aromatic sauce that consists of a combination of garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for chicken lo mein is incredibly delicious and way better than takeout. Here are 3 reasons why you should make this stir-fry dish.
Delicious and Comforting. This recipe for chicken lo mein contains a rich, savory, and umami-rich flavor profile packed with chicken and vegetables that are healthy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Quick and Easy. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can enjoy this restaurant-quality Chinese lo mein noodles in under 20 minutes!
Customizable. You can easily customize the types of vegetables, level of spiciness, and protein based on your preferences.
Kitchen Equipment
You will need the following kitchen equipment items to make this chicken lo mein recipe. I’ve linked everything that I used for you below.
Mixing bowls:mixing bowls are necessary to marinate the chicken, mix the lo mein sauce, and measure out all of your ingredients in advance before you begin cooking.
Wok or large pan: A wok is ideal but any large frying pan will work. The high-sloped edges of the wok allow you to easily toss the lo mein noodles around the surface without spilling them over the sides while cooking the food evenly.
Wooden Spoons: use two wooden spoons to toss everything together evenly.
Ingredients
You can find all of the ingredients for this chicken lo mein recipe at your local Chinese, or Asian grocery store. I’ve linked everything that I used for you below.
Chicken Marinade
Chicken thighs: you can use thinly sliced chicken thighs or chicken breast for your chicken lo mein.
Shaoxing wine:Shaoxing wine or Chinese rice cooking wine seasons the chicken with a tangy, sweet, umami flavor.
Light Soy Sauce:light soy sauce adds a salty, soy sauce, umami flavor to the chicken.
Cornstarch:cornstarch is the main thickening agent in the lo mein sauce. The cornstarch thickens and glazes the noodles for that signature dark brown, glossy sauce.
Light Soy Sauce:Light soy sauce is thin and light in color and light in saltiness soy sauce. It seasons the lo mein noodles without being overly salty.
Dark Soy Sauce:dark soy sauce is darker in color, thicker in viscosity, and sweeter than light soy sauce. It gently sweetens the stir fry sauce while also creating a rich dark brown color.
Oyster Sauce:oyster sauce is made from caramelized oysters and adds an extra savory umami component. Oyster sauce is the hidden umami flavor that is key for the best flavor.
Shaoxing Wine:Shaoxing wine adds a tangy, sweet, umami flavor to the lo mein.
Sugar: granulated sugar sweetens the sauce and tempers the rich, salty, umami flavors.
Toasted Sesame Oil:toasted sesame oil adds another layer of nutty umami flavor.
Chicken Broth: chicken broth adds another comforting layer of savoriness to the lo mein sauce.
Noodle Stir Fry
Garlic, ginger, and yellow onion: garlic, ginger, and yellow onion are the main aromatics that make these lo mein noodles extra fragrant and flavorful.
Carrots: carrots add a touch of color, crunch, and sweetness to the stir fry.
Napa Cabbage: napa cabbage for additional veggies in the stir fry.
Green onion: green onions add another layer of fresh herbal aromatic flavor to the chicken lo mein.
Fresh Lo Mein Noodles: Opt for a pre-cooked egg lo mein noodle for the best flavor and texture. You can find them in the refrigerated aisle of a Chinese or Asian grocery store.
Substitutions and Additions
You can customize this chicken lo mein recipe with your own spin! I’ve listed some suggestions for substitutions and additions for you below.
Substitutions
Dried Noodles: Instead of fresh lo mein noodles, you can swap for dried lo mein or spaghetti noodles.
Protein: You can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Or you can opt for not having any protein at all.
Additions
Vegetables: make this a well-balanced meal by adding more vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, etc.
Spice: you can make this a spicy lo mein recipe by adding sriracha, hot sauce, or chili oil to your stir-fry noodles.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Here are the easy step-by-step instructions on how to make chicken lo mein. I recommend having all of the ingredients measured and all the vegetables prepped and nearby before you begin cooking.
Marinate the chicken. In a small mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
Make the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix the cornstarch and dark soy sauce until lump-free. Then mix the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until the sugar dissolves.
Prepare the lo mein noodles. Cook the noodles in boiling water according to the instructions on the package. If using fresh lo mein noodles, cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until al dente.
Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat until hot. Cook the chicken on both sides until fully cooked and remove from the pan.
Stir fry the aromatics and vegetables. In the same wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger and stir fry until fragrant, for about 1 minute. Next, toss in the carrots and Napa cabbage and toss until wilted another 2 minutes.
Add the lo mein noodles, chicken sauce, and green onion. Toss in the lo mein noodles, chicken, sauce and combine. Lastly, add the green onions and toss until the green onion is softened and the sauce has thickened to evenly coat the noodles.
Tips for the Best Chicken Lo Mein
Prepare the ingredients in advance. Marinate your sliced chicken, mix your lo mein sauce, and prepare all your aromatics and vegetables, before you begin cooking. this will ensure a smoother and more efficient cooking process.
Marinate the chicken at least 15-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is marinated for at least 15-30 minutes for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. You will only need to cook the vegetables for a short amount of time to make sure they are still crisp yet tender. Add in the noodles, sauce, and chicken when the cabbage looks just wilted.
Toss until everything is evenly coated. The lo mein sauce will take a little bit of time to thicken over the heat. Make sure to continue tossing the chicken and noodle stir fry until the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated.
Storage Instructions
This chicken lo mein recipe is best served immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: toss the chicken and noodle stir fry over medium-high heat on the stove until warm. Alternatively, you can microwave covered with a damp paper towel until warm.
Freeze: Alternatively, you can freeze the lo mein noodles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
Frequently Asked Q’s and A’s
What are the best noodles to use for chicken lo mein?
Fresh lo mein noodles are soft, chewy and have a springy texture, and are ideal for absorbing the flavors of the lo mein sauce. You can also use dried lo mein noodles or even spaghetti noodles.
What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein and lo mein are both Chinese stir-fired noodle dishes but they also have key differences. Chow mein noodles are often thin, crispy, and crunchy whereas lo mein noodles are soft and chewy. Chow mein noodles are lightly fried whereas lo mein noodles are boiled. They both contain a variety of vegetables, protein, and savory brown soy-based sauce.
Can I make this a vegetarian lo mein?
Yes! You can easily make this a vegetarian lo mein by using a plant-based protein, vegetable broth, and vegan oyster sauce instead.
Easy chicken lo mein recipe featuring juicy tender chicken, springy lo mein noodles, carrots, cabbage and a rich and savory, glossy stir fry sauce can be your perfect weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes.
Marinate the chicken. In a small mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
Make the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix the cornstarch and dark soy sauce until lump-free. Then mix the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until the sugar dissolves.
Prepare the lo mein noodles. Cook the noodles in boiling water according to the instructions on the package. If using fresh lo mein noodles, cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until al dente.
Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat until hot. Cook the chicken on both sides until fully cooked and remove from the pan.
Stir fry the aromatics and vegetables. In the same wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger and stir fry until fragrant, for about 1 minute. Next, toss in the carrots and Napa cabbage and toss until wilted another 2 minutes.
Add the lo mein noodles, chicken sauce, and green onion. Toss in the lo mein noodles, chicken, sauce and combine. Lastly, add the green onions and toss until the green onion is softened and the sauce has thickened to evenly coat the noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
Prepare the ingredients in advance. Marinate your slice chicken, mix your lo mein sauce and prepare all your aromatics and vegetables, before you begin cooking. this will insure a smoother and more efficient cooking process.
Marinate the chicken at least 15-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is marinated for at least 15-30 minutes for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. You will only need to cook the vegetables for a short amount of time to make sure they are still crisp yet tender. Add in the noodles, sauce and chicken when the cabbage looks just wilted.
Toss until everything is evenly coated. The lo mein sauce will take a little bit of time to thicken over the heat. Make sure to continue tossing the chicken and noodle stir fry until the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated.
Storage Instructions: This chicken lo mein recipe is best served immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-to 4 days.
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