If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles to create a delightful dish that feels both satisfying and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe delivers that irresistible balance of savory, sweet, and umami with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each add their own magic — from the juicy chicken and bright vegetables to the rich, savory sauces that bring everything together. Every component plays a crucial role, contributing to the taste, texture, and vibrant colors of this beloved dish.
- Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect neutral base for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Chicken breast (1 pound, sliced): Lean and tender, it soaks up the sauces while staying juicy.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
- Onion (1 medium, sliced): Lends sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked just right.
- Bell pepper (1 cup, sliced): Brings vibrant color and crispness.
- Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced): Introduce a hearty, earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
- Cooked lo mein noodles (3 cups): The star carb that soaks up every bit of sauce for irresistible taste.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Essential for deep umami and saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives a subtle tang and sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Offers a gentle zing and freshness.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough sweetness to harmonize flavors without overpowering.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lightly seasons with subtle heat.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Brighten and add a fresh finish upon serving.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers and is hot, add the sliced chicken breast. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. This step ensures your chicken is tender yet slightly caramelized on the edges. Remove the chicken and set it aside so the pan is ready for the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant — this builds the foundation of flavor. Next, add the sliced bell pepper and mushrooms, stirring everything together. Let the vegetables cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch and freshness, which adds great texture to the lo mein.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Prepare the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Then add 1/4 cup of water to loosen the sauce and help everything meld together. Stir in the minced ginger as well for a fresh zing, and season lightly with black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles right into the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles soak up the flavorful sauce and the ingredients combine harmoniously. Keep stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in that glossy, savory sauce. When it looks perfectly mixed and steamy, it’s ready to come off the heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Don’t forget to sprinkle sliced green onions over the hot lo mein just before serving. This bright touch adds color, freshness, and a subtle crunch that complements the warm, saucy noodles beautifully. Your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions is classic, but you can also add toasted sesame seeds or a few red chili flakes if you want a gentle kick. These little finishing touches elevate the look and add textural interest.
Side Dishes
Pair your lo mein with a crisp Asian-inspired salad, like a crunchy cabbage slaw or cucumber salad, to add brightness and contrast. Steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or baby broccoli also work wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a light, handheld option. Alternatively, use it as a filling for a savory potsticker-style wrap or even top it over steamed rice for a hearty bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, but keep in mind noodles may soften a bit upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover chicken lo mein gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even warming without drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables. You might also want to replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian-friendly alternative to keep the umami flavor.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but feel free to add chili sauce, sliced fresh chilies, or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Can I prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing the sauces in advance saves time when cooking. Store it in the fridge and add it during stir-frying for a quick flavor boost.
What is the best way to slice the chicken for lo mein?
Slice the chicken breast thinly against the grain to ensure tender pieces that cook quickly and remain juicy in the stir-fry process.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s quick to whip up, bursting with layers of flavor, and easily customizable to suit your tastes. I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s pure comfort on a plate that never gets old!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and colorful Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender stir-fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, hoisin, and sesame oils. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with authentic Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Noodles
- 3 cups cooked lo mein noodles
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Seasonings and Others
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to set aside temporarily.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add vegetables: Add sliced bell pepper and mushrooms to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Return chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon sugar, mixing well.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, add 1/4 cup water, then stir to combine.
- Add ginger and pepper: Stir in 1 teaspoon minced ginger and season with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Add noodles: Add cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together so the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finish stir-frying: Continue to cook and stir-fry the noodle mixture for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked lo mein noodles or high-quality pre-cooked noodles.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variation.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your salt preference.
- If you prefer spicier lo mein, add chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.
- Make sure to stir-fry the noodles last to prevent them from becoming soggy.
