If you have a craving for something comforting, flavorful, and quick to make, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes but delivers a rich, satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug from your favorite takeout spot—only better because you made it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the tender chicken to the crisp veggies and that perfectly seasoned sauce, every component works in harmony to give you a dish that is both tasty and colorful.
- Canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Thin strips cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its aromatic, savory punch.
- Ginger: Freshly grated to add a zesty, slightly spicy lift.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth without too much saltiness.
- Mushrooms: Baby bellas or shiitake bring an earthy texture and flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped to mellow and sweeten as it cooks.
- Napa cabbage: Shredded for a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Matchstick carrots: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Used to create a rich sauce base.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Sesame oil: A splash for that unmistakable toasty aroma and flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Balances savory with a touch of sweetness.
- Cooked pasta: Your noodle base to toss all those amazing flavors together—egg noodles or spaghetti work great!
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating canola oil over high heat in a large skillet. Toss in your thin chicken strips along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and two tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce. Cook this mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is beautifully browned, sealing in those juices and getting a lovely caramelized flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside but keep all the flavorful liquid that’s left in the pan—it’s pure gold for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add thinly sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onions. Let these cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and the mushrooms start to brown, releasing their earthy aroma. Then stir in shredded Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots for an additional 3 minutes. This gives the dish a satisfying crunch and a beautiful mix of textures that makes every bite fun and fresh.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and light brown sugar. Pour this flavorful mixture over the veggies in the pan and bring everything to a gentle boil for one minute. This not only marries the flavors but also thickens the sauce perfectly so it can coat every ingredient beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the browned chicken strips to the pan and stir well. Make sure everything is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. As the sauce thickens, it creates a glossy finish that’s simply irresistible and locks in every bit of flavor inside the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta
Finally, toss the entire mixture with your cooked pasta noodles. Whether you choose traditional egg noodles or a pasta of your choice, be sure it’s cooked just right so it can soak up the sauce without getting mushy. This melding of textures and flavors is what makes this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe a real crowd-pleaser.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Their fresh, mild onion flavor adds a lovely pop of color and brightness that lifts the entire dish. Now you’re ready to dig in and savor every delicious forkful!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a fresh bite and visual appeal that makes your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe look just as good as it tastes. You could also add a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving to amp up the aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Chinese sides like steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or even a light cucumber salad to add crunch and a refreshing contrast. These sides help round out your meal in the most satisfying way possible.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little fancy? Serve your Chicken Lo Mein in individual bowls lined with a few crisp lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held option, or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for unexpected crunch. Presentation is all about making the meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Lo Mein Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from the noodles, if you can. Noodles tend to get mushy once thawed. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This prevents drying out and retains the original texture and flavor of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein for this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef strips work wonderfully with the same sauce and veggies, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking or dietary preferences.
What kind of noodles are best for lo mein?
Traditional lo mein uses Chinese egg noodles, but you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles for a similar texture and excellent sauce absorption.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
This recipe is mild as written, but you can easily add heat by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil when cooking the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra mushrooms or tofu will keep it hearty and satisfying.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses soy sauce and pasta which often contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and substitute with gluten-free noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone craving a quick, delicious meal that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss. It’s packed with fresh flavors, colorful veggies, and tender chicken all brought together by a sauce that keeps you coming back for more. I promise once you try making it at home, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Give it a go and enjoy all those comforting flavors!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken strips, crunchy vegetables, and a savory soy-ginger sauce all tossed together with perfectly cooked noodles. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious weeknight meal that combines vibrant textures and Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
Vegetables
- 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
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Noodles
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over high heat. Add the chicken strips along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, leaving any cooking liquid or oil in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and the mushrooms begin to brown. Then add shredded Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While vegetables are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, remaining soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a bowl until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet and bring to a boil for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything to combine well. Continue cooking for another minute or two until the chicken is heated through and coated with the thickened sauce.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to evenly coat the noodles with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the Chicken Lo Mein with sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control the sodium content.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to prevent a watery dish.
- Ginger and garlic can be adjusted to taste depending on your preference for spice and aroma.
- For gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles.
