There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken lo mein, a dish that evokes memories of vibrant meals shared with family or friends. This homemade version is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce, your taste buds are in for a treat. Plus, it can be on the table in no time, which is always a win in my book!
The combination of succulent chicken and crunchy vegetables in this dish creates a delightful texture that you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, chicken lo mein is a great way to bring a taste of the orient into your home kitchen.
“Tastes incredible and so simple to make.”
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to prepare and cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Full of vibrant colors and textures from fresh vegetables.
- A one-pan dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward.
- Easily adaptable with different proteins or veggies.
- Delicious as leftovers, making it great for meal prep.
How this recipe comes together
Making chicken lo mein comes together in a few straightforward steps. You’ll gather your ingredients, cook the noodles, sauté the chicken to golden perfection, stir-fry the vegetables, and then toss everything together with a savory sauce. It’s simple and rewarding.
What you’ll need
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- Noodles: If you can’t find Lo Mein noodles, egg noodles or spaghetti work well too.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
Step-by-step instructions
This is your guide to whipping up a delicious chicken lo mein in no time!
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will save you time during the cooking process.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, typically around 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until they’re tender yet still crisp, which usually takes about 3-4 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 it’s well mixed and heated through.
- Serve hot, drizzling with extra soy sauce if desired.
Pro Tip: For better sear on your chicken, ensure it’s patted dry before adding to the skillet. This helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
Visual doneness cues: Look for the chicken to be a beautiful golden brown, and the vegetables should be vibrant in color yet slightly tender.
Helpful cooking tips
- Prep ahead: Chop your vegetables and chicken earlier in the day to speed up cooking time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too full, the chicken and vegetables will steam rather than fry, which may leave them soft instead of crispy.
- Use high heat: Keeping the heat high ensures that you get those beautiful char marks on your vegetables.
- Leftover chicken: If you have some leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use that instead. Just add it in when combining with the sauce for a quicker prep.
Best ways to enjoy it
Chicken lo mein can be served as a standalone dish, but you can elevate it by garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped coriander. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed dumplings for a more extensive meal.
Storage & reheating tips
To keep your chicken lo mein fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet until it’s steaming hot throughout.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
- If your lo mein turns out dry: Add a splash of water or more soy sauce to the pan while reheating. This will help hydrate the noodles.
- Bland flavor: If the dish is lacking flavor, it’s likely that you need a bit more soy sauce or a sprinkle of salt.
- Veggies too mushy: Ensure to stir-fry your vegetables just until they’re tender-crisp. Using high heat helps retain their crunch.
- Sticky noodles: Make sure not to overcook the noodles, and toss them quickly with oil after cooking.
Flavor swaps
Feel free to get creative with your chicken lo mein! You can easily customize this dish by adding:
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Think about adding bok choy, baby corn, or zucchini.
- Seasoning Variants: Incorporate some ginger or chili paste for a spicy kick.
Optional: Add some chili flakes for a touch of heat or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
Common questions
What type of noodles should I use for chicken lo mein?
Traditional lo mein noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs, giving them a chewy texture. You can use fresh or dried varieties, or substitute with spaghetti in a pinch.
Can I freeze chicken lo mein?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove.
How do I make chicken lo mein vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this dish by skipping the chicken and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. Tofu can also be a great plant-based protein option!
What can I serve with chicken lo mein?
In addition to enjoying it alone, chicken lo mein pairs beautifully with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a fresh side salad for some added greens.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make chicken lo mein gluten-free, you can substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles made from rice or vegetables.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious chicken lo mein that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy trying out this comforting dish that brings a taste of the East straight to your home!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, typically around 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until they’re tender yet still crisp, which usually takes about 3-4 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 it’s well mixed and heated through.
- Serve hot, drizzling with extra soy sauce if desired.