Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Get ready to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen with this irresistible Chicken Lo Mein. Packed with savory, colorful vegetables, tender slices of chicken, and perfectly sauced noodles, this dish is a celebration of classic Asian comfort food. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends and family, this Chicken Lo Mein never disappoints. The beauty is that you control the ingredients, making it fresher, lighter, and just as crave-worthy as anything from the local restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Lo Mein starts with a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create an explosion of flavors. Each component brings something wonderful to the table, ensuring every bite is loaded with taste, texture, and vibrant color.

• Canola oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for high-heat stir-frying, canola oil helps everything cook up golden without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, these provide tender, juicy protein that’s the star of the dish.
• Garlic: Essential for that signature savory aroma, minced garlic infuses every bite with warmth.
• Ginger: Freshly grated, ginger adds zingy brightness and Asian flair.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Brings deep umami flavor without overpowering saltiness, and is used in both the stir-fry and sauce for maximum taste.
• Mushrooms: Baby bella or shiitake mushrooms lend earthy depth and a soft, meaty bite to every forkful.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion mellows as it cooks, adding subtle sweetness and body.
• Napa cabbage: Light and slightly crisp, Napa cabbage soaks up the sauce and keeps the dish feeling fresh.
• Carrots: Cut into matchsticks, carrots add a lovely crunch and a burst of color.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Just a splash brings moisture and rounds out all the flavors in the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Whisked into the sauce, this helps everything coat the noodles with just the right amount of glossy richness.
• Sesame oil: Toasty and nutty, a little drizzle of sesame oil works wonders for authentic flavor and aroma.
• Low sodium soy sauce (again): A final boost to the sauce ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
• Pasta: Whether you use traditional lo mein noodles or a pantry staple like spaghetti, cooked noodles are the canvas for all those stunning flavors.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat the canola oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your thinly sliced chicken breasts in an even layer. Let them sear without fussing for a minute before giving them a toss. This helps develop a gorgeous golden-brown color and seals in all those juices. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center – this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. When done, scoop the chicken onto a plate and set aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Don’t wipe out the pan — those little caramelized bits at the bottom are flavor gold. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling like pure bliss right about now. This simple step builds a foundation of rich, aromatic flavor for the entire Chicken Lo Mein.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Next, add the mushrooms, finely chopped onion, shredded Napa cabbage, and matchstick carrots to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes, just until the vegetables are slightly tender but still keep some crunch. This keeps the textures lively and the colors vibrant, which is part of what makes Chicken Lo Mein so inviting.

Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce

While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This is the secret sauce that brings all the elements together, thickening as it cooks so each noodle gets a shiny, flavorful coating.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, return the browned chicken to the pan along with the cooked noodles. Pour in your prepared sauce and use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together. Let it all mingle over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the Chicken Lo Mein looks glossy and inviting. Serve it up straight from the pan and bask in those takeout vibes!

How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle your Chicken Lo Mein with sliced green onions, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. If you like a little spice, a drizzle of chili oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes is heavenly. These little touches wake up the flavors and make every plate absolutely gorgeous.

Side Dishes

Chicken Lo Mein is hearty on its own, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with classic sides like steamed edamame, crispy spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad. For a truly festive spread, add a bowl of hot and sour soup or steamed dumplings and make it an at-home feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Lo Mein in shallow bowls, letting those noodles pool up with all the saucy goodness. For a fun twist, use mini takeout boxes or colorful plates at a party. You can even pile it high on a big platter in the center of the table for everyone to dig in family-style — these little details turn even a regular Tuesday into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container as soon as it cools. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles soak up even more flavor overnight, making for a delicious quick lunch or no-fuss dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with homemade comfort food, Chicken Lo Mein is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months, and let the dish thaw in the fridge before reheating so the noodles retain their texture.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Lo Mein, simply toss it in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of water or chicken broth. Stir gently until it’s piping hot and the sauce is silky again. The microwave works in a pinch – use short bursts and stir between each to avoid overcooking. Either way, it comes back to life beautifully!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle in Chicken Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen work great in a pinch. The key is to cook them just until al dente so they hold up to tossing with the sauce and veggies.

What vegetables can I add to Chicken Lo Mein?

Feel free to customize! Snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas are fantastic additions. Use up whatever’s in your crisper drawer for a colorful, nutritious twist.

Is Chicken Lo Mein spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but it’s easy to add heat. Throw in some sliced chilies, a dash of chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor. Just trim excess fat and slice them thin for quick, even cooking.

How do I keep my noodles from getting mushy?

Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them into the pan only at the end, giving everything just a quick toss to combine.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy, rewarding way to remake your favorite takeout at home, Chicken Lo Mein is about to become your new go-to recipe. Give it a try — there’s something deeply satisfying about twirling those saucy noodles and knowing you made it all from scratch. Don’t be surprised if it ends up in your regular meal rotation!

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