Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

If you’re craving a classic Chinese takeout favorite at home, this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is your new go-to. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy lo mein noodles come together in a savory, garlicky sauce that makes this dish irresistibly satisfying. With only 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or even a special occasion when you want a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Whether you’re cooking for four or preparing extra for leftovers, this recipe is versatile, easy to follow, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lo Mein

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Balanced nutrition: Protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from vegetables, and energy from noodles.
• Family-friendly: Mildly seasoned yet full of flavor, perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Achieve the same texture and taste as your favorite takeout without the extra sodium or MSG.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 4 servings

Main Ingredients

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried, according to package instructions)

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped

Sauce & Seasoning

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Optional Enhancements: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least an hour to boost flavor. Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Medium pot for cooking noodles
• Tongs or spatula for stir-frying
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

• Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Prepare chicken breasts by trimming excess fat and slicing if desired for quicker cooking.
• Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
3. Sauté chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Tip: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic before cooking enhances the depth of flavor.

3. Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add a small amount of oil if needed.
2. Stir-fry bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

Pro Tip: Cook vegetables quickly over high heat to retain color, nutrients, and crunch.

4. Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables.
2. Add the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
3. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

Optional: Add a pinch of black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of ginger for extra flavor.

5. Serve

• Divide the lo mein evenly among plates.
• Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve hot with optional extra soy sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
• Low-carb option: Use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
• Extra veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms for a more nutrient-dense meal.
• Meal prep: Cook noodles and chicken separately, store in airtight containers, and assemble before reheating.
• Flavor boosters: A splash of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or a drizzle of chili oil can add depth and complexity.

Flavor Profile

• Savory and lightly sweet: The soy sauce and sesame oil balance each other perfectly.
• Umami-rich: Garlic and cooked vegetables enhance the natural umami flavors.
• Tender yet crisp: Chicken is juicy, and vegetables retain a slight crunch for texture contrast.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	66 g
Total Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Unsaturated Fat	8 g
Sodium	850 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Cholesterol	85 mg

Dietary Notes: High-protein, can be gluten-free if using gluten-free noodles and soy sauce.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ingredients in advance: Chop vegetables and marinate chicken the night before.
• Cook noodles separately: Prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Storage: Refrigerate cooked lo mein in airtight containers for 2–3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins?
Yes! Beef, shrimp, or tofu can be swapped easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a splash of chili oil to taste.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lo mein noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

How can I keep vegetables crisp?
Cook over high heat for a short time and avoid over-stirring. Remove from heat when they’re just tender.

Cooking Timeline

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad for freshness.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a kick.
2. Teriyaki Lo Mein: Mix in 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
3. Veggie-Heavy Lo Mein: Double the vegetables and reduce the chicken for a lighter, plant-forward dish.
4. Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace chicken with peeled shrimp, cooking for 3–4 minutes until pink.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast

• Selection: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Tips: Pound slightly for even cooking and marinate for extra flavor.

Lo Mein Noodles

• Selection: Fresh or dried lo mein noodles work; fresh gives a slightly softer texture, while dried provides more chew.
• Storage: Keep dried noodles in a cool, dry place; fresh noodles should be refrigerated.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve restaurant-quality texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming vegetables.
• Toss ingredients constantly to evenly coat noodles and chicken in sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 2–3 days.
• Freezing: Lo mein is best frozen without noodles; store chicken and vegetables separately and cook noodles fresh to maintain texture.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	66 g
Total Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g

Expanded Conclusion

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a fantastic blend of quick preparation, balanced nutrition, and delicious flavor. It’s perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality Chinese dish at home. By customizing vegetables, proteins, or sauces, you can make this dish your own and enjoy it again and again.

Give this recipe a try tonight—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you! Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even as a party dish, Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile and satisfying option that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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