Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

If you’re craving takeout-style flavor at home, look no further than this Easy Chicken Lo Mein, a noodle dish that’s every bit as comforting as our one pot French onion pasta!

It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something more filling than saucy ramen noodles.

Did you know that lo mein roughly translates to ‘tossed noodles’ in Cantonese? With a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can make a meal that will impress your family and friends and rival a plate of Chinese pepper steak.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!

In this post

1. Ingredients for Easy Chicken Lo Mein
2. How to Make the Sauce
3. How to Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
4. Assembly: Bringing It All Together
5. Variations and Customizations
6. Serving Suggestions
7. Conclusion
8. Recipe FAQ’s

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Lo Mein

To create the perfect lo mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 12 ounces Chinese-style lo mein noodles cooked according to the package directions
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 6 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic for the sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger for the sauce
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, with 1 1/2 tablespoons for the chicken and 1 1/2 tablespoons for the vegetables
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 1 small white onion halved and sliced thin (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups carrots cut into matchsticks, or buy pre-packaged matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup fresh sugar snap peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic for the stir-fry
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger for the stir-fry

Optional Ingredients

• 2 green onions sliced thin on the bias, used as an optional garnish

How to Make the Sauce

Start with the sauce so it’s ready when the vegetables hit the pan:

1. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, 2 tablespoons garlic, and 1 tablespoon ginger until smooth.
2. Set It Aside: Keep the sauce within reach and whisk it again right before adding it to the pan, since the cornstarch settles quickly.

How to Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches:

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
2. Stir-Fry the Onion and Carrots: Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, the onion, and the carrots to the same pan, stirring for 3 minutes.
3. Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and sugar snap peas, then stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Stir in 1 tablespoon garlic and 1 tablespoon ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your chicken and vegetables are ready, it’s time to assemble your lo mein!

1. Start with the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions, usually 3-4 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cool water.
2. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan, then add the noodles and sauce. Toss over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
3. Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles, toss once more, and top with the sliced green onions before serving hot.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about lo mein is its versatility!

• Vegetable Additions: Baby corn, sliced mushrooms, or snow peas can join the stir-fry for extra crunch and color.
• Alternative Proteins: Shrimp or thinly sliced beef cook quickly and work beautifully in place of the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes into the sauce for some heat.
• Lighter Version: Swap half of the noodles for extra broccoli and carrots to keep the dish lighter without losing the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your lo mein alongside a bright broccoli and mushroom stir-fry that echoes the same savory flavors.

To drink, jasmine tea or a crisp, chilled lemon-lime soda balances the rich sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a vibrant and satisfying chicken lo mein that is sure to become a family favorite.

It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or meal prep, since it reheats well and keeps the whole week delicious.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetables and proteins. There’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!

Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicier, so just add 1-2 extra minutes to the searing time.

How can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then reheat in a skillet with a splash of water until hot.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles, and check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are labeled gluten-free.

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