Quick & Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: Better Than Takeout!
Craving delicious Chinese takeout but want a healthier, homemade option? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe! This versatile dish features tender, juicy chicken, crisp, colorful vegetables, and perfectly saucy noodles, all stir-fried to perfection. Inspired by classic takeout flavors, this Lo Mein noodle stir-fry comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Best of all, you can customize it with any vegetables you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to use up those leftover veggies in your fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of authentic Chinese cuisine or simply seeking a fast and flavorful meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
If you’re in the mood for a beef-based variation, be sure to check out our Beef Lo Mein recipe for another delectable take on this beloved classic!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Sauce
- For the Lo Mein
- How to Make Chicken Lo Mein: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Customization Options: Make it Your Own!
- Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
- What to Serve with Chicken Lo Mein: Delicious Side Dishes
- How to Store Leftover Chicken Lo Mein
- Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lo Mein
- More Delicious Takeout-Inspired Recipes to Try
- Complete Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Everyone has their favorite go-to order when it comes to Chinese takeout. If you follow us on social media, you’ll already know about our serious craving for stir-fried Lo Mein noodles paired with steamed dumplings. This dynamic duo always hits the spot! One of our absolute favorite places to indulge is Din Tai Fung (DTF), a globally recognized restaurant known for its exquisite dim sum and a dedicated following. The consistently high-quality ingredients and skillful execution elevate their food, making it a memorable experience.
However, like many others, the thought of waiting in line for hours at DTF isn’t always appealing, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s why we’ve developed this incredible homemade version of their chicken stir-fried noodles! We’re sharing all of our best tips and tricks to help you create the most authentic and delicious takeout-style chicken lo mein right in your own kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken, vibrant, crisp-tender vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles, all coated in a rich and savory garlic soy sauce that explodes with flavor. This dish is truly a culinary masterpiece!
This Chicken Lo Mein has quickly become a regular feature on our weeknight menu, even surpassing my husband’s unwavering fondness for beef and broccoli. It’s remarkably simple, incredibly straightforward, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s the perfect quick dinner solution when you’re short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Chicken Lo Mein
With a remarkably short ingredient list and an even faster preparation method, this Easy Chicken Lo Mein is destined to become a staple on your busy weeknight menu. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
For the Lo Mein Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, providing that signature umami-rich, savory flavor. Using low sodium soy sauce is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing the other flavors to shine.
- Hoisin sauce: Crafted from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and a medley of spices, hoisin sauce introduces a complex, sweet, and savory element to the dish, adding depth and richness.
- Sesame oil: A small amount of this nutty, aromatic oil goes a long way, instantly imparting an unmistakable Asian flair to your Lo Mein. For a more intense and pronounced nutty flavor, opt for toasted sesame oil.
For the Lo Mein Stir-Fry:
- Lo mein noodles: These are Chinese egg noodles, known for their thick and chewy texture, making them ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce. If you can’t readily find lo mein noodles, feel free to substitute with spaghetti or linguine. This recipe is about adapting to what’s available in your kitchen!
- Olive oil: Used for stir-frying, olive oil contributes a subtle fruity flavor and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the pan, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Sesame oil: This additional bit of sesame oil during the stir-frying process enhances the overall sesame flavor in the dish without being overpowering.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a powerful, savory flavor. Be sure to mince it finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large, overpowering chunks.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: When cut into thin strips, chicken breasts cook quickly and efficiently, absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying protein component.
- Shredded carrots: They offer a delightful crunch and a touch of natural sweetness, adding textural complexity and visual appeal to the Lo Mein.
- Snow peas: These provide a crisp, fresh texture and a subtle sweetness, complementing the other vegetables and adding a vibrant green hue.
- Spinach: Packed with essential nutrients, spinach wilts quickly and introduces a mild, earthy flavor, seamlessly blending into the dish.
Refer to the recipe card below for complete information on ingredients and precise quantities.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how easy it is to recreate our version of chicken stir-fried noodles at home:
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil until well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
- Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large nonstick sauté pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Add the chicken strips and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables. Add the shredded carrots and snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and appealing texture.
- Combine and serve. Add the fresh spinach, cooked lo mein noodles, cooked chicken, and the prepared sauce to the pan. Cook, stirring continuously, until the spinach wilts and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately.
Chicken Lo Mein Customization Options
One of the greatest aspects of Lo Mein is its inherent versatility. Consider this recipe as a flexible template, allowing you to substitute your preferred vegetables and protein sources to perfectly match your unique tastes.
- Protein Swap: Easily substitute the chicken with your protein of choice. Shrimp, sliced beef, or even tofu are all excellent alternatives, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- Veggies Galore: Experiment with a wide array of different vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for visual appeal), or crunchy water chestnuts for added texture.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level by adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry for a pleasant kick of heat.
- Try Beef Lo Mein: Follow our recipe for the Beef Lo Mein for a great variation!
Top Tips for the Best Chicken Lo Mein
- Prep in Advance: Before you begin cooking, make sure to have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go. Stir-frying happens rapidly, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared while the garlic burns or the chicken overcooks.
- Wok or Skillet: While a wok is ideal for stir-frying, a large skillet will work perfectly well. The key is to use a pan with a wide surface area to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When stir-frying the chicken, ensure that you don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan and can lead to uneven cooking, causing the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Garlic Watch: Minced garlic burns very quickly. Keep a close eye on it and add it to the hot oil only until it becomes fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Burnt garlic has a bitter taste that can ruin the entire dish.
What to Serve with Chicken Lo Mein: Delicious Side Dishes
Ready to ditch the takeout menus altogether? Complete your homemade Chinese feast with these top-rated recipes:
- Chicken Potstickers
- Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls
- Chinese Garlic Green Beans
- 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy
- Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
- Scallion Pancakes
- Kale and Chicken Egg Rolls
- Bacon and Egg Fried Rice
- More Takeout-Fakeout Favorites
How to Store Leftover Chicken Lo Mein
Leftover chicken lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container and try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. We recommend thawing it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to help maintain the desired texture of the noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lo Mein
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
The primary difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein lies in the noodles and their preparation methods. Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles that are tossed with sauce and other ingredients. Chow Mein, on the other hand, features noodles that are often fried until crispy, giving them a distinct textural contrast.
What are the best vegetables for chicken lo mein?
While a variety of vegetables work well in Chicken Lo Mein, some popular choices include carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, snow peas, and spinach. However, feel free to adapt the recipe based on your personal preferences and what you have readily available in your refrigerator.
Can I make chicken lo mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time. However, it’s best to store the cooked noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve, combine the noodles and sauce just before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor. Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
More Delicious Takeout-Inspired Recipes
If you enjoyed this Chicken Lo Mein recipe, be sure to check out these other popular takeout-inspired dishes:
- Sticky Pineapple Chicken
- Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Quick Caramelized Pork and Broccoli
- Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
- Homemade Fortune Cookies
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