If you have ever craved that perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a downright irresistible dish that brings a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making every bite a celebration. Whether you are looking to impress friends or enjoy a comforting meal at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component is key for building the layers of taste, from the tender chicken to the savory sauce and perfectly cooked noodles.
- Vegetable oil: The base for stir-frying, it adds a light, clean flavor and ensures nothing sticks.
- Chicken breast, sliced: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic, minced: A fragrant punch that enhances the overall savory profile.
- Onion, sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when gently cooked.
- Bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and a fresh crunch.
- Mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and juicy, they complement the other veggies perfectly.
- Cooked lo mein noodles: The heart of the dish, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty and umami flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a slightly sweet and briny depth.
- Hoisin sauce: Introduces a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- Sesame oil: Pours in that signature nutty aroma.
- Ginger, minced: A fresh zing that balances the savory notes.
- Sugar: Just enough to round out the flavors with subtle sweetness.
- Water: Used to loosen the sauce and help everything meld evenly.
- Black pepper: A gentle heat to brighten the dish.
- Green onions, sliced: The perfect fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, forming the base flavor layer.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now toss in the bell pepper and mushrooms. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes so they soften slightly while retaining their bite, bringing a wonderful contrast in texture and fresh flavor to your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Prepare Sauce
Return the chicken back to the skillet, nesting it among the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything deliciously.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir in minced ginger along with the black pepper. This step is crucial to distribute the flavors evenly while creating a lightly saucy consistency that will cling to every noodle and bite.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Finally, introduce the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Toss and stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the noodles heat through and soak up all those rich flavors from the sauce and ingredients. Once everything is well-combined and steamy-hot, remove from heat and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions sprinkled on top bring a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch that perfectly contrasts the silky noodles. You can also add sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for flair and aroma.
Side Dishes
Chicken Lo Mein pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides complement the rich sauce and make your meal feel balanced and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to amp up your presentation? Serve your Chicken Lo Mein in individual bowls garnished with vibrant fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. For a fun twist, try stuffing the noodles and chicken mix into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld option that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after sitting, making for a great next-day bite. Just be sure to cool it before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
This dish freezes fairly well if you want to save it for later. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. For best texture, consume within 1 to 2 months, as noodles can become a bit soft upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently and adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles seem dry. This helps bring back the dish’s saucy goodness without drying out the chicken or vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli and snap peas. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is Chicken Lo Mein?
This particular recipe is mild and relies on savory and sweet flavors rather than heat, but you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
What can I do if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a unique sweetness and umami, but if you don’t have any, soy sauce mixed with a bit of hoisin or a splash of mushroom sauce can work as a substitute.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time for this recipe?
Definitely! Slicing chicken and veggies in advance saves time on the day you cook. Just keep everything refrigerated and ready to toss into the skillet when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe that comes together easily yet tastes like a special treat. It invites you to savor simple ingredients transformed by a symphony of flavors and textures. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it just might become your new favorite weeknight dinner or go-to crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken lo mein recipe featuring tender stir-fried chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and soft lo mein noodles tossed in a savory hoisin-soy sauce blend. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers satisfying Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Noodles
- 3 cups cooked lo mein noodles
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet.
- Stir-fry Chicken: Stir-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Set Aside Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Cook the garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic and onion.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Return Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Add Water: Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, then stir everything together to combine.
- Add Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute.
- Season: Season the dish with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and stir again to mix.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the noodles are coated with the sauce.
- Continue Stir-frying: Continue to stir-fry the noodles and chicken for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through.
- Remove from Heat: Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old noodles or freshly boiled lo mein noodles for best texture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and sauces to taste for sweeter or saltier preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add more vegetables or tofu, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated on the stovetop for quick meals.
