Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of homemade Chicken Lo Mein chewy Chinese egg noodles coated in a savory sauce, tossed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a touch of sesame oil. This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families or anyone craving a quick, restaurant-style meal at home.

Whether you’re new to stir fry or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked noodles, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s versatile, satisfying, and easy to customize based on your favorite vegetables or dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lo Mein

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Tender chicken & chewy noodles: Perfect texture every time with simple cooking techniques.
• Loaded with veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts provide color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Versatile: Swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Restaurant-style flavor: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil create authentic Chinese takeout taste at home.
• Family-friendly: Mild, savory, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people.

Noodles

• 10 ounces Chinese egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ cup onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup bean sprouts

Aromatics & Sauce

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium bowl (for tossing noodles)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing sauce)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfect noodles, tender chicken, and a deliciously balanced sauce.

Cooking the Noodles

1. Boil noodles: Cook the egg noodles 1 minute shy of the package directions to ensure they don’t overcook.
2. Toss with sesame oil: Drain noodles and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a medium bowl to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
2. Cook chicken: Add thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

1. Sauté aromatics: Add red bell peppers, minced ginger, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just softened.
2. Prepare sauce: In a bowl, mix ¾ cup water, ¼ cup light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. Pour mixture into the skillet.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in carrot, onion, and cabbage. Cook 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Combining Chicken, Noodles & Sauce

1. Return chicken: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet.
2. Add noodles: Toss in the egg noodles and stir to combine with vegetables, chicken, and sauce.
3. Add bean sprouts: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and mix well. Cook 1 minute to heat through.
4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable swaps: Use broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms for extra variety.
• Protein alternatives: Replace chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Sauce consistency: Adjust cornstarch and water ratio if you prefer thicker or thinner sauce.
• Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving for a nutty aroma.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This Chicken Lo Mein is savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic. The tender chicken and crisp vegetables contrast perfectly with chewy egg noodles, all coated in a light, glossy sauce.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Steamed or fried rice for a complete meal
• Asian-style vegetable spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup as a starter
• Steamed dumplings for a more indulgent dinner

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approx. 1/4 recipe):

• Calories: 409 kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Cholesterol: 72mg
• Sodium: 1,203mg

Dietary Notes:

• Contains gluten (from soy sauce and egg noodles) – use tamari and gluten-free noodles to adapt
• High-protein, moderate-carb meal
• Loaded with vegetables for added fiber and vitamins

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Noodles: Cook noodles slightly underdone, toss with sesame oil, and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• Chicken: Slice and marinate chicken in advance to save time.
• Vegetables: Prep vegetables ahead and store in airtight containers.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or wok.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add pre-cooked chicken at the end just to heat through, but the stir-fry flavor is best with freshly cooked chicken.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables.

3. Can I use regular pasta instead of Chinese egg noodles?
You can, but Chinese egg noodles provide the authentic chewy texture. Spaghetti or linguine can work as a substitute in a pinch.

4. How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?
Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil immediately after draining.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time	Notes
Prep ingredients	5–10 min	Slice chicken and vegetables
Cook noodles	7–8 min	Slightly undercooked
Cook chicken	6–8 min	Set aside
Stir-fry vegetables & sauce	3–4 min	Quick toss
Combine chicken, noodles, sprouts	2–3 min	Heat through
Total	30 min	Quick, one-skillet meal

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot directly from the wok or skillet.
• Garnish with extra bean sprouts or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a full Chinese-inspired meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add 1–2 teaspoons chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce.
2. Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace chicken with peeled shrimp, cook 2–3 minutes until opaque.
3. Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of egg noodles.
4. Extra Veggie Packed: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for more nutrition and color.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chinese Egg Noodles

• Chewy, slightly springy, and ideal for stir fry. Can also use lo mein-style noodles from the store.

Oyster Sauce

• Provides rich umami flavor and slightly sweet depth to the stir-fry sauce.

Bean Sprouts

• Adds crunch, freshness, and a classic texture to authentic lo mein.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook chicken and vegetables over high heat for best texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
• Stir sauce continuously to prevent lumps from cornstarch.
• Toss noodles gently with sauce to coat evenly without breaking them.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days. Add fresh bean sprouts before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended; vegetables and noodles may become mushy.
• Reheating: Gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	409 kcal	Per 1/4 recipe
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	5g
Dietary Notes	Contains gluten; high protein; vegetarian adaptable

Conclusion

This Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner for busy nights. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a rich, savory sauce make every bite irresistible.

Customize it with your favorite vegetables, make it spicy, or swap in shrimp or tofu. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight favorite that brings the taste of authentic Chinese takeout right to your kitchen.

Serve hot, garnish with bean sprouts and sesame seeds, and enjoy a wholesome, colorful, and delicious meal that your whole family will love.

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