Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful blend of flavors, with tender chicken and colorful vegetables tossed with egg noodles in a rich, savory sauce. This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s also about comfort and satisfaction. When the craving hits for something fast, warm, and fulfilling, Chicken Lo Mein comes to the rescue. It’s a fantastic option that gives a nod to the luscious Asian cuisine we all love while being remarkably easy to whip up at home, making it a great recipe choice for any night of the week.
I’m thrilled to share this easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe, which has quickly become a staple in my household. I distinctly remember the first time I made it—aromas wafting through the air and family gathering around the table in eager anticipation. From that moment on, it has been my go-to for busy evenings or when I want something that feels restaurant-worthy yet requires minimal effort. You’ll soon find that making Chicken Lo Mein at home is not just cost-effective but also wonderfully satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This Chicken Lo Mein comes together in about 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil gives this dish a flavor profile that is both bold and comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors from bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, but just as great for leftovers the next day at lunch—this recipe checks all the boxes!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for those with dietary restrictions, such as using gluten-free noodles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 10 oz lo mein noodles: Traditional lo mein noodles can be hard to find sometimes; feel free to substitute with gluten-free noodles or even spaghetti if necessary.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs keep the dish juicy, but chicken breasts work in a pinch if you prefer leaner meat.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the flavor; fresh garlic can be used as well for a more robust taste.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken, bringing out flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds subtle warmth; tailor it to your preference.
- 1 small onion: Sliced for sweetness and texture.
- 1 medium carrot: Thinly sliced to add crunch and color.
- 1 medium bell pepper: Any color will do; choose based on your preference for a pop of color and sweetness.
- 1 medium zucchini: Sliced, which adds a nice texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: A great source of nutrients; make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces for easy eating.
- 8 oz water chestnuts: These add a distinctive crunch and are available canned for convenience.
- 2 teaspoon avocado oil: A high smoke point oil great for stir-frying. You could also use vegetable oil.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: This is what gives the noodles that delicious nutty flavor; it’s used when tossing the noodles.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For garnish that adds a delightful nutty crunch.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium to keep control of the saltiness.
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of your sauce; opt for low-sodium to balance the flavors.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil: Another round of sesame oil enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for fresh flavor in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Peel and grate fresh ginger to add zestiness.
- â…› teaspoon white pepper: For a bit of spice, or stick to black pepper if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This will help thicken the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
- Cook the noodles: Follow the package directions for lo mein noodles; typically, boil for about 2 minutes less than directed. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil while they are still warm, so they don’t stick together.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, â…› teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until it’s a smooth mixture. This is where all those delightful flavors come together!
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 lb sliced chicken thighs, seasoning them with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until well-browned and cooked through. Does it smell amazing? That’s the sign it’s time to remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In that same trusty wok, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper, stir-frying them for about 2 minutes. Next, add in your sliced zucchini and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes. Finally, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets and 8 oz of sliced water chestnuts, cooking everything together for 2-3 minutes until you achieve that tender-crisp texture.
- Add the sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Don’t forget to whisk the sauce one more time before pouring it over the chicken and vegetables—you’ll want to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Add the noodles: Toss in the cooked noodles and mix everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in that delicious sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Take it off the heat, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and serve hot!
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they can last for about 3-4 days. Make sure to use a glass or plastic container with a tight seal to keep the flavors intact. If you want to freeze leftover Chicken Lo Mein, go for it! Just ensure you use freezer-safe containers, and it can stay good for up to 3 months. When reheating, doing so in a skillet over medium heat can help refresh the noodles’ texture, along with a splash of broth to keep it saucy and delicious.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken; this ensures even cooking and browning.
- For a silkier sauce, let it simmer for a little longer to help it thicken properly.
- If your noodles stick together after cooking, rinse them under cold water briefly to keep them loose.
- Don’t skimp on the sesame oil; it’s a crucial flavor contributor!
- Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand—snap peas and bok choy also work beautifully.
- If you know you’ll have leftovers, try undercooking the vegetables slightly since they will continue cooking when reheating.
Chicken Lo Mein is undoubtedly an easy recipe to add to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Use this as an invitation to experiment with your favorite veggies, proteins, and sauce levels—next thing you know, you’ll be cooking up this delightful dish candlelit for friends or just for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different noodles for Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are great, you can swap them in for spaghetti or even rice noodles if you need a gluten-free option. The texture may vary, but the flavors will still shine.
How can I make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian?
To make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or just load the dish with extra vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for the sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Lo Mein?
The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out and heat until warmed through.
Can I prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and chop up vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to cook, everything is ready to go, making the process even quicker!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. This recipe combines lo mein noodles with fresh ingredients for a comforting dish that will please the whole family.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 10 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1 small onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz water chestnuts
- 2 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup chicken broth
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- â…› teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions for about 1 minute less than recommended. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil; set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth to create the sauce.
- Heat avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add sliced chicken, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onion and bell pepper to the same wok; stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add zucchini and carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes, followed by broccoli and water chestnuts for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok, whisk the sauce again, and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles or spaghetti.
Adjust the vegetable mix to your liking, adding favorites like snap peas or mushrooms.
Make sure to cook the noodles al dente; they will continue to cook when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
