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When the craving for takeout hits, skip the delivery and whip up this Easy Chicken Lo Mein at home in under 30 minutes. Loaded with juicy strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a deeply savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is a weeknight hero. It’s family-friendly, fast, and incredibly flavorful.
This homemade chicken lo mein recipe checks all the boxes—it's budget-friendly, customizable, and packed with bold, Asian-inspired flavors. The beauty of lo mein is its flexibility. Whether you're using chicken thighs or breast, lo mein noodles or spaghetti, or fresh or frozen veggies, the results are always satisfying.
If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious chicken lo mein stir fry recipe, this version is as simple as it is comforting. Say goodbye to bland noodles and hello to better-than-takeout goodness.
🥢 What Is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a Chinese-American stir-fried noodle dish made with tender pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables, and chewy wheat noodles tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s often found on takeout menus but is surprisingly easy to make at home with everyday ingredients.
The term “Lo Mein” refers to the technique of tossing cooked noodles with a soy-based sauce and stir-fried ingredients. Unlike chow mein, where noodles are often crisped, lo mein noodles remain soft and saucy—making them perfect for soaking up all the bold, garlicky, umami flavors.
🍜 Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Lo Mein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs: Thinly sliced into strips.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For marinating the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps keep the chicken tender.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Vegetable or sesame oil works.
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 bell pepper: Thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green).
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Or use coleslaw mix for convenience.
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans
- 2 green onions: Sliced (plus more for garnish).
- 2–3 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles, egg noodles, or spaghetti
- Tip: If using precooked or refrigerated noodles, run them under warm water to separate.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon kecap manis: Sweet soy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth: To thin out if needed.
- 💡 Don't have kecap manis? Mix 1 tbsp regular soy sauce with 1 tsp brown sugar or molasses for a quick substitute!
🔪 How to Make Chicken Lo Mein at Home (Step-by-Step)
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- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep your vegetables and sauce.
- Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lo mein noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Add in the garlic, cabbage, and green onions. Cook another minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add Noodles and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the cooked noodles. Pour the lo mein sauce over everything and toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through (about 1–2 minutes). If it looks dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with chopsticks or a fork—whatever gets it to your mouth faster!
🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Lo Mein
- Steamed or fried dumplings
- Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup
- Asian cucumber salad
- A side of sweet chili sauce or plum sriracha sauce for dipping
🔁 Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra mushrooms.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use Leftovers: Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in at the end instead of cooking fresh.
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🧊 Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze for up to 1 month (noodles may soften).
To Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
📝 Final Thoughts
This chicken lo mein stir fry recipe is your answer to fast, flavorful dinners that don’t skimp on comfort or freshness. Whether you're making it with coleslaw mix, switching to a keto lo mein noodle substitute, or serving it alongside some sweet and sour sauce, it’s endlessly adaptable and always satisfying.
You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients—just a wok, some pantry staples, and your appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
- Yes, spaghetti or even linguine makes a great substitute if you can’t find lo mein noodles.
- Is oyster sauce necessary?
- It adds depth, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or skip it for a lighter taste.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles or any gluten-free noodle option.
- How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
- Cook them just until tender, rinse with cold water, and toss with oil before adding to the stir-fry.
- What’s the best oil to use?
- Sesame oil gives it authentic flavor, but vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work too.