If you have been craving a deliciously satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles all tossed in a flavorful sauce, you are in for a treat with this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the warmth of ginger and garlic with the umami richness of soy sauce, creating a comforting bowl that feels both homemade and restaurant-quality. It’s an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick, fuss-free dish that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, it will become your go-to noodle dish for good reasons!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of ingredients that each bring a unique flavor and texture. From the juicy chicken strips to the crisp Napa cabbage and sweet carrots, every item plays a key role in making this dish vibrant and satisfying.
- Canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking to get the chicken browned beautifully.
- Chicken breasts: Thin strips cook quickly and stay tender, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Ginger: Grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Used twice – once for marinating the chicken and again in the sauce for depth without too much saltiness.
- Mushrooms: Baby bellas or shiitake bring earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the chicken.
- Onion: Finely chopped to soften and mingle seamlessly with the other veggies.
- Napa cabbage: Shredded for a subtle sweetness and crunch that brighten up the dish.
- Matchstick carrots: Thin and tender, these add a vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Helps create a silky sauce without overpowering flavors.
- Cornstarch: Perfect for thickening the sauce to cling just right to noodles and chicken.
- Sesame oil: A splash at the end for that nutty fragrance that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the salty and savory elements.
- Pasta: Traditionally egg noodles, but any pasta cooked according to package instructions will do – providing the perfect vehicle for the sauce and toppings.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the canola oil over high heat in a large skillet. Add in the chicken strips together with minced garlic, grated ginger, and a tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce. The high heat helps lock in the juices while creating a flavorful crust. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned but not overcooked, then remove it from the pan. Leave the flavorful liquid behind for the next steps — it’s packed with tastes you won’t want to waste.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same skillet, toss the thinly sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onions. Cook them together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and mushrooms start turning golden brown. This step adds a richness and depth to the dish that will make every bite wonderful. Next, mix in the shredded Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots and let them cook for another 3 minutes to keep the veggies crisp-tender and full of color and nutrients.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, cornstarch, low sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the veggie medley and bring it up to a gentle boil for one minute. You will notice the sauce start to thicken beautifully and coat the vegetables, making it irresistibly glossy and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the browned chicken to the pan and stir everything together. At this point, the sauce should cling to all the ingredients, delivering that signature sticky, savory coating that Chicken Lo Mein fans adore. Ensure chicken is fully reheated and well mixed with the vegetables and sauce.
Step 5: Toss with Cooked Pasta
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and give it a good toss to evenly distribute the sauce, chicken, and veggies. This step is where all the wonderful textures merge – tender noodles soaking up the sauce while carrying the slight crunch and flavors of chicken and fresh vegetables.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a perfect finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top before serving. Not only do they add a fresh pop of color, but their mild sharpness is the perfect foil to the savory sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of sliced green onions adds brightness and crunch after all the cooking, making every bowl pop with freshness. For an extra kick, you could also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe stands strong as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out the table, light and crisp sides like steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad pair wonderfully. These sides complement the noodles without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Chicken Lo Mein stuffed into lettuce cups or even in crispy wonton cups for casual gatherings. It’s also fantastic as a filling for spring rolls if you want to transform this recipe into an appetizer. Presentation can elevate the eating experience and impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some sauce over time, so stirring gently before reheating will keep the texture pleasant.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe on hand for even longer, it freezes well. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken Lo Mein gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This prevents the noodles from sticking or drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as gentle stovetop warming keeps textures intact and flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! While traditional egg noodles are common for lo mein, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The sauce and veggies keep the dish flavorful.
How spicy is this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly. You can always add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just give it a quick stir before adding to the skillet.
What’s the best way to cut the vegetables?
Shredding the Napa cabbage and cutting the carrots into matchsticks ensures quick cooking and great texture that complements tender chicken and noodles.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra joy and ease into your mealtime. It balances simplicity with incredible flavor and can be customized to suit your tastes. Once you make it, you will find it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken strips, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stir-fry dish is a delicious weeknight dinner option that combines the perfect balance of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Proteins and Oils
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
- 1 (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Other
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add the chicken strips, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving any oil or liquid behind.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onions to the same pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the mushrooms begin to brown. Stir in the shredded Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium chicken broth, cornstarch, and light brown sugar until smooth. Pour this sauce over the vegetable mixture in the pan and bring to a boil. Let it cook for 1 minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly as the sauce thickens further and clings to the ingredients.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving. Enjoy your quick and tasty chicken lo mein!
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control salt levels.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variation.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions for best texture.
