Experience the magic of takeout at home with this mouthwatering chicken lo mein recipe. Combining tender chicken with crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles coated in a rich sauce, this dish will satisfy your craving for Asian flavors without a long cooking time.
Even better, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal faster than delivery takes to arrive, making it ideal for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Restaurant-Style Chicken Lo Mein
This chicken lo mein stands out for several reasons. First, the balanced sauce delivers authentic flavor without overpowering your taste buds.
Second, you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Third, the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast. Many people pair this dish with our flavorful sheet pan chicken fajitas for themed dinner nights.
Kids love the familiar noodles while adults appreciate the sophisticated sauce. You also control the spice level, making it perfect for sensitive palates. Best of all, leftovers taste fantastic the next day, saving you lunch prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe
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The Best Chicken Lo Mein – Restaurant-Style Noodles
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Restaurant-quality chicken lo mein featuring tender meat, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles cooked in a rich savory sauce
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles (454 g)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut to bite-size pieces (454 g)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 mL)
- 2 ½ cups stir fry vegetables, sliced ¼ inch thick (356 g)
- 1 stalk scallion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds (6 g)
- ½ cup vegetable stock (118 mL)
- 2 tablespoons mushroom sauce (30 mL)
- 1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce (22 mL)
- 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (22 mL)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (5 mL)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (5 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes (2 g)
Instructions
- Make lo mein sauce by combining mushroom sauce, soy sauces, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, chili sauces, cornstarch and vegetable stock in a bowl
- Marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon sauce mixture while prepping vegetables
- Boil noodles per package instructions until al dente, rinse under cold water, then toss with oil
- Stir fry chicken in hot oil until cooked through then remove from pan
- Add vegetables to pan and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp
- Add noodles and sauce mixture to pan, toss until sauce thickens and coats noodles
- Return chicken to pan and combine everything until heated through
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving
Notes
- Thinly slice vegetables for even cooking
- Rinse noodles thoroughly to remove excess starch
- Adjust chili flakes according to spice preference
- Use fresh noodles for best texture
- Prep Time: 7 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 656 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 39 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
Gather these staple items before starting your cooking adventure:
- Fresh egg noodles or your favorite spaghetti substitute
- Chicken breast or thigh cut into small pieces
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Mixed stir fry vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage
Sauce and Seasonings
The sauce makes this dish special with these components:
- Mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce for depth
- A mix of dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce for complexity
- Sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for nutty aroma
- Cornstarch to thicken the sauce perfectly every time
For substitutions, use whole wheat noodles instead of egg noodles if desired. Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you prefer different proteins. Vegetable stock gives the sauce base if chicken stock isn’t available.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Marinate Chicken
Whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Combine half the sauce with chicken pieces in a bowl and let sit while chopping vegetables. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Step 2: Cook Pasta Properly
Boil noodles briefly according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking and toss with a small amount of oil. This prevents clumping while you cook other components.
Step 3: Stir Fry Chicken
Heat oil in your wok over high heat. Add chicken with marinade and cook until fully done. Remove chicken from the pan to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
In the same pan, add vegetables and stir fry quickly. You want them crispy yet cooked through. Keep the heat high to maintain texture and color.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add noodles, remaining sauce, and cooked chicken back to the pan. Toss vigorously until every strand gets coated in glossy sauce. Finish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh noodles rather than dried for authentic texture
- Ensure your wok stays hot enough to prevent soggy noodles
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking since steps move quickly
- Adjust spice levels by reducing chili sauce content
Flavor Variations
Change up your lo mein with these creative ideas. Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms. For seafood lovers, try shrimp or scallops. Turn up the heat with extra chili sauce for spice enthusiasts. Some people enjoy adding pineapple chunks for sweet contrast. Others incorporate cashews or peanuts for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken lo mein with fresh lime wedges for bright flavor. Pair it with egg rolls or dumplings for appetizers. For lighter side dishes, try a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame. The noodles also complement sweeter dishes like our decadent Greek yogurt brownies. Consider plated meals for guests or family-style serving to encourage sharing.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days. Reheat gently in a pan with splash of broth to refresh the noodles. Freeze portions without garnish for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, add fresh scallions after reheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 561 | 12 g | 72 g | 39 g | 5 g | 6 g | 656 mg |
FAQs About Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and bean sprouts work exceptionally. Just keep pieces small for quick cooking and balance textures.
How Spicy is This Dish?
This version offers a mild kick. Reduce chili sauces if sensitive to heat, or increase them after tasting if you prefer more spice. The steak queso rice offers complementary flavors if you want variety.
What Noodle Alternatives Work?
You may substitute spaghetti, udon, rice noodles, or zucchini noodles. Adjust cooking times based on noodle thickness for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This chicken lo mein recipe brings restaurant flair to your kitchen with minimum effort. Customizable yet consistently delicious, it offers weeknight dinner solutions that beat takeout every time.
The rich sauce coats every noodle while fresh vegetables add crunch. Make it once, and it will become your new favorite way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors without leaving home.
