Introduction

Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-inspired noodle dish known for its savory sauce, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles. Popular in takeout menus and home kitchens alike, this comforting stir-fry delivers bold umami flavor with simple ingredients and fast cooking time. It is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, and anyone craving restaurant-style flavor at home.

What Is Chicken Lo Mein?

Chicken Lo Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with wheat-based egg noodles, sliced chicken, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Unlike chow mein, which is typically fried until crisp, lo mein noodles are boiled until tender and then tossed with sauce and ingredients, resulting in a soft, glossy texture.

The dish is rooted in Chinese cuisine but has been adapted widely in Chinese-American cooking.

Why Chicken Lo Mein Is So Popular

Quick and easy to prepare
Balanced flavors: savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich
Customizable with different vegetables and proteins

Better-than-takeout homemade option
Ideal for leftovers and meal prep

Chicken Lo Mein consistently ranks as one of the most searched Asian noodle dishes.

Key Ingredients Overview

Noodles

Lo mein noodles or egg noodles
Spaghetti (substitute)

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Vegetables

Bell peppers
Carrots
Snow peas or snap peas

Green onions
Cabbage or bok choy

Sauce Components

Soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)

Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Sugar or honey

Cornstarch (optional, for thickness)

Aromatics

Garlic
Fresh ginger

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Cook noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch (if using) until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Stir-fry sliced chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add aromatics, then vegetables, cooking until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine

Return chicken to the pan, add noodles, and pour in sauce. Toss continuously until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Restaurant-Style Lo Mein

Slice chicken thinly against the grain
Cook noodles al dente to avoid mushiness
Use high heat for proper stir-frying

Add sauce gradually to prevent sogginess

Sauce Balance Explained

The key to great Chicken Lo Mein is balance:

Soy sauce: saltiness and depth

Oyster sauce: umami richness
Sesame oil: aroma
Sugar: subtle sweetness to round flavors

Adjust to taste based on preference.

Popular Variations

Vegetable Lo Mein

Skip chicken and increase vegetables.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Swap chicken for shrimp, adjusting cook time.

Spicy Chicken Lo Mein

Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

Low-Carb Version

Use shirataki or zucchini noodles.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free noodles and tamari.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended due to noodle texture changes.

Serving Suggestions

Egg rolls or spring rolls
Steamed dumplings
Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking noodles
Overcrowding the pan
Adding too much sauce at once

Cooking vegetables too long

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lo mein the same as chow mein?
No, lo mein noodles are soft, while chow mein noodles are crispy.

Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes, spaghetti is a common substitute.

Is Chicken Lo Mein authentic?
It is inspired by traditional Chinese dishes but adapted for Western kitchens.

Nutrition Notes

Chicken Lo Mein can be a balanced meal when loaded with vegetables and lean protein. Using low-sodium sauces helps control sodium intake.

Why This Recipe Performs Well for SEO

High-volume Asian noodle keywords

Evergreen takeout-style appeal
Clear instructional structure
Excellent internal linking potential

Conclusion

Chicken Lo Mein is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky noodles coated in savory sauce, it’s a reliable favorite for busy nights and meal prep alike. Once mastered, this recipe becomes an easy go-to that rivals takeout every time.

Chicken Lo Mein

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) fresh lo mein or spaghetti noodles (or rice noodles for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (peanut, avocado, or canola)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thigh, sliced thin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1½ cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
• 2 green onions, sliced (white + green parts separated)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

For the sauce:
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package; drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken; stir-fry 4–5 min until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In same pan, add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions; stir 30 sec. Add cabbage and carrot; stir-fry 2–3 min until crisp-tender.
Return chicken and noodles to pan. Pour sauce over; toss everything together 2–3 min until glossy and heated through.
Remove from heat. Stir in green onion tops and remaining sesame oil.

Serve hot—ideal with extra chili oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds!