Craving an easy, homemade chicken lo mein recipe? This family-friendly dish delivers tender chicken, savory noodles, and crisp veggies in a flavorful sauce that’s better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights.
There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of lo mein, isn’t there? For me, this chicken lo mein recipe brings back memories of cozy nights when dinner needed to be fast, filling, and loved by everyone at the table. Living in Florida, where days can be busy and evenings fly by, I’ve learned to lean on recipes that work hard without demanding too much time.
If you enjoy homemade takeout-style dinners, you’ll probably also love my chinese chicken fried rice, which is another reader favorite for quick weeknights.
As a home cook and mom of three, I know how important it is to have meals that feel special but don’t add stress. That’s why I love sharing this recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet comforting enough to serve when everyone’s hungry and tired. Ready to cook together? Let’s do it.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
The beauty of a great chicken lo mein recipe is how everyday ingredients come together into something magical. Nothing fancy. Just honest, flavorful food.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean, tender, and easy to cook. Chicken breasts soak up the sauce beautifully. - Lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
These are the heart of the dish. Fresh noodles are soft and silky, while dried noodles work just as well when cooked properly. - Red bell pepper
Adds sweetness and bright color that makes the dish pop. - Yellow bell pepper
Mild and slightly sweet, perfect for balance. - Carrots (thinly sliced)
A bit of crunch and natural sweetness goes a long way here. - Green onions
Fresh and slightly sharp, they add that classic lo mein finish. - Low-sodium soy sauce
Keeps the dish savory without overwhelming saltiness. - Sesame oil
Just a tablespoon brings that unmistakable restaurant-style aroma. - Fresh minced garlic
Don’t skip this. Garlic ties everything together.
Each ingredient plays a role, and together they create the familiar comfort we all crave in a homemade lo mein.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutes
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that flexibility in the kitchen is everything. This chicken lo mein recipe welcomes swaps and extras.
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms for earthy depth
- Snap peas or snow peas for crunch
- Broccoli florets for a heartier veggie base
- Cabbage if you want extra texture
If you love broccoli-based chicken meals, you might want to bookmark my healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole for a lighter, oven-baked option.
Easy Substitutes
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Use spaghetti or linguine if lo mein noodles are unavailable.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
This recipe is forgiving.
Use what you have.
That’s real-life cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn a good chicken lo mein recipe into a great one. Let me share them with you, friend.
Cook Smart, Not Hard
- Prep everything first.
Lo mein moves fast once the pan is hot. Have everything chopped and ready. - Slice chicken evenly.
Thin, uniform slices cook quickly and stay tender. - Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Too much at once means steaming instead of browning.
Noodle Know-How
- Cook noodles just until al dente.
Overcooked noodles turn mushy when tossed with sauce. - Rinse briefly if needed, then toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Sauce Balance Matters
- Always start with less soy sauce, then taste.
You can add more, but you can’t take it out. - Sesame oil should support the flavor, not overpower it.
Heat Is Your Friend
- Use medium-high heat for that classic stir-fry texture.
If you enjoy bold, flavor-forward chicken dishes, my cowboy butter chicken bites are another fun option when you want something fast and exciting.
Cooking should feel enjoyable, not stressful. Take a breath. You’ve got this.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve hot with extra soy sauce on the side if desired.
Additional Guide: Variations and Techniques
This chicken lo mein recipe loves a little creativity.
Flavor Boost Ideas
- Add ginger for warmth and depth.
- Stir in chili garlic sauce if you like heat.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Cooking Techniques
- Use a wok if you have one.
- Cook in batches for better texture.
- Keep ingredients moving once combined.
For a completely different comfort vibe, many readers rotate this dish with my chicken noodle soup recipe during cooler months.
FAQs About Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
What is the sauce in lo mein made of?
The sauce in lo mein is usually a simple blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sometimes a touch of sugar or oyster sauce. In this chicken lo mein recipe, the soy sauce brings savory depth, while sesame oil adds that classic restaurant aroma everyone loves.
What’s the secret to flavorful lo mein?
The real secret is high heat and timing. Cooking everything quickly in a hot pan helps the flavors stay bold and fresh. Using al dente noodles and adding the sauce at the very end also keeps the lo mein from tasting watery or flat. Simple steps make a big difference.
What is in lo mein chicken?
Lo mein chicken is typically made with boneless chicken breast or thighs, cooked until tender and tossed with noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s all about balance. Juicy chicken, soft noodles, and crisp veggies in every bite.
Is lo mein the same as chow mein?
No, they’re similar but not the same. Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles that are tossed with sauce, while chow mein noodles are fried, giving them a crisp texture. Both are delicious, but lo mein is usually softer and more saucy.
Conclusion
This chicken lo mein recipe is one of those meals that quietly earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. It’s warm, comforting, and flexible enough to suit real life. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, cooking for friends, or just making dinner after a long day, this dish shows up every time.
As a mom and home cook, I truly believe good food creates connection. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be made with care. So grab your pan, turn on some music, and enjoy the process. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Noodles and Vegetables
- lo mein noodles fresh or dried
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 carrots thinly sliced
- 2 green onions chopped
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same pan, stir-fry bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until tender yet crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Toss until everything is well mixed and heated through.
- Serve hot with extra soy sauce if desired.