Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 8 ounces lo mein noodles
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large frying pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are no longer pink in the middle. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir fry for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  5. While the vegetables are cooking, make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
  6. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked chicken and sliced green onions to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to combine.
  7. Add the cooked lo mein noodles and sesame oil to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce and everything is heated through.
  8. Serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
  • Add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bean sprouts for more variety.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like udon, rice noodles, or spaghetti if lo mein noodles are not available.
  • For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Increase the protein content by adding shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken.
  • Add extra flavor by including ginger or chili garlic paste to the sauce or stir fry.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.
  • To make it vegetarian, replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.
  • For a healthier version, use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles instead of traditional lo mein noodles.

Recipe overview

In this recipe, we will guide you on how to prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality Chicken Lo Mein right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This classic Chinese dish is packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and satisfyingly slurpable noodles, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Making it is a breeze - you'll start by stir-frying the chicken, followed by the veggies, and then combining everything in a mouthwatering sauce. The final touch is tossing in the perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. Expect a truly flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With this recipe, you'll discover just how easy it is to make one of your favorite takeout dishes at home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
    Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or even just use vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  2. Can I use different vegetables?
    Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Some popular options include broccoli, snow peas, bean sprouts, or baby corn.
  3. Can I use a different type of noodle?
    Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as chow mein noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti if you don't have lo mein noodles available.
  4. Is there a way to make the dish less spicy?
    If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the amount of garlic or even skip adding any additional spicy ingredients like chili flakes or hot sauce.
  5. Can I make this recipe in advance?
    While it is best to enjoy Chicken Lo Mein fresh, you can make it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
  6. Can I make Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
    To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and replace the oyster sauce with a gluten-free alternative. Also, ensure that the noodles you use are gluten-free, such as rice noodles or gluten-free lo mein noodles.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large frying pan or wok - A large frying pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
  • Cooking utensils - A spatula or tongs will be helpful for flipping and stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the chicken and slicing the vegetables.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is needed for cutting the chicken into thin strips and slicing the vegetables.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl is required for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used to thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
  • Large pot - A large pot is necessary for cooking the lo mein noodles.
  • Colander - A colander will be helpful for draining the cooked lo mein noodles.
  • Serving plates or bowls - Serving plates or bowls are needed to serve the Chicken Lo Mein.
  • Garnish (optional) - Extra sliced green onions can be used as a garnish for the dish.

Origin stories

Lo Mein is a popular dish originating from Canton, China. The phrase "lo mein" literally translates to "stirred noodles" in Cantonese. This humble dish was originally a simple concoction of boiled wheat noodles stirred with shredded vegetables and a dash of soy sauce, enjoyed by laborers and the working class. Over time, variations emerged, adding different types of meat and more elaborate sauces, leading to the richly flavored Chicken Lo Mein we know today. The art of noodle pulling, used to create the fresh, springy noodles ideal for Lo Mein, is a traditional culinary technique that has been practiced for hundreds of years in China, requiring significant skill and experience to perfect. Each plate of Lo Mein is not merely a meal, but a testament to the culinary tradition and history from which it sprung.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.