Chicken Lo Mein
Tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed with soft egg noodles in a rich, savory soy-based sauce. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite is incredibly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate Chicken & Prepare Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (3 tsp) of cornstarch, and the Shaoxing wine (if using). Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, water, and white pepper. This is your lo mein sauce. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Noodles
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until just al dente (usually 3-5 minutes).
- c.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Chicken & Aromatics
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- c.Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- d.Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Increase the heat back to high. Add the carrots and red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- c.Add the chopped bok choy and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the leaves have just wilted but the stems are still crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over everything. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (3 tsp) of toasted sesame oil.
- d.Using tongs, toss everything together continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are well-coated and heated through.
- e.Stir in the green parts of the scallions.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender chicken, don't skip the marinating step. This technique, known as 'velveting', creates a protective coating that keeps the chicken moist.
- 2Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process and requires your full attention.
- 3Use the highest heat your stove can provide. This ensures the vegetables become crisp-tender rather than soggy.
- 4Don't overcrowd the wok. If your wok or skillet isn't large enough, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure they stir-fry properly.
- 5Feel free to customize the vegetables. Snow peas, broccoli florets, mushrooms, and bean sprouts are all excellent additions.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or pressed tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and use firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms (shiitake, cremini). Replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles. Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Power
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
This dish is packed with vegetables like carrots (Vitamin A), bell peppers (Vitamin C), and bok choy (Vitamin K), contributing to immune function, skin health, and bone strength.
Source of Sustained Energy
The noodles provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, offering sustained energy to power you through your day.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this homemade Chicken Lo Mein contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact type of noodles and amount of oil used. This is generally lower than a typical takeout portion.