Streetwise Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe For Homemade Takeout Magic

Slurping up delicious chicken lo mein brings pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Noodles dancing with tender meat create magic in every bite.

Woks sizzle with aromatic vegetables and savory sauce, promising an authentic experience.

Chinese cuisine offers incredible depth through simple ingredients and clever techniques.

Home cooks can master this classic dish without complicated steps.

Fragrant ginger and garlic will guide you toward a restaurant-quality meal.

Grab your chopsticks and get ready for a flavor adventure that satisfies every craving.

Why Chicken Lo Mein Is A Quick And Tasty Favorite

  • Boost Cooking Skills: Master essential stir-fry techniques that elevate your culinary confidence with professional-level chopping, sautéing, and sauce-making methods.
  • Quick Family Feast: Prepare a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and noodles that satisfies diverse taste preferences in one delicious dish.
  • Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Recreate authentic Asian-inspired flavors at home without complicated ingredients or expensive takeout, delivering restaurant-level taste in your kitchen.
  • Customizable Nutrition: Easily swap vegetables, proteins, or adjust seasoning to match dietary needs, making this recipe adaptable for health-conscious food lovers.

What Goes In Chicken Lo Mein

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides tender, flavorful meat for the dish.
  • Eggs: Create soft, delicate curds that add richness and texture to the stir-fry.
For the Carbohydrates:
  • Noodles: The base of the dish that absorbs the savory sauce and provides a satisfying foundation.
For the Aromatics, Vegetables, and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that bring deep, complex flavor to the stir-fry.
  • Mixed Vegetables: Add color, nutrition, and crisp texture to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Provide a rich, umami base for the sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor and authentic Asian taste.
  • White Pepper: Offers a subtle, warm heat to the overall dish.
  • Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps create a slight caramelization.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce's depth and moisture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.

How To Make Chicken Lo Mein Step By Step

Step 1: Prep Chicken Strips

Slice chicken breast into slender, uniform pieces that will cook evenly and remain tender.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs

Beat eggs in a small bowl, creating a light mixture for later incorporation into the dish.

Step 3: Cook Noodles

Boil noodles in salted water until they reach al dente texture, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.

Step 4: Chop Aromatics

Finely mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to unlock their intense, aromatic qualities.

Step 5: Prepare Vegetables

Dice mixed vegetables into consistent bite-sized chunks for balanced cooking and eating.

Step 6: Create Flavor Sauce

Blend sauce ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • White pepper
  • Sugar
  • Chicken broth

Whisk together in a separate bowl to develop a complex flavor profile.

Step 7: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet, bringing it to a high temperature until it shimmers and almost smokes.

Step 8: Scramble Eggs

Quickly cook eggs, creating soft, fluffy curds. Remove and set aside temporarily.

Step 9: Sear Chicken

Stir-fry chicken strips for 2-3 minutes, achieving a golden exterior and ensuring nearly complete cooking.

Step 10: Add Aromatics and Vegetables

Toss garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables into the pan, stirring rapidly to maintain crispness and prevent burning.

Step 11: Incorporate Sauce

Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 1-2 minutes.

Step 12: Combine All Ingredients

Mix cooked noodles and scrambled eggs into the pan, tossing everything together until thoroughly heated and evenly coated.

Step 13: Plate and Serve

Immediately transfer to serving plates, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, and noodles.

Tips To Get Chicken Lo Mein Just Right

  • Master Slicing Technique: Cut chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips to guarantee even cooking and maintain tender meat texture.
  • Boost Sauce Flavor: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and chicken broth for a deeply complex and balanced flavor profile.
  • Noodle Perfection: Boil noodles in salted water for 3-4 minutes, then quickly rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushy texture.
  • Maximize Wok Heat: Use high heat when stir-frying to create golden edges on chicken and vegetables, developing rich caramelized flavors quickly.
  • Preserve Vegetable Crunch: Chop mixed vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces and stir-fry rapidly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant colors.

Chicken Lo Mein Easy Variations To Try

  • Gluten-Free Noodle Stir-Fry: Replace wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's core flavors and texture.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating beforehand in the same sauce to ensure deep flavor absorption and protein-rich meal.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Boost: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of traditional noodles, creating a lighter, nutrient-dense version that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or sambal oelek to the sauce for those craving extra heat, transforming the recipe into a more intense and bold culinary experience.

What Pairs Well With Chicken Lo Mein

  • Sip Soothing Green Tea: Complement the savory stir-fry with a light, refreshing green tea that cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate.
  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling wine that balances the salty soy sauce and enhances the dish's complex flavors.
  • Elevate with Craft Lager: Select a crisp, clean craft lager that provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the spicy and umami-rich noodle dish.
  • Boost with Ginger Kombucha: Introduce a tangy, probiotic drink that echoes the ginger in the recipe and offers a zesty, effervescent accompaniment.

How To Store Chicken Lo Mein The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping in the fridge for 3-4 days. Ensure proper cooling before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
  • Warm small amount of oil in skillet over medium heat. Add noodles, stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Chicken Lo Mein Questions Answered

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Slice chicken breast against the grain into thin, uniform strips and avoid overcooking. Quick, high-heat stir-frying helps maintain tenderness and prevents drying out.

  • What's the secret to a flavorful sauce?

Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and chicken broth for a balanced, umami-rich sauce that enhances the overall dish’s taste profile.

  • Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure protein is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

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Streetwise Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Streetwise Chicken Lo Mein Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory chicken lo mein delights taste buds with its perfect blend of tender noodles and succulent meat. Sizzling wok-tossed ingredients create a symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 2 eggs

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles or egg noodles
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, onions, broccoli)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breast into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Whisk eggs in a small bowl, preparing for a light scramble to incorporate into the dish.
  3. Boil noodles in salted water for 3-4 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
  4. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to release aromatic flavors for the sauce.
  5. Chop mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent sizing for balanced cooking.
  6. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate bowl to create a harmonious sauce.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
  8. Quickly scramble eggs, creating soft curds, then remove and set aside.
  9. In the same hot pan, stir-fry chicken strips for 2-3 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
  10. Add garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables, stirring rapidly to maintain crispness and prevent burning.
  11. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, allowing flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
  12. Incorporate cooked noodles and scrambled eggs, tossing everything together until well-coated and heated thoroughly.
  13. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a mix of proteins, vegetables, and noodles.

Notes

  • Slice chicken against the grain to maximize tenderness and prevent tough, chewy meat.
  • Rinse noodles under cold water not only stops cooking but also prevents them from sticking together, creating a perfect texture.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking, known as “mise en place,” ensures a smooth stir-frying process without burning ingredients.
  • For gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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