Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who adores savory, slurpable noodles packed with tender chicken and crisp, colorful veggies. The marriage of juicy chicken, bouncy lo mein noodles, and a glossy, umami-packed sauce is hard to resist, especially when it all comes together in under an hour right in your own kitchen. This is the kind of dish that makes you put down the takeout menu and realize just how crave-worthy homemade can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Lo Mein is all about using simple, easy-to-find ingredients that blend together for incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays an important part, so don’t skip out—even small touches make a big difference.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice these up small for even cooking and to keep every bite nice and tender.
Salt and Pepper: Give the chicken a quick seasoning for that foundational flavor boost.
Peanut Oil: Brings a subtle nutty flavor and can handle the heat—substitute with olive oil if you prefer.
Dry White Wine: Deglazes the pan and amps up the sauce’s savory depth (chicken stock works if you prefer).
Mixed Stir Fry Vegetables: Think bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for pops of texture and color.
Lo Mein Noodles: Traditional wheat noodles with the perfect chewy bite—spaghetti or linguine can pinch hit in a bind.
Chicken Broth: Builds a savory, comforting base for the sauce.
Beef Broth: Deepens the umami, but you can use more chicken broth if needed.
Soy Sauce: Packs in that signature salty, rich depth.
Brown Sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness; use honey for a floral twist.
Cornstarch: The game-changer for transforming your sauce from thin to luxuriously silky.
Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff—freshly minced makes all the difference in aroma and taste.
Hot Sauce: Gives a lively kick; Frank’s or Sriracha bring different spins, so use your favorite.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Drizzle in at the end for unbeatable, fragrant warmth.
Ground Ginger: Adds a zingy, bright lift to mellow out the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For heat lovers, sprinkle in a pinch to wake up your taste buds!

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by gathering everything you’ll need—mise en place is your best friend with stir-fry recipes like Chicken Lo Mein. Chop veggies, mince garlic, measure sauces, and make sure your noodles are ready to hit the pot (they cook fast, so timing is key!).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a big measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the chicken broth, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, hot sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth, then pour ¼ cup of this mixture into a separate bowl for marinating the chicken. This is where the flavor magic begins!

Step 3: Tenderize and Season the Chicken

If you have a meat mallet, lightly pound your chicken breasts under plastic wrap. This keeps them juicy and helps them cook evenly. Pat dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cut them into bite-sized pieces, so every forkful gets some chicken without being too chunky.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chopped chicken pieces in the reserved ¼ cup of sauce using kitchen tongs to coat thoroughly. While the chicken marinates and soaks up that deliciousness, slice your veggies and get that pasta water boiling.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat a slick of peanut oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high. Add chicken and let it sizzle, undisturbed, for about three minutes so it gets a nice golden edge. Flip and cook the other sides for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through, then set aside. Don’t worry if the pan looks a little sticky—you’re about to unlock more flavor!

Step 6: Deglaze and Build Flavor

Pour the dry white wine into your skillet while it’s still hot. Grab a spatula and scrape up every brown bit stuck to the bottom—those little flecks are flavor gold. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half. This step really makes Chicken Lo Mein taste like restaurant quality.

Step 7: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles

Plop the noodles into your boiling water and cook for a minute less than al dente, according to your package directions. Setting a timer helps! Drain, but don’t rinse—you want the starch to help the sauce hug every noodle.

Step 8: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add a bit more oil to the same hot skillet, toss in your chopped veggies, and stir-fry for about three minutes. You want them just tender-crisp, not limp, so they pop with every bite of your Chicken Lo Mein. Pour in the rest of your sauce and bring it to a quick boil before lowering the heat.

Step 9: Combine the Noodles

With kitchen tongs, add your drained noodles to the skillet, a little at a time. Stop when it looks just right to you—some people love extra noodles, others want more sauce. Remember, the noodles will absorb more sauce as they sit, making Chicken Lo Mein even more luscious.

Step 10: Finish with Chicken and Toss

Add your seared chicken back to the pan. Gently toss everything to coat evenly in that savory sauce, letting the flavors meld for another minute or two on low heat. Now it smells like you’re about to eat something special!

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with your favorite toppings—think sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a scatter of crunchy peanuts. Serve hot and get ready to swoon over every bite of Chicken Lo Mein!

How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein

Garnishes

Garnishing Chicken Lo Mein makes it both beautiful and extra-stylish. Try chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or even a little extra chili oil for heat. Peanuts or crispy fried onions add crunch, making each forkful more fun.

Side Dishes

Pair Chicken Lo Mein with classic Chinese appetizers like spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or hot and sour soup. A simple cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup keeps the meal balanced and lets the noodles shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken Lo Mein in shallow bowls with chopsticks for an authentic touch, or mound the noodles in a gorgeous family-style platter for sharing. For parties, portion into small cups for a fun finger-food vibe—everyone loves noodles on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Lo Mein keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, sealed tightly in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as satisfying. Just be aware that the noodles will soften a bit as they soak in the sauce.

Freezing

While cooked noodles can change texture when frozen, Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen if you don’t mind a softer noodle later on. Let everything cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Your best bet is gently reheating Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and loosen the noodles. You can use the microwave for convenience, but a pan delivers the freshest texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap in thinly sliced beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—shrimp cooks even faster than chicken, and tofu is best pressed and pan-seared until golden for texture.

What vegetables work best in Chicken Lo Mein?

Classic options include bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, broccoli, and baby corn. Use whatever is fresh and crunchy in your crisper drawer—Chicken Lo Mein is delightfully flexible!

What’s the best substitute for lo mein noodles?

If you can’t find lo mein noodles, try spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles. Anything with a bit of chew works, giving you that signature noodle-y delight.

Can I make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken, double up on colorful veggies, use vegetable broth, and add pan-fried tofu or tempeh for protein. The sauce and noodles are already vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make it spicier?

Boost the heat by using more hot sauce, adding extra red pepper flakes, or serving with chili crisp on the side. Chicken Lo Mein is endlessly customizable, so you can dial up the spice as much as you like.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made homemade Chicken Lo Mein before, give it a try—you’ll be surprised at just how delicious (and doable!) it is in your own kitchen. There’s nothing quite like savoring those perfectly saucy noodles, loaded up with juicy chicken and veggies, knowing you made it all yourself. Dig in, and enjoy every forkful!