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Chicken Lo Mein Recipe - Quick, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Noodles: 12 ounces lo mein or egg noodles (or spaghetti as a backup)
  • Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • Vegetables: 1 cup carrots (matchsticks), 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, 1 cup snow peas or snap peas, 4 green onions (sliced)
  • Cooking oil: Neutral oil like canola, avocado, or peanut oil
  • Sauce ingredients: 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional for color and depth)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a light thickening)
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: Bean sprouts, mushrooms, baby bok choy, chili flakes, chili oil

Method
 

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until just shy of tender. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking, and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy (if using), hoisin (if using), sesame oil, sugar or honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and slice thinly against the grain. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. For extra tenderness, you can “velvet” it by tossing with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
  4. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat until shimmering.
  5. Stir-fry the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving for 1–2 minutes to get light browning, then stir-fry until just cooked through, 3–4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Cook aromatics: Add another teaspoon of oil if needed. Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  7. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add carrots, bell pepper, and peas. Cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add cabbage and most of the green onions (save some for garnish). Stir-fry 1–2 minutes more.
  8. Combine noodles and chicken: Return chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles, breaking up any clumps with tongs.
  9. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce around the edges of the pan. Toss everything together over medium-high heat until the noodles are coated and glossy and the sauce slightly thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
  10. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash more soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a few drops of sesame oil. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve hot.