Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a popular dish with chicken, veggies, and noodles in a tasty sauce. People love its rich flavor. This Chinese takeout classic is easy to make at home and offers endless opportunities for customization.

This guide will help you make delicious Chicken Lo Mein at home, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook. The dish will taste even better than what you get at a restaurant.

What is Chicken Lo Mein?

Chicken Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish. It is made with stir-fried noodles, chicken, and different vegetables. All the ingredients are mixed together in a delicious sauce.

Originating from China, Lo Mein translates to “tossed noodles,” and the dish has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Lo Mein and Chow Mein are similar dishes, but the main difference is the texture of the noodles. Lo Mein noodles are soft and chewy, while Chow Mein noodles are crispy.

This dish’s versatility and flavor have made it a favorite for takeout and homemade meals alike. Noodles, protein, and veggies in tasty sauce make a satisfying one-pan dish. Great for busy nights or meal prep. For a deeper dive into the techniques for making the best Lo Mein, check out this guide on Serious Eats.

Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein

To make the perfect Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:

Noodles

The type of noodles you choose is crucial for achieving the right texture. Chefs traditionally make Lo Mein noodles from wheat flour, giving them a soft, chewy texture that holds up well to stir-frying. If you can’t find Lo Mein noodles, fresh egg noodles are an excellent substitute. In a pinch, spaghetti or linguine can also work, though they won’t have the same authentic texture.

Chicken

For Chicken Lo Mein, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Many people often prefer chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but they can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option. To ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful, marinate it briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil. This step helps the chicken stay moist during cooking and adds depth to the overall flavor.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a key component of Chicken Lo Mein, adding color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. Common choices include:

Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow bell peppers add a sweet crunch.
Carrots: Julienne or thinly sliced carrots provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: These add a crisp, fresh bite.
Mushrooms: Shiitake or button mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
Bok Choy or Cabbage: These leafy greens add volume and a mild, slightly bitter taste.

Sauces and Seasonings

The sauce is the heart of Chicken Lo Mein, bringing together the noodles, chicken, and vegetables with its rich, savory flavor. Key ingredients for the sauce include:

Soy Sauce: Both light and dark soy sauce are used to provide saltiness and depth of flavor.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory umami flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a pungent, spicy kick that elevates the overall taste.
Green Onions: Added at the end for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps:

Preparation

Slice the chicken into thin strips and marinate it in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for at least 15 minutes before cooking. While the chicken marinates, slice the vegetables and set them aside. If using fresh Lo Mein noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Gather all your prepared ingredients close to the stove, since stir-frying is fast and needs everything to be ready to use.

Cooking the Chicken

Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
First, add the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as carrots and bell peppers. Then, add the quicker-cooking ones, like snow peas and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combining Noodles, Chicken, and Vegetables

Combine and Toss: Add the cooked noodles to the wok, followed by the chicken. Add the sauce and mix well until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are coated and combined evenly. Continue tossing for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Final Touches

Finish the Dish: Drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the finished dish and garnish with sliced green onions. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately, either on its own or with a side of steamed rice.

Variations of Chicken Lo Mein

While the classic Chicken Lo Mein is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes:

Spicy Chicken Lo Mein

Add Heat: For a spicy kick, incorporate chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chilies into the sauce. Balance the heat with a touch of sweetness by adding a bit of honey or sugar.
Cool It Down: Pair spicy Chicken Lo Mein with cooling sides like cucumber salad or a yogurt-based dip.

Vegetarian Lo Mein

Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and snap peas for a healthier option. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
Enhance the Sauce: Adjust the sauce by adding more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to complement the vegetables.

Low-Sodium Chicken Lo Mein

Reduce Sodium: To make a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to dilute the saltiness naturally.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor with herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and fresh cilantro, rather than relying on salt.

Gluten-Free Chicken Lo Mein

Use gluten-free noodles instead of regular Lo Mein noodles. You can use rice noodles, gluten-free spaghetti, or zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Gluten-Free Sauces: Ensure all sauces, including soy sauce, are gluten-free. Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent alternatives to regular soy sauce.

Chicken Lo Mein with Different Proteins

Try Other Proteins: Experiment by replacing chicken with beef, shrimp, or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp, for example, cooks faster than chicken, while beef may require longer to tenderize.
Marinate according to the protein type. For beef, use a longer marination time and add a little baking soda to make it more tender.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein

Creating restaurant-quality Chicken Lo Mein at home is all about mastering the technique. Here are some tips to help you perfect the dish:

Achieving the Perfect Noodle Texture

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the noodles until they are just al dente. If you’re using fresh noodles, they require less cooking time. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Avoid Clumping: To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little oil after cooking.

Balancing Flavors

Taste as You Go: The key to a well-balanced sauce is tasting and adjusting as you cook. If the sauce is too salty, add a bit of sugar or a splash of water. If it’s too sweet, balance it with a dash of soy sauce or rice vinegar.
Layering Flavors: Start with aromatics like garlic and ginger to build the flavor base, and then add the sauces. Finish with sesame oil for a fragrant, nutty aroma.

Cooking with High Heat

Cook ingredients quickly and evenly without getting soggy by stir-frying over high heat. A wok is ideal for this, as it distributes heat evenly and allows for quick tossing.
Avoid Overcrowding: To maintain high heat, avoid overcrowding the wok. If necessary, stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure they sear rather than steam.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Soggy Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables in batches to maintain their crispness. Adding too many vegetables at once can lower the wok’s temperature and result in soggy, overcooked veggies.
Break apart clumpy noodles with fingers before adding to wok for better mixing with other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you master Chicken Lo Mein, here are answers to some common questions:

What is the Difference Between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

Lo Mein and Chow Mein both involve noodles and stir-frying, but the main difference lies in the preparation. Lo Mein noodles are soft and coated in sauce. Chow Mein noodles can be crispy from stir-frying or quickly stir-fried after boiling. This difference results in a softer texture for Lo Mein and a crispier texture for Chow Mein.

Can I Use Other Types of Noodles for Chicken Lo Mein?

Yes, you can use other noodles like rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti as substitutes for Lo Mein noodles. However, these substitutions will alter the dish’s texture and flavor. For example, rice noodles are lighter and more delicate, while udon noodles are thicker and chewier.

How Can I Make Chicken Lo Mein Healthier?

To make Chicken Lo Mein healthier, use less oil, more veggies, and lean chicken. You can also opt for whole-grain noodles or vegetable-based noodles like zoodles for a lower-calorie, higher-fiber dish.

Can Chicken Lo Mein Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s an excellent option for meal prep. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Is Chicken Lo Mein Suitable for Freezing?

You can freeze Chicken Lo Mein, though reheating may slightly change the texture of the noodles and vegetables. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet or microwave.

Conclusion

Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is great for quick dinners or meal prep, and you can easily customize it in many ways. Use this guide to make Chicken Lo Mein at home that tastes as good as or even better than your favorite takeout. Enjoy a delicious meal! So grab your wok and get cooking!