CHICKEN LO MEIN BETTER THAN TAKEOUT

The way the savory sauce coats every strand of noodle, clinging with a promise of umami and just a hint of sweetness, is pure culinary poetry. It’s a symphony of textures – tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles – all harmonizing in a single bite.

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe isn’t just about recreating takeout; it’s about elevating it. We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor, made with fresh ingredients and a few simple techniques that will have you ditching the delivery apps for good. Get ready for a dish that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

The Essential Components

High-quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish, and this Chicken Lo Mein is no exception. Fresh vegetables, flavorful chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles are key to achieving that authentic takeout taste. Don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients either – they’re what bring everything together.

• Chicken Breast: (Provides lean protein and a mild flavor that absorbs the sauce beautifully.)
• Lo Mein Noodles: (The thick, chewy texture is essential for authentic Lo Mein.)
• Soy Sauce: (Adds a salty, umami-rich base to the sauce.)
• Oyster Sauce: (Provides a deep, savory flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.)
• Sesame Oil: (Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.)
• Garlic & Ginger: (Aromatic powerhouses that add depth and complexity to the sauce.)
• Vegetables (Carrots, Cabbage, Bell Peppers, Scallions): (Provide color, texture, and essential nutrients.)
• Cornstarch: (Thickens the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency.)
• Chicken Broth: (Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.)
• Brown Sugar: (Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.)

Swaps & Alternatives

• If you don’t have Lo Mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be used as a substitute.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.
• If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little brown sugar.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.
• Use Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Chef’s Twists

Want to take your Chicken Lo Mein to the next level? Here are a few creative add-ins and flavor boosts to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Peanut Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty dimension to the dish.
• Ginger-Scallion Oil: Drizzle a homemade ginger-scallion oil over the finished lo mein for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying dish in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the chicken and give it a nice sear.

2. Cook the Noodles

Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Make sure not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until tender-crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

6. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.

7. Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. This should only take a minute or two.

8. Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.

9. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Lo Mein! If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.

Serving Ideas

Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Wonton soup
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy
• A side salad with a light vinaigrette

You can also add toppings like:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Sriracha or chili oil
• Pickled ginger

If you’re a fan of noodle dishes, you might also want to try Chicken Ramen Stir Fry or Chicken Chow Mein. The flavors are similar, but each dish has its own unique twist.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.

Chicken Lo Mein Better Than Takeout

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe elevates takeout to restaurant-quality flavor. Made with fresh ingredients and simple techniques, it’s a quick, easy, and customizable dish perfect for satisfying cravings. Enjoy tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles coated in a savory umami sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for marinade
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch for marinade
• 1 pound Lo Mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced scallions
• ¼ cup soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
• Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
• In a bowl, marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the sliced carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
• In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring constantly, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
• Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds (optional).
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add texture and nutty flavor. If you don’t have Lo Mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be used as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.