With time saving tips and tricks, you'll find that this versatile meal is just as good as, if not better than, the takeout style you get from places like P.F. Chang's. The key to a successful noodle stir fry is the savory sauce that coats the tender chicken slices, adding a rich umami taste that everyone will love. Plus, it's customizable to suit your tastes, from crispy cabbage and carrots to egg noodles that offer a chewy texture, making each bite an indulgent experience. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion like Chinese New Year or just a simple meal, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
I've been making this dish for over 7 years, and it’s become a go-to for weekend meals or when I need something quick and delicious.
The great thing about Chicken Lo Mein is that it’s not only easy to make, but also a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. I used to order takeout all the time, but now, this recipe has completely changed my dinner plans.
The flavors come together perfectly, and I love that I can prepare a large portion to feed my family or even make enough for lunch boxes the next day. Whether you're a fan of Chinese-American food or new to the world of stir-fried noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken lo mein is a famous and popular Chinese-American dish made with stirred noodles and cooked using a traditional Cantonese cooking method. This dish combines tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles all tossed together in a savory sauce. It's commonly found in Chinese restaurants and is a top choice for takeout. You can make it with different proteins like beef, shrimp, pork, or even tofu, but the chicken lo mein recipe is one of the most loved.
If you prefer a more customized version, you can also try shrimp lo mein, beef lo mein, or vegetable lo mein. This dish is so easy to make at home and tastes just as good as the copycat recipe from your favorite Asian restaurants.
To make your best recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
Lo Mein Egg Noodles: These are round, chewy, and thick noodles typically found in Asian stores. They provide the perfect texture for lo mein, but if you can't find them, Ramen Noodles work well too.
Chicken: Chicken breast is the best choice for a lean and tender option, but if you prefer darker meat, thigh meat works great too, adding a juicier flavor.
Vegetables: For a classic Chicken Lo Mein, you'll need cabbage, carrot, bell peppers, and scallions. These vegetables add both color and crunch to the dish.
Other vegetable options: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and snow peas. These can make the dish healthier and give it more variety.
Sriracha: If you like your dish spicier, Sriracha adds heat and depth. Adjust the quantity according to your taste.
Soy sauces: You'll need both light soy sauce for saltiness and dark soy sauce for color and a richer flavor. Both are essential for the umami profile of the dish.
Oyster sauce: This adds a sweet, savory, and umami flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
Sesame oil: This oil adds a unique, toasty flavor to the noodles and keeps them from sticking together.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger add a powerful base flavor to your lo mein, while white onion brings sweetness.
Cornstarch: Used to marinate the chicken, cornstarch helps the meat stay tender and absorb the sauce better.
Sugar or brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauces and oyster sauce. You can also use white sugar if preferred.
Neutral oil: Use avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for stir-frying. These oils have a high smoke point and don't overpower the flavors of the dish.
Water: Just a little water is needed to help dissolve the sugar and create a smooth sauce that coats all the noodles and vegetables.
MSG: This is optional, but MSG can enhance the umami flavor of your dish, making it more savory and satisfying.
These ingredients work together to create a delicious and balanced Chicken Lo Mein that’s full of flavor, texture, and color.
Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is simple and more satisfying than ordering takeout. If you're craving savory stir-fried noodles, this recipe is a great go-to.
It’s flexible too—you can use whatever’s in your fridge, so it’s perfect for cutting down food waste. Add or swap veggies to match what you like or have on hand. I’ll walk you through each part so you can make this delicious meal with confidence.
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Start by cutting chicken breast or chicken thighs into small, thin, easy-to-bite pieces. When I first started making this dish, I used to skip marinating, but I quickly learned how much it elevates the flavor and texture.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil for the marinade. This Chinese marinating technique, called velveting, helps keep the chicken tender and ensures it's evenly coated.
Trust me, this step makes a noticeable difference. Once mixed, set aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Make Stir Fry Sauce
In another bowl, mix dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a pinch of white pepper.
I remember the first time I tried this—balancing the flavor seemed tricky, but the combo creates that rich, restaurant-style taste. Once you mix it well, set it aside for later. This sauce brings all the parts together.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Boil water in a pot and cook lo mein noodles based on the package directions. Drain and toss the noodles with sesame oil to stop sticking and add a light nutty taste. One time I forgot this step, and the noodles clumped together. Since then, I always add a little oil after draining. It adds flavor and keeps things smooth during stir-frying.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
Heat a wok or wide pan over medium-high heat, then add oil. Sear the marinated chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
I was unsure when I first used a wok—I thought it might burn. But with high heat and steady stirring, it cooked evenly and stayed juicy. Once done, set the chicken aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 5: Stir Fry Chicken Lo Mein
In the same pan, add oil if needed and cook garlic, ginger, and onion until they smell fragrant. Add thin carrot strips, napa cabbage, or any veggies you enjoy. Stir fry until soft, about 5 minutes.
This step is where you can personalize it—sometimes I toss in snap peas or bell peppers depending on what I need to use up. It’s your meal, so make it work for you.
Step 6: Finish Chicken Lo Mein
Now return the noodles, sauce, and cooked chicken to the pan. Toss everything until it’s evenly coated and warmed through.
I always taste it one last time here to see if it needs more soy sauce or a pinch of pepper. Once you’re happy with the flavor, serve it hot with chopsticks or a fork. It’s quick, tasty, and family-approved every time.
When you’ve got leftovers from your favorite chicken lo mein recipe, storing and reheating them the right way helps keep that fresh-made taste. I've found that putting the leftovers in an airtight container and keeping it in the fridge keeps everything good for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to eat them again, warm the dish gently on the stove over low or medium heat. Or if you’re short on time, the microwave works fine too. I usually go for the stove—it keeps the texture closer to the original.
But here’s a tip from experience—don’t reheat it too long or more than once. The noodles can get soft and sticky, and the chicken might dry out. I’ve made that mistake before when rushing lunch.
It’s best to reheat for just a few minutes. The exact time depends on your microwave or stove, so keep an eye on it. That way, you’ll bring back the taste and texture, almost like you just made it.
Sometimes I serve leftovers with something light and fresh. A quick Berry Coconut Poke adds a sweet balance, or a simple Egg Drop Soup goes great on the side. And if you like bold flavor, add a little Dumpling Sauce—it gives the whole meal a boost.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Lo Mein
To complete your meal, consider these unique recipe ideas. For a fresh contrast, a Spiral Cucumber Salad brings a crisp and refreshing element to balance the stir fried noodles. If you want to go sweet, tanghulu provides a delightful crunch with its candied fruit. For something indulgent, Crab Rangoon makes a creamy, savory addition that complements the bold flavor of Chicken lo mein. Want a creative touch? Try pairing it with a Vibrant Pitaya Smoothie Bowl, bursting with tropical colors and sweetness. And for dessert, the creamy sweetness of vegan mango sago is an unexpected yet harmonious way to share the table with this delicious noodle dish.
Chicken Lo Mein is one of those comfort food dishes that hits all the right notes—savory, slightly sweet, packed with tender chicken and colorful veggies, all tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce. What makes it even better? You can make it right in your kitchen with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. No need to order takeout when this homemade version comes together in under 30 minutes!
The beauty of Chicken Lo Mein lies in its flexibility. You can swap in your favorite vegetables, use different types of noodles, or even change up the protein—shrimp, tofu, or beef work just as well. The heart of the dish is its rich, balanced sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. This combo brings deep umami flavor with just the right amount of sweetness, and the high-heat stir-frying technique gives everything a light, smoky edge.
Ingredients
Chicken
1 lb chicken breast or thighs thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp white pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp oil (+ more for cooking)
Noodles
13 oz lo mein noodles dried
1 tsp sesame oil
Sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp white pepper
Vegetables
4 garlic cloves minced
1 inch ginger minced
¼ onion sliced
4 green onions cut in 2" pieces
2 carrots julienned
2 cups napa cabbage sliced
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories386kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat16.7g26%
Saturated Fat2.4g12%
Total Carbohydrate56.5g19%
Sugars7.5g
Protein18.2g37%
Vitamin A 302 IU
Vitamin C 12 mg
Calcium 135 mg
Iron 7 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Noodle Options Matter: Traditional lo mein egg noodles give the best chewy texture. But if you can't find them, spaghetti or even ramen noodles work in a pinch. I’ve used both when I ran out of lo mein noodles—and they still turned out great!
Prep Before You Cook: Stir-frying goes fast. Have all your vegetables, chicken, and sauce ready before turning on the heat. Trust me, I’ve tried chopping while stir-frying—it doesn’t end well.
Use High Heat for Flavor: Cook the veggies and chicken over medium-high to high heat to get that slightly charred, smoky flavor. It mimics wok hei (the “breath of the wok”) and gives your lo mein that takeout taste.
Make It Your Own: This recipe is flexible. Toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn. I sometimes add leftover tofu or shrimp for protein variety.
Don’t Skip the Sauce Toss: After adding the noodles, make sure to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss well so the flavor gets into every bite.
Leftovers Reheat Well: Keep extras in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water before reheating to loosen the noodles and bring back the sauce’s shine.
Low-Sodium Swap: If you're watching salt, go with low-sodium soy sauce and skip the extra salt in the stir-fry. It still tastes rich and flavorful.
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Lauren Clark
Food and Kitchen Blogger
Hi, I'm Lauren Clark, a full-time Food and Kitchen Blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. I love traveling, sharing new recipes, reviewing kitchen tools, and spending time with my family.