Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

4.98 from 136 votes

Dec 28, 2023

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Chicken Lo Mein is so versatile – perfect for a weeknight meal or for making a large portion to feed a large group on special occasions, like Chinese New Year! The best part about this dish is you can use any vegetables you have in your fridge – so it’s also great for fridge clearing days!

Learn how to make the best Chicken Lo Mein with all my time saving tips and tricks for making the best takeout style Lo Mein noodle stir fry at home!

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Watch the Chicken Lo Mein Recipe Video Below!

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Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein

Here is everything you’ll need to make the most flavorful, savory Chicken Lo Mein!

Chicken

Vegetables

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can sub in (or remove) any vegetables of your choice! I used carrots, cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and bean sprouts, but always adjust to your liking! This is YOUR dish and I want you to love it!

  • 1medium carrotsliced
  • 3cupscabbagesliced
  • 1/4white onionsliced
  • 5scallionschopped, greens and whites separated
  • 1tbspgingerminced
  • 5clovesgarlicminced

Sauce

Noodles

  • 16ozlo mein noodlesfresh; if using dried noodles, use 12 ounces

Oils

  • 1/2tspsesame oil
  • 3tbspneutral oilI used avocado oil
    • My favorite neutral oil is avocado oil, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil! I don’t use olive oil when cooking Chinese food for two reasons: 1. It has a low burning point and 2. I find that the flavor profile does not usually go with the dish.

What type of noodle is best for Chicken Lo Mein?

One quick note about the noodle selection for this dish: I recommend buying Lo Mein Noodles due to the bounciness and chewy texture of the noodles. Twin Marquis is my favorite brand, and they also sell a “cooked noodle” version in the fresh noodle section of your grocery store. I do not recommend buying the cooked noodle – stick to the Lo Mein Noodle for best results!

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What is the difference between Chicken Lo Mein vs Chow Mein?

Chicken Lo Mein uses thicker noodles that are specifically called Lo Mein noodles, which are typically a wheat based noodle. Chow Mein noodles are a thinner noodle made with egg, and can be found as a fresh or dried noodle. Chow Mein noodles are perfect for dishes like my Chicken Chow Mein (Hong Kong Style)!

Pro Tips for the best Chicken Lo Mein!

  • Cornstarch Tip: Instead of making a cornstarch slurry, I added the cornstarch to the sauce to avoid having to make it in another bowl – this saves you both time AND an extra step! Just be sure to mix the sauce again right before adding it to the noodles!
  • Cutting the vegetables: I always recommend cutting your vegetables into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly – this little step makes a huge difference!
  • Noodle tips:
    • Undercook the noodles: Don’t forget that the lo mein noodles will finish cooking in the pan! I always cook my lo mein noodles 1-2 min less than the package instructions call for. This way, they come to my preferred doneness by the time the noodles have absorbed all the sauce the heat continues to cook the noodles when they are stir fried.
    • Rinse the noodles and toss them in sesame oil: After boiling, rinse the noodles immediately with cold water to stop the cooking. Shake them dry and then toss in a tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent the noodles from sticking while you prepare & cook the other ingredients.
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Chicken Lo Mein: Recipe Instructions

1. Slice and marinate chicken

Slice your chicken breast into 1/4″ strips against the grain and place in a bowl. Marinate with salt, white pepper, light soy sauce, shaoxing wine, corn starch and avocado oil. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

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2. Prepare vegetables and aromatics

Prepare the vegetables, garlic, and ginger and set aside, separating your scallion whites and greens.

3. Mix the Lo Mein stir fry sauce

Premix the stir fry sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, water, cornstarch and msg if using. The oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine will the sauce that restaurant quality umami that is so delicious!

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4. Cook and rinse the Lo Mein noodles

Cook the lo mein noodles about 2 minutes less than package directions, drain, then rinse with cold water and drain dry. Coat with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

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5. Sear the chicken

Over high heat, sear your chicken in 3 tbsp of avocado oil for 2-3 minutes or until cooked through and set aside.

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6. Cook the garlic, ginger and vegetables and finish the Chicken Lo Mein!

In the remaining oil, sauté your garlic and ginger for 15 seconds, followed by the scallion white and vegetables. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly wilted and charred. Add the lo mein noodles, chicken, and sauce and mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. Continue cooking until sauce has thickened and is evenly coated. Add scallion greens, mix, and enjoy!

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Cooking With a Wok (Alternatives)

By now, you know that I LOVE cooking with my carbon steel wok! It is my #1 most recommended kitchen tool, as I believe it is perfect for high-heat cooking and results in restaurant quality Chinese food!

If it is your first time cooking with a wok, make sure to read my “How To Season a Wok” post. There is a video included that shows exactly how to season your brand new wok and how to maintain it so it lasts for years.

If you cannot or do not want to use a wok, you can use a large pan, cast iron, or even a dutch oven.

My KEY TIP would be to avoid crowding your pan – crowding can lead to your Chicken Lo Mein not cooking thoroughly and becoming mushy. If you think your dish will be crowded, use a larger pan, cast iron, or dutch oven, OR cook in batches.

If you liked this recipe, be sure to find some of my other popular noodle recipes on the blog:

  • Soy Sauce Pan Fried Noodles (Video)
  • Dan Dan Noodles
  • Spicy Peanut Noodles
  • Beef and Broccoli Noodles
  • The BEST Garlic Noodles
  • General Tso’s Chicken

If you tried this Chicken Lo Mein or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!

4.98 from 136 votes

Chicken Lo Mein (Video)

By: Chris Joe

Servings: 5

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

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This Chicken Lo Mein is so much better than takeout! It's a delicious noodle dish that can feed a ton of people with only a few, simple ingredients!

Ingredients

Chicken

Vegetables

  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 3 cups cabbage, sliced
  • 1/4 white onion, sliced
  • 5 scallions, chopped, greens and whites separated
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

Noodles

  • 16 oz lo mein noodles, fresh; if using dried noodles, use 12 ounces

Oils

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Slice your chicken breast into 1/4" strips against the grain and place in a bowl. Marinate with salt, white pepper, light soy sauce, shaoxing wine, corn starch and avocado oil. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

  • Prepare the vegetables, garlic, and ginger and set aside, separating your scallion whites and greens.

  • Premix the stir fry sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, water, cornstarch and msg if using.

  • Cook the lo mein noodles about 2 minutes less than package directions, drain, then rinse with cold water and drain dry. Coat with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

  • Over high heat, sear your chicken in 3 tbsp of avocado oil for 2-3 minutes or until cooked through and set aside.

  • In the remaining oil, sauté your garlic and ginger for 15 seconds, followed by the scallion white and vegetables. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly wilted and charred. Add the lo mein noodles, chicken, and sauce and mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. Continue cooking until sauce has thickened and is evenly coated. Add scallion greens, mix, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 20gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 1273mgPotassium: 325mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

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About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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108 Comments

  1. So easy to make and delicious!

    @ryan.gatsby

    Reply

  2. Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (20)
    This was soooo good! Better than take-out!

    IG: pastor.danielseo

    Reply

  3. Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (21)
    This is now in our weekly rotation as my kids love it and it’s so easy to make! @newtonsarah

    Reply

  4. Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (22)
    This was soooo good! Better than take-out!

    Reply

  5. Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (23)
    Super yummy!!!!!

    nizzy_04

    Reply

  6. Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (24)
    yummy 😋
    @xunairas

    Reply

Chicken Lo Mein - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is lo mein sauce made of? ›

Most commonly, lo mein involves chicken, beef, pork, turkey, shrimp or tofu. Sauce components: Lo mein sauce is mainly composed of sesame oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce and a dash of sugar. If you like your noodles to have a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

What is chow mein sauce made of? ›

The BEST Chow Mein Sauce:

Combine soy sauce, light sesame oil, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth to make the signature sweet and savory sauce that makes chow mein taste authentic.

What makes lo mein taste good? ›

Lo mein sauce

The sauce is what makes this dish so addictive. It's a simple umami filled mix of light and dark soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and a hint of ginger. It's super easy to make a batch of lo mein sauce and keep it in the fridge so you can easily make lo mein whenever the craving hits.

What is the difference between chicken lo mein and chicken chow mein? ›

The biggest difference between chow mein and lo mein lies in the translations of their names: chow mein is fried, and lo mein is tossed. The experience is somewhat different between the two. Lo mein tends to be saucier and more toothsome, with a texture some describe as “slippery” because of the noodles' softness.

What sauce do Chinese restaurants use? ›

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular types of Chinese sauces, including soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and more. From sweet and tangy to rich and savory, Chinese sauces are a crucial component of many dishes, and can completely transform the taste of a meal.

What are the best noodles to use for lo mein? ›

You want to buy an egg noodle or pasta that's relatively thin and has some tooth. Some common names will be lo mein, chow mein, egg noodles or pancit noodles. Most markets have Japanese yaki soba noodles in the cold case, and those would work perfectly.

What is the brown sauce in Chinese food called? ›

There is no specific 'brown sauce' in Chinese cooking. There are many sauces used… some have a brown color. Oyster sauce is brown, as Sha Cha sauce (Chinese style Satay Sauce), and Hoisin Sauce, to name a couple of famous types.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce in chow mein? ›

  • Fish sauce. Although it's not a perfect substitute, you can use fish sauce in place of oyster sauce in some recipes. ...
  • Soy sauce. Soy sauce is an easy substitute for oyster sauce since it's a common pantry staple. ...
  • Hoisin sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce. ...
  • Teriyaki sauce. ...
  • Vegan mushroom sauce.
Jul 12, 2021

Why does chow mein taste so good? ›

The sauce is what gives chow mein all of its seasoning and addictive flavors. It's a mix of oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, toasted sesame oil and freshly ground black pepper. It's full of sweet and savory umami and seriously SO good.

Can I use spaghetti noodles for lo mein? ›

15 Minute Lo Mein! Made with just soy sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, ramen noodles or spaghetti noodles, and any veggies or protein you like. SO YUMMY!

What gives lo mein its smoky flavor? ›

The best kind of restaurant-style stir-fried lo mein is subtle in flavor, with plenty of wok hei, the smoky flavor that results from the powerful flame of a restaurant wok burner licking up and over the back of the wok, singeing the oil and noodles.

How do you thicken lo mein? ›

Cornstarch! In his book How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, Mark Bittman recommends mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the same amount of water, and tossing this into the stir fry just when it's almost done. It thickens in seconds, picking up the flavors of everything already in the dish and coating evenly.

What is healthiest Chinese food to order? ›

13 Healthiest Chinese Food Takeout Options
  1. Steamed dumplings. Dumplings offered at a Chinese restaurant are pockets of dough filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, usually pork and cabbage. ...
  2. Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. ...
  3. Moo goo gai pan. ...
  4. Beef and broccoli. ...
  5. Chop suey. ...
  6. Chicken and broccoli. ...
  7. Baked salmon. ...
  8. Happy family.

Is Panda Express chow mein actually lo mein? ›

Some may argue that Panda Express chow mein is a LO mein, but looking over these qualifications above, you know that is actually IS a chow mein. Panda got it right. The noodles are stir-fried, they are a little oily, there is little sauce used, and they aren't easy to slurp.

What is inside hoisin sauce? ›

Hoisin is made with sugar, water, soybeans, salt, sweet potato, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic, wheat flour, chili pepper and spices.

What is inside oyster sauce? ›

Traditionally, oysters are slowly simmered in water until the liquid caramelizes into a viscous, dark black-brown sauce. But to speed up the process, some commercialized versions are instead made with oyster extracts, plus salt, sugar, corn starch and caramel coloring.

What's the difference between Chinese and lo mein? ›

Lo mein usually uses the fat, chewy noodles, while chow mein uses the thin type of noodles that sometimes contain egg.” Lo mein uses fresh noodles that are boiled for a few minutes, while chow mein uses dried noodles that are parboiled for five to six minutes.

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