Quick & Easy Homemade Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Meal Solution
Craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? This **easy chicken lo mein recipe** is your answer! In just about 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile – truly a “kitchen sink” kind of recipe, allowing you to use whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand. The savory sauce, perfectly stir-fried noodles, crisp-tender veggies, and juicy chicken create a harmony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s one of those magical dishes that often tastes even better the next day, making it fantastic for leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lo Mein Recipe
This super easy homemade chicken lo mein isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for your weeknight meal rotation. Here’s why it will quickly become a family favorite:
- Lightning Fast: With a prep time of around 15 minutes and a cook time of 10-15 minutes, you can have a full meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Forget long waits for takeout – you’ll be eating faster and feeling great about it!
- Ultimate Versatility: We affectionately call this a “kitchen sink” recipe because you can truly customize it with whatever you have in your fridge or pantry. No need for a special grocery trip; simply use your favorite protein, noodles, and a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables.
- Healthier Takeout Alternative: Many people, like my family, experience discomfort after consuming traditional Chinese takeout. This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, reduce excess oil and sodium, and avoid unwanted additives, ensuring a delicious meal that leaves you feeling satisfied, not sick.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade lo mein sauce is perfectly balanced – a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that coat every strand of noodle and piece of chicken and vegetable. It’s deeply satisfying and addictive!
- Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Its familiar flavors and comforting noodles make it an ideal choice for picky eaters, while its fresh taste appeals to everyone.
- Great for Meal Prep: As mentioned, lo mein often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a larger batch and enjoy delicious, easy-to-reheat lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Lo Mein
The beauty of this lo mein is its adaptability. While I’m sharing the chicken version, remember you can swap out almost anything to suit your preferences or what’s available. The core elements are noodles and a killer sauce; the rest is up to your culinary creativity!
For the Stir Fry Base
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips or bite-sized cubes for quick and even cooking. You can easily substitute with chicken thighs, or other proteins like shrimp, beef (flank steak or sirloin), pork, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spaghetti: A pantry staple that works wonderfully as a substitute for traditional lo mein egg noodles. Its texture is similar enough to absorb the sauce beautifully. Other great noodle options include fresh lo mein noodles, ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet), udon noodles, or even vermicelli.
- Vegetable Oil: Or any high-heat oil like canola oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. This is crucial for achieving a good stir-fry without burning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an essential aromatic base.
- Ginger: Freshly minced ginger adds a pungent, warm, and slightly spicy kick that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. Don’t skip this for authentic flavor!
- Stir Fry Vegetables: This is where you can truly make it your own! I often use a frozen blend for convenience (make sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess water), but feel free to add fresh broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers (any color), snow peas, mushrooms, shredded cabbage, or bok choy. Aim for a variety of colors and textures.
For the Irresistible Lo Mein Sauce
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of our savory sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, or regular if you prefer.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a crucial tangy bright note that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce slightly, giving it that glossy finish. Brown sugar or regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! This adds a distinct nutty aroma and deep, authentic Asian flavor. Add it at the end of the sauce mixing or stir-fry process to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances the overall taste. For a little heat, consider adding a pinch of white pepper or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Lo Mein: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this incredible chicken lo mein is a quick and straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
Step 1: Cook Your Chosen Noodles
Begin by cooking your spaghetti or preferred lo mein noodles according to the package directions. It’s important not to overcook them; aim for al dente, as they will finish cooking in the stir-fry. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside. You can toss them with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking if you’re not using them immediately.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Lo Mein Sauce
While your noodles are cooking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this aside, as having it ready is key for a smooth stir-fry process.
Note: “Mise en place” (everything in its place) is crucial for stir-frying! Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking the stir-fry. This means your chicken is sliced, vegetables are washed and chopped (or thawed and drained if frozen), garlic and ginger are minced, and the sauce is mixed. Stir-frying moves quickly, and you won’t have time to chop mid-process!
Step 3: Master the Stir Fry Technique
Heat your chosen high-heat oil in a very large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot enough; you’ll see the oil shimmering or slightly rippling. Add your sliced chicken and season it lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. Once cooked, push the chicken to the outside edges of the pan, creating a large empty circle in the center.
In the middle of the pan, add your prepared vegetables, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook these aromatics and veggies for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are tender-crisp – still retaining a slight bite but softened. The high heat helps to develop their flavor and keep them vibrant.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce for Lo Mein Perfection
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained, cooked noodles directly into the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the whisked soy sauce mixture evenly over everything. Using tongs or two spatulas, toss all the ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring every noodle strand, piece of chicken, and vegetable is coated in that delicious, glossy sauce. Continue tossing for about 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened and adhered to the ingredients. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Serve your homemade chicken lo mein hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Homemade Lo Mein
Achieving perfect lo mein at home is easy with a few simple tricks:
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook ingredients quickly and give them that desirable slightly charred, crisp texture. Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once will lower the pan’s temperature, steaming your food instead of stir-frying it. If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary.
- “Mise en Place” for Success: As mentioned, have *all* your ingredients prepped and within reach before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast-paced, and you won’t have time to chop or measure once the heat is on.
- Al Dente Noodles: Cook your noodles until they are just al dente. They will soften further when tossed with the hot sauce and other ingredients in the wok, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Customize the Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust seasonings to your liking – add more honey for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tang, or a splash of sriracha for heat.
- Fresh Aromatics Make a Difference: While powdered garlic and ginger can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic and ginger provide unparalleled flavor and aroma that elevates the dish significantly.
Variations & Customizations
One of the greatest joys of this chicken lo mein recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your dietary needs or what you have on hand:
- Protein Power:
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Add raw shrimp in step 3, cooking until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes) before pushing to the side.
- Beef Lo Mein: Use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin. Marinate it briefly in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for extra tenderness.
- Pork Lo Mein: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or ground pork works wonderfully.
- Tofu Lo Mein (Vegetarian/Vegan): Press extra-firm tofu to remove excess water, then cube and pan-fry until golden and crispy before adding to the stir-fry.
- Vegetable Medley: Experiment with different vegetable combinations. Beyond the suggestions above, consider adding water chestnuts for crunch, baby corn, bamboo shoots, or thinly sliced cabbage.
- Noodle Choices: While spaghetti is a fantastic substitute, if you have access to fresh lo mein egg noodles, they are traditionally used and offer a great chewy texture. Udon or ramen noodles also make excellent choices.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry with the garlic and ginger, or a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the finished dish.
- Garnish Galore: Finish your lo mein with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQs About Homemade Lo Mein
Both lo mein and chow mein are popular Chinese noodle stir-fries, often featuring vegetables and sometimes protein. The primary differences lie in their noodles and preparation methods. Lo mein, which translates to “tossed noodles,” typically uses fresh, thicker, chewier egg noodles that are boiled and then tossed with the sauce and other ingredients at the end of the cooking process. It tends to be saucier. Chow mein, meaning “fried noodles,” often uses thinner, crispier noodles that are usually stir-fried until slightly crispy, resulting in a drier dish with a distinct crunch.
The base of a classic lo mein sauce usually consists of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness (like sugar or honey). To enhance the depth of flavor, ingredients such as rice vinegar (for tang), fresh ginger, and minced garlic are often added, as they are in this recipe. Some variations might include oyster sauce for umami, or a touch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce further.
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein is made with Chinese egg noodles, the versatility of this dish makes spaghetti an excellent and readily available substitute. Its texture, when cooked al dente, holds up beautifully to the stir-fry process and absorbs the sauce well. Besides spaghetti, you can also use other pasta varieties like linguine, or Asian noodles such as vermicelli, udon, or ramen (minus the seasoning packet).
Allow your cooked lo mein to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for quick warming or gently reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness and help loosen the noodles. Stir until warmed through. It’s a fantastic meal prep option!
Yes, absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein like pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or edamame. For a vegan version, ensure your soy sauce is vegan (most are, but check labels) and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are typically plant-based.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this quick and delicious chicken lo mein, you’ll surely love these other Asian-inspired dishes:
- Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
- Easy Orange Chicken
- Asian Chicken Salad
- Easy Shrimp Ramen Soup
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Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breast sliced into thin strips
- 1 16 oz pkg spaghetti
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- pepper
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil or any oil that can handle high heat
- 2 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 16 oz pkg stir fry vegetables (feel free to use what ever blend you like) thawed and drained
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. (it is very important to have all of your ingredients ready to go before you start cooking)
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Heat oil in a very large skillet or wok over medium high heat. When oil starts to ripple add in the chicken and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink. Move the chicken to the outside of the pan creating a large circle. The middle of the pan should be empty. Add in the veggies, garlic and ginger to the middle of the pan and cook until tender crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
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Stir in drained noodles and soy sauce mixture. Toss to combine then remove from heat.
Notes