How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein in 25 Minutes (Better Than Takeout!)
Craving an easy chicken lo mein recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes? You’re not alone! This takeout-inspired dish comes together faster than delivery can reach
your doorstep , requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook .
Not only is this chicken lo mein recipe easy to master, but it’s also incredibly versatile. We’re talking about a delicious combination of soft egg noodles, protein,
and vegetables all tossed in a thick, savory sauce . Plus, it’s family-friendly, economical, and perfect for busy weeknights .
With just 5 main ingredients and a quick sauce , this dish packs impressive nutrition too. Each serving contains approximately 357 calories, 53g of carbohydrates,
19g of protein, and 7g of fat . Some versions even offer up to 33g of protein per serving, making it one of the best healthy dinner options when you’re looking for
something hearty and filling .
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you make chicken lo mein that’s better than takeout. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your
hand at Asian cuisine for the first time, we’ll walk you through every step of the process. Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before firing up your stove, gathering the right ingredients and tools ensures your easy chicken lo mein recipe comes together smoothly. Let’s break down
everything you’ll need to create this 25-minute wonder.
Essential ingredients for chicken lo mein
The magic of lo mein lies in its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory sauce. For protein, boneless skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully, though
thighs offer more flavor if you prefer [1].
For vegetables, the classic combination includes:
• Cabbage (green or napa)
• Carrots (julienned)
• Bean sprouts
• Scallions (green onions)
Additionally, many recipes incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy [2]. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you can use whatever
vegetables you have on hand [3].
For the sauce, you’ll need these key components:
• Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• Oyster sauce (the secret ingredient that creates authentic flavor)
• Sesame oil
•
Optional additions: hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, chicken broth, and sugar [4]
Choosing the right noodles
Despite the name, there isn’t actually a specific “lo mein” noodle [5]. What you’re looking for are yellow egg noodles about 3mm/1/8″ thick [6]. These come in two
forms:
Fresh noodles (preferred) are found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or Asian markets [7]. Some packages might be labeled “Hokkien Noodles” or “oil
noodles” ( ) [7].
Dried egg noodles work well too—just cook them al dente before adding to your stir-fry [8]. Furthermore, if you can’t find either, spaghetti makes a surprisingly
good substitute [1]. The sauce is what truly matters!
Best pan or wok for stir-frying
A 14-inch flat-bottomed carbon steel wok is ideal for making lo mein [3]. Woks distribute heat evenly, making them perfect for quick-cooking at high temperatures
[9]. The sloped sides also prevent ingredients from spilling while stirring vigorously.
If you don’t own a wok, a large heavy-bottomed skillet works perfectly well [6]. The key is using something spacious enough to toss ingredients without crowding
the pan, which can lead to soggy results [1].
For tools, you’ll need a good spatula—preferably a wok spatula with a thin metal blade—or chopsticks for tossing noodles [8].
Make the Sauce and Prep the Chicken
The secret to exceptional chicken lo mein lies in two crucial elements: a well-balanced sauce and properly prepared chicken. These components form the
foundation of this beloved dish, and getting them right ensures restaurant-quality results every time.
How to mix a flavorful lo mein sauce
The perfect lo mein sauce balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together:
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 1-2 tablespoons oyster sauce (crucial for authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
• Optional additions: minced garlic, grated ginger, Shaoxing wine
For extra depth, some recipes include dark soy sauce alongside regular soy sauce—this adds rich color to your noodles [9]. Moreover, cornstarch helps thicken
the sauce, creating that perfect glossy coating [9].
Tips for slicing chicken evenly
Uniform chicken pieces ensure even cooking:
1. Partially freeze chicken for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to cut
2.
Slice against the grain into thin strips about 1-inch long and 1/4-inch thick [10]
3. Keep pieces similar in size for consistent cooking
Pat the chicken dry before slicing—this helps seasonings adhere better and promotes better browning later [11].
Marinating for better flavor
After slicing your chicken, marinating is essential for flavor development:
1.
Reserve approximately 3 tablespoons of your prepared sauce specifically for marinating [12]
2. Toss chicken in the reserved sauce until well coated
3.
4.
For basic marination, let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature [13]
For deeper flavor, marinate up to 6 hours in the refrigerator [12]
Some chefs enhance the marinade with additional ingredients like cornstarch (for velveting), a splash of oil, and a pinch of white pepper [13]. These additions
create that signature tender texture found in restaurant-quality dishes.
The beauty of this easy chicken lo mein recipe is that you can prepare other ingredients while the chicken marinates, making efficient use of your 25-minute
timeframe.
Cook in Stages for Best Texture
The key to perfect easy chicken lo mein lies in cooking each component separately and bringing them together at just the right moment. Following this staged
approach ensures each ingredient maintains its ideal texture and flavor.
Boil noodles until just tender
First, determine whether your noodles are fresh or dried. For dried lo mein noodles, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt [1]. Cook the
noodles according to package instructions minus one minute to keep them al dente [9]. Fresh noodles need only about 1-2 minutes total [9].
Once cooked, immediately transfer the noodles to cold water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and rinse off surface starch [1]. Subsequently,
drain thoroughly and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking [1]. This step is crucial—mushy noodles will ruin your chicken lo mein recipe [14].
Stir-fry chicken until golden
Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s properly hot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and once shimmering, place your marinated chicken pieces
in a single layer [14]. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which results in steamed rather than seared meat [14].
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through [14]. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside [2]. Keeping components
separate initially ensures nothing overcooks during the final assembly of your easy chicken lo mein.
Add vegetables in the right order
After removing the chicken, add another splash of oil to the same pan to capture those flavorful bits. Next, add vegetables in sequence according to density and
cooking time:
1.
2.
3.
Start with firm vegetables like carrots, onions, and mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened [14]
Add medium-density vegetables like cabbage and bell peppers, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes [9]
Finally, incorporate quick-cooking items like bean sprouts, garlic, and scallions, cooking for just 30 seconds more [15]
Layering is key—cooking vegetables separately creates the best flavors and ensures everything maintains its proper texture [16]. Once all vegetables reach the
perfect crisp-tender stage, it’s time to bring everything together by adding back the chicken and noodles along with your prepared sauce.
Bring It All Together and Customize
The final magic happens as all components unite to create an easy chicken lo mein recipe that outshines takeout. After cooking each element separately, it’s time
for the grand finale.
Toss everything with sauce and noodles
Add the drained noodles and prepared sauce to your pan with vegetables. Toss continuously until the sauce thickens and creates that signature glossy coating.
Indeed, if your noodles seem dry, add 1/4 cup of water or broth and continue stirring until everything looks slick and well-combined.
Add-ins and swaps: tofu, shrimp, or beef
My easy chicken lo mein recipe welcomes experimentation! Instead of chicken, try:
• Beef strips for a richer flavor
• Shrimp for quicker cooking time
• Tofu (pressed and cubed) for a vegetarian option
Spice it up with chili oil or sriracha
For heat lovers, drizzle chili oil over your finished dish or incorporate sriracha into the sauce. Alternatively, add red pepper flakes during the vegetable cooking
stage for distributed warmth throughout.
Garnish ideas for extra flavor
Elevate your chicken lo mein recipe with these final touches:
• Toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch
• Freshly chopped green onions for color and zing
• Extra drizzle of sesame oil for aromatic finish
Consequently, this versatile dish becomes a template for endless variations based on what’s in your refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Making chicken lo mein at home truly delivers a delicious meal that rivals any takeout version. This 25-minute wonder stands out as both a time-saver and flavor
powerhouse for busy weeknights. After all, the combination of perfectly cooked egg noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables creates a balanced dish that
satisfies the whole family.
Following the staged cooking approach ensures each ingredient maintains its ideal texture, while the signature sauce brings everything together with that
authentic restaurant-quality taste. Undoubtedly, this recipe offers incredible flexibility – swap proteins, mix vegetables based on what you have available, or adjust
the spice level to suit your preferences.
Beyond the amazing flavor, this dish provides excellent nutritional value with its balanced macros and protein-rich profile. Therefore, you can feel good about
serving this to your family instead of calling for delivery. Additionally, the money you’ll save by making this at home rather than ordering takeout will certainly add
up over time.
Most importantly, this easy chicken lo mein recipe empowers you to create impressive Asian-inspired meals without specialized equipment or hard-to-find
ingredients. Once you master this basic technique, countless variations await your creativity in the kitchen. So grab your wok or large skillet, gather those simple
ingredients, and treat yourself to homemade lo mein that’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make chicken lo mein at home? You can make delicious chicken lo mein at home in just 25 minutes, which is often faster than
waiting for takeout delivery.
Q2. What are the key ingredients needed for chicken lo mein? The essential ingredients include egg noodles, chicken, vegetables (like cabbage, carrots, and
bean sprouts), and a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Q3. Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins? Absolutely! You can easily swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu to create different variations of this
versatile dish.
Q4. What’s the secret to getting the right texture in lo mein? Cook the components separately: boil noodles until just tender, stir-fry chicken until golden, and
add vegetables in order of cooking time. Then combine everything with the sauce for the perfect texture.
Q5. How can I make my homemade lo mein taste more like restaurant-quality? Use a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce in your lo mein sauce for
authentic flavor. Also, cook ingredients in stages and use high heat for stir-frying to achieve that restaurant-quality taste and texture.