Asian Noodle Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Chicken Lo Mein. The tender noodles, savory chicken, and crisp vegetables all coming together in one harmonious stir fry is pure satisfaction. This classic Asian noodle dish is both quick and deeply flavorful. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels like a treat.
The Story Behind My Lo Mein Love
I first fell for a wonderful quick lo mein recipe on a rainy evening in a tiny noodle shop. The steam rising from the bowl carried the scent of ginger and sesame. It was a moment of pure, simple joy. This dish captures that same feeling of warmth and discovery.
Creating my own version became a small obsession. I wanted it to be accessible for any home cook. The goal was a Chinese chicken noodle dish that felt authentic yet achievable on a busy night. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Lo Mein
This easy Chicken Lo Mein comes together in about 30 minutes. The marinade ensures the chicken is incredibly tender. The sauce is the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. It’s a complete meal that everyone at the table will love.
You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have. The recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity. It’s a fantastic way to get a delicious dinner on the table without fuss. This stir fry noodle dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
What You Need for Perfect Lo Mein
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a great Asian noodle dish. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for that authentic aroma. Using low-sodium soy sauce lets you control the salt level. These simple components build layers of flavor.
- Lo Mein Noodles: 12 ounces, these are key for the right texture.
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless breasts, thinly sliced.
- Sauces: Low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic, ginger, and scallions.
- Veggies: Carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, and bok choy.
- Seasonings: Cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth.
Making Your Chicken Lo Mein Step-by-Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This simple step ensures your chicken stays juicy and absorbs flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lo mein noodles until they are al dente. Drain them and toss with a bit of sesame oil. This prevents them from sticking together while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, broth, and cornstarch. Having this sauce ready makes the final cooking process quick and seamless.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the carrots and bell pepper first. Stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender. Then add the snap peas, bok choy stems, garlic, and ginger.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything. Use tongs to toss it all together until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with the green parts of the scallions. Serve your Chicken Lo Mein immediately while it’s hot and steaming for the best experience.
My Favorite Ways to Customize This
This recipe is a wonderful canvas. Try using shrimp or beef instead of chicken for a different protein. For a vegetarian version, extra firm tofu works beautifully. You can also add a kick with a teaspoon of sriracha or chili crisp to the sauce.
The vegetables are also flexible. Broccoli florets, mushrooms, or water chestnuts would be delightful additions. Feel free to use whatever looks freshest at the market. This easy Chicken Lo Mein is meant to be adaptable to your tastes.
Tips for the Best Stir Fry Noodles
Always have all your ingredients prepped and within reach before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly. Using a very hot skillet is crucial for getting that classic wok hei flavor and for preventing the noodles from becoming soggy.
Do not overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in two batches. This ensures it browns properly instead of steaming. For a different take on Asian noodles, our Hibachi Noodles are another family favorite.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
Allow your Chicken Lo Mein to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day.
Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or chicken broth. This helps to re-steam the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the noodles rubbery. For another great make-ahead meal, try our Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
Answers to Your Lo Mein Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can. Spaghetti or linguine can work in a pinch as a substitute for lo mein noodles. The texture and final dish will be slightly different, but still delicious. The key is to cook them al dente.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce or more soy sauce with a pinch of sugar. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a tasty stir fry noodle dish. It’s a very adaptable recipe.
How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?
Tossing the cooked and drained noodles with a small amount of sesame oil is the best method. This creates a light barrier. Also, make sure your sauce is ready to go immediately after you drain them.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. Regular soy sauce and lo mein noodles contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and certified gluten-free noodles. Always check your oyster sauce label as well.
More Delicious Dinners to Try
If you loved this easy Chicken Lo Mein, you might enjoy these other family-friendly recipes. They’re all packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Chicken Lo Mein Wins Every Time
With its tender noodles, savory sauce, and crisp vegetables, this dish is a complete triumph. It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch and is always a crowd favorite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.