Name: The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 ½ Tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 ½ Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (use sparingly); 1 teaspoon Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp (use sparingly); 1 teaspoon Thai chili pepper flakes; 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 ½ cups stir fry vegetables (sliced ¼ inch thick; examples: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli); 1 stalk scallion, chopped; 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish); 16 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles; ½ cup chicken stock (or substitute with vegetable stock or water)

If you’ve ever craved that perfectly saucy, tender, and satisfyingly savory noodle dish, you’ll absolutely love The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. It’s a deliciously quick and flavorful stir-fry that delivers tender chicken pieces woven through bright, crisp vegetables and glossy, chewy noodles that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. This recipe hits all the right notes for an easy, satisfying meal any night of the week, and once you try it, trust me, it’ll quickly become a new favorite to whip up time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a close-up of a woman's hand pouring a dark sauce from a small glass bowl into a larger bowl with yellow oil, surrounded by other small clear bowls containing ingredients like a white powder and a yellow liquid, all placed on a white marbled surface. The second image shows a white bowl filled with pale, raw chicken pieces, with a woman's hand holding a silver spoon that is spreading the same dark sauce evenly over the chicken chunks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish just right is all about simple but thoughtful ingredients that bring vibrant textures, delightful aroma, and harmonious flavors to your plate. Each element from the egg noodles to the toasted sesame oil plays a key role in making every bite sing with authentic, comforting goodness.

16 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles: These noodles are the backbone of the dish, offering a tender yet chewy texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
1 lb chicken breast or thigh (cut to bite-size pieces): Choose thigh for extra juiciness or breast for leaner chicken; bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
2 ½ cups stir fry vegetables (sliced ¼ inch thick): Fresh, crunchy veggies add essential color, texture, and nutrients.
1 stalk scallion (chopped): Adds a fresh, mild onion aroma and a beautiful pop of green at the finish.
2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish): These provide a nutty crunch and a lovely visual contrast on top.
½ cup chicken stock (or substitute with vegetable stock or water): This liquid deepens the sauce by lending moisture and subtle savoriness.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: A rich, slightly sweet umami boost that’s unmistakably part of great lo mein.
1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a beautiful dark color.
1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness for a rounded flavor profile.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy finish that clings to every noodle strand.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A little drizzle goes a long way in enhancing the dish’s nutty aroma and flavor.
1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances salty and savory with a gentle hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon ginger (grated): Fresh ginger gives the sauce a nice aromatic zing and warmth.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with classic savory punch and depth.
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (use sparingly): Adds just enough subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp (use sparingly): Not only delivers spiciness but also a crunchy texture that elevates every bite.
1 teaspoon Thai chili pepper flakes: For those who love a slight kick, these flakes add beautiful warmth and dimension.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

The magic really begins with the sauce, a blend of oyster sauce, soy sauces, chicken stock, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a few types of chili to balance savory, sweet, and spicy perfectly. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the flavors are well combined. This sauce will transform the noodles and chicken with its shiny, glossy charm.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with a tablespoon of that sauce. This short marination helps season the chicken inside and out, making every morsel juicy and flavorful. While the chicken soaks up the sauce, prep your vegetables for a quick stir-fry turnaround.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Boil your fresh Chinese egg noodles until they are nearly al dente—this usually means just a minute or two less than the package suggests. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process, and add a tiny drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. If you use pre-cooked yellow egg noodles, just rinse with hot water to separate them gently.

Step 4: Stir-fry Chicken and Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and golden, then set aside. In the same pan, quickly stir-fry your veggies until vibrant and just tender, maintaining a bit of crunch for texture contrast.

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Chicken

Return the noodles, along with the sauce, to the pan. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each noodle strand with glossy, flavorful goodness. Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the pan, folding everything together evenly. Top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

How to Serve The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

A large silver pan filled with a colorful stir fry dish sits on a stove. The stir fry has several layers, starting with thin orange carrot strips and yellow noodles at the bottom. On top of these are chunks of light beige cooked chicken and bright green snow peas. The dish is garnished with long, thin green onion pieces spread evenly across the top. The pan is slightly shiny and has some brown sauce stains around the edges. The background surface is a white marble texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes may be simple, but they really elevate the dish. Scallions sprinkle a bright, fresh note and a welcome crunch, while toasted white sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and that satisfying hint of texture with each bite. These small touches make your lo mein visually inviting and add a subtle flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed dumplings adds variety and balance. You can also serve it alongside a simple miso soup or a bowl of hot and sour soup for a restaurant-style experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try serving your lo mein in cute individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or thinly sliced fresh chili for extra crunch and heat. You can even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a more hands-on experience that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lo mein keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up the sauce even more, making each bite intensely flavorful. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken or veggies.

Freezing

While freezing fresh lo mein isn’t usually recommended because noodles can become mushy, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture separately for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and toss with freshly cooked noodles and vegetables for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the noodles gummy, but if needed, cover loosely and heat in short intervals to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use different noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh Chinese egg noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with dried egg noodles, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain al dente and soak up the sauce well.

Is it okay to substitute the chicken with tofu or beef?

Yes! Tofu works great for a vegetarian twist—just firm or extra-firm, pressed and cut into cubes. Beef strips also work well if you prefer red meat. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

How spicy is The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?

The recipe has a balanced mild heat from chili garlic sauce, Lao Gan Ma chili crisp, and chili flakes. You can easily adjust these to suit your taste by using less or omitting them for a milder version.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or the night before. Vegetables can be pre-chopped as well. Just cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.

What vegetables work best in lo mein?

Classic choices include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, napa cabbage, and broccoli. The key is to slice everything about ¼ inch thick for even stir-frying and to maintain some crispness in the final dish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful, and comforting dish has stolen so many hearts. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home. Give it a go, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen as well!

The Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need