A traditional Chinese noodle dish, chicken lo mein is full of flavor and so easy to make at home! Ready to serve in just 15 minutes, this recipe is quicker than ordering takeout, and better for you too!

chicken lo mein on an orange plate with chopsticks.

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Easy Chicken Lo Mein

When it comes to Chinese takeaways, chicken lo mein is always top of my list. Now that I’ve discovered how easy it is to make myself, I can skip the delivery!

Slightly sweet and savory with flavors of garlic, sesame, ginger, and soy, lo mein egg noodles are tossed with sliced chicken thighs for one hearty and seriously tasty dinner.

It takes just minutes to make this dish, it’s so perfect for a Friday family night in!

Be sure to try my Beef Lo Mein and Sweet and Sour Pork too!

Why You’ll Love this Lo Mein Recipe:

  • Kid-friendly: This dish is flavorful, but not spicy, so it’s one that the whole family will love.
  • Quick and Easy: So simple to make and ready to serve in just 15 minutes, this is one easy dinner!
  • Tasty Leftovers: Everyone knows that leftover Chinese food is pure joy, and this homemade recipe is no different. It’s freezer friendly too!

If you’ve got a craving for takeout, you have got to give this recipe a spin! So easy and so tasty, it’s healthier and cheaper than the alternative!

close up of chicken lo mein.
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How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the cornstarch slurry.
  3. Sear the chicken in hot oil and set aside.
  4. Cook the ginger and garlic and stir-fry the vegetables.
  5. Drizzle in the dry sherry.
  6. Stir in the cooked noodles, chicken, and broth.
  7. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and sugar.
  8. Add in the bean sprouts and green onion.
  9. Serve!
step by step photos for how to make chicken lo mein.
chicken lo mein in a frying pan.
What is lo mein?

Lo mein is a Chinese-American noodle dish made with a soy-based sauce and a combination of vegetables, meat, and/or seafood.

What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

It’s easy to get the two confused, but the main difference is the preparation. Both dishes use egg noodles, but lo mein noodles are fully cooked separately before being added to the stir-fry, while chow mein noodles are par-cooked directly in the pan, and then the vegetables and meat are added to the noodles. Chow mein is also typically less saucy than lo mein.

Can I make chicken lo mein with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! While I like the richer, fattier flavor of thighs in this dish, you can also use breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them!

What can I use instead of lo mein noodles to make chicken lo mein?

Lo mein is a dish that can really be made with any type of noodles, including Italian pastas. If you cannot find lo mein noodles, the best substitute is another type of egg noodle, followed by udon, ramen, or soba noodles. I would recommend using an Italian spaghetti or linguini only in the case that you cannot find a better substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken lo mein recipe is a filling meal by itself, but you can serve it with sides like:

However you decide to enjoy it, you’ll be so happy you made this instead of ordering takeout! So flavorful but so simple!

chicken lo mein on an orange plate with chopsticks.
chopsticks grabbing noodles from a plate of chicken lo mein.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze chicken lo mein in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Lo Mein Variations

  • Meat: Use shrimp, beef flank steak, or a mix of your favorite vegetables in place of the chicken.
  • Veggies: Feel free to add in any combination of vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, green onions, zucchini, baby bok choy, or water chestnuts.
  • WineUse white vermouth, white cooking wine, or a dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio) in place of the sherry.
  • Noodles: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, opt for egg noodles; udon, ramen, or soba noodles; or even Italian spaghetti.

More 30-Minute Recipes We Love

chopsticks grabbing noodles from a plate of chicken lo mein.

Filling and flavorful, this chicken lo mein recipe is a no-brainer! It comes together so quickly and easily and is so satisfying! Loaded with fresh veggies and chicken, it’s a tasty way to quit the takeout!

More Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try:

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe Card

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

4.85 from 13 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Becky Hardin
featured chicken lo mein.
A traditional Chinese noodle dish, chicken lo mein is full of flavor and so easy to make at home! Ready to serve in just 15 minutes, this recipe is quicker than ordering takeout, and better for you too!
Save this recipe!
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Ingredients 

  • ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs sliced thinly
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil divided
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup sliced onion
  • ½ cup matchsticked carrots
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry cooking wine
  • 10 ounces lo mein egg noodles cooked al dente
  • ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (see note)
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • ¼ cup chopped green onion plus more for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the cornstarch, water, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Mix thoroughly.
    ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, Salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons water, 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    seasoned chicken in a glass bowl surrounded by ingredients for chicken lo mein.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok set over high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
    ¼ cup vegetable oil
    cooked chicken in a frying pan.
  • Add another 2 tablespoons of oil and stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 15 seconds.
    2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons minced ginger
    garlic and ginger sizzling in a frying pan.
  • Toss in the cabbage, onion, and carrots and stir fry for 1 minute. Drizzle the dry sherry around the outer edge of the wok.
    2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup sliced onion, ½ cup matchsticked carrots, 1 tablespoon dry sherry cooking wine
    sherry drizzled into a frying pan filled with cabbage onions and carrots.
  • Add the cooked noodles, cooked chicken, and broth to the wok, stirring well to combine.
    10 ounces lo mein egg noodles, ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
    chicken broth added to stir fried meat and vegetables in a frying pan.
  • Add the soy sauce, remaining sesame oil, salt, and sugar. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
    3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar
    soy sauce added to chicken lo mein in a frying pan.
  • Add the bean sprouts and green onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes and serve garnished with more green onion if desired.
    1 cup bean sprouts, ¼ cup chopped green onion
    chicken lo mein in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Soy Sauce: Use an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free alternative.
  • Use shrimp, beef flank steak, or a mix of your favorite vegetables in place of the chicken.
  • Feel free to add in any combination of vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, green onions, zucchini, baby bok choy, or water chestnuts.
  • Use white vermouth, white cooking wine, or a dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio) in place of the sherry.
  • If you can’t find lo mein noodles, opt for egg noodles; udon, ramen, or soba noodles; or even Italian spaghetti.
Storage: Store leftover chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 17gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 936mgPotassium: 331mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1864IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg

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

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.85 from 13 votes (11 ratings without comment)
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4 Comments
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Donna
Donna
September 8, 2022 9:43 pm

Everyone loved it! I would definitely use more Cabbage next time or add bok choy, too much noodles.5 stars

Samantha Marceau
September 9, 2022 9:46 am
Reply to  Donna

Sounds delicious!

Diane
Diane
August 17, 2022 7:25 pm

Very good thank you
It’s a keeper5 stars

D35E9F6B-14D1-4D94-BB4E-12A497272347.jpeg
Samantha Marceau
August 18, 2022 11:04 am
Reply to  Diane

Looks delicious!!