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Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers a quick and flavorful homemade take on a classic Chinese-American favorite. Tender chicken breast pieces are marinated in a savory sauce, then stir-fried with vibrant mixed vegetables and chewy lo mein noodles. The sauce blends soy sauce, beef and chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, and warm spices to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and mildly spicy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings with colorful ingredients and a deliciously saucy finish.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (just over 1 lb.)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (plus more as needed, can substitute olive oil)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank's or Sriracha)

Vegetables and Noodles

  • 2 ½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli, onions)
  • 10 oz. lo mein noodles
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broths and Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup beef broth

Other

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (can substitute honey)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Gather all ingredients. If desired, tenderize the chicken breasts by covering them with plastic wrap and gently pounding each side with a meat mallet.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, hot sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour ¼ cup of this sauce mixture into a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken pieces to the ¼ cup of reserved sauce and toss well with kitchen tongs to coat; set aside to marinate briefly while preparing vegetables and boiling water.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and golden on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  5. Deglaze and Reduce: To the same skillet, add remaining sauce mixture and cook over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to lift browned bits and enhance flavor. Allow sauce to bubble and reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  6. Cook Noodles: While the sauce reduces, add lo mein noodles to boiling salted water. Cook for 1 minute less than the package’s al dente recommendation to avoid overcooking. Drain noodles once ready.
  7. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add mixed stir fry vegetables to the skillet with the sauce (add a bit more oil if necessary). Cook for about 3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp.
  8. Add Noodles and Combine: Gradually add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing with tongs a bit at a time until the desired noodle-to-sauce ratio is achieved (typically about 8 oz of noodles for a saucier dish). Allow noodles to absorb sauce and the flavors to meld.
  9. Return Chicken and Finish: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything well to coat evenly with sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until warm.
  10. Serve: Garnish with favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Mixed stir fry vegetables can include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli, and onions for a colorful medley.
  • Lo mein noodles can be substituted with egg noodles or spaghetti in a pinch, but traditional lo mein provides best texture.
  • Beef broth adds savory depth; can be substituted with all chicken broth if preferred.
  • Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control spice level to your taste.
  • Leftover lo mein tastes great and can be reheated with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.