Name: 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 10 oz egg noodles; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs; 1 large carrot, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 4 scallions, chopped; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp cooking oil; 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 tsp sugar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

If you love takeout, but want to enjoy a healthier and home-cooked meal, this 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein is the answer. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in just half an hour using fresh ingredients, which means you can satisfy your cravings without the long wait for delivery. This recipe not only saves you time but also gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s as healthy or indulgent as you like. Plus, the taste is unbeatable compared to typical takeout!

How to Make Delicious 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

Ingredients:

10 oz egg noodles (the classic base for this dish, yielding a chewy texture)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless and skinless, delivers juicy protein)
1 large carrot (thinly sliced, adds a sweet crunch)
1 bell pepper (any color, thinly sliced)
2 tbsp minced garlic (about 6 cloves, infuses aromatic flavor)
4 scallions (white parts lengthwise, green parts cut into 2-inch pieces)
1 tbsp light soy sauce (provides seasoning)
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil (for finishing)
1/2 tbsp cornstarch (for marinating chicken)
1 tbsp cooking oil (plus more for cooking)
1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce (adds richness and color)
2 tbsp oyster sauce (brings umami taste)
1/2 tsp sugar (balances out saltiness)
2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce, thickens for a glossy finish)
1/2 tsp pepper (white or black, for subtle warmth)
1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth (creates perfect sauce consistency)

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Place the strips in a bowl and add 1 tbsp of light soy sauce, ½ tbsp of cornstarch, and 1 tbsp of cooking oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes. This step helps in locking in flavors and ensuring the chicken is tender.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice one large carrot and one bell pepper (you can choose any color you prefer). Take the scallions, chop the white parts lengthwise, and cut the green tops into 2-inch pieces.
Make the Lo Mein Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp of light soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp of dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp of oyster sauce, ½ tsp of sugar, 2 tsp of cornstarch, and ½ tsp of pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This sauce will provide the delicious flavor base for the dish.
Cook the Noodles: Next, prepare the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, be sure to drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles lightly with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together later.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil. Stir-fry the chicken until it is fully cooked and golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the white parts of the scallions and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Next, add the minced garlic and cook it until fragrant, which should take around 30 seconds. Now toss in the sliced carrot and cook until it’s bright orange. After that, add the bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the lo mein sauce that you prepared earlier. Let it bubble for a minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Noodles: Now, take the cooked egg noodles and add them to the pan. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are coated well with the savory sauce. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen at this point!
Finish with Scallions and Sesame Oil: Finally, stir in the green tops of the scallions and drizzle ½ tsp of toasted sesame oil over the dish for a nutty finish. Give everything one last toss to combine all the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Delicious 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

This Chicken Lo Mein is best served hot straight from the pan. You can dish it out into individual bowls or plates and garnish with some extra chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. For a complete meal, pair it with some crispy spring rolls or a side of dumplings.

How to Store Delicious 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

If you have any leftovers, you can store your Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing it. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a microwave or a pan on low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen up the noodles and sauce as they may become stiff when stored.

Tips to Make Delicious 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

Cooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook the egg noodles just until they’re al dente. This will prevent them from becoming mushy once you toss them with the sauce.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables will give your lo mein a vibrant taste and added nutrients. Feel free to mix in any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.
Customize the Protein: Although this recipe uses chicken, you can swap it for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Simply adjust cooking times accordingly.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving. You might want to add a bit of more soy sauce or oyster sauce, depending on your preference for saltiness.

Variation (if any)

Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as beef, shrimp, or even tofu to suit your dietary needs. You can also add or swap vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms depending on what you have and what you like. For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also cook the Chicken Lo Mein and reheat it when you are ready to serve.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains soy sauce and egg noodles, which are not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make a gluten-free version.

3. Can I freeze the Chicken Lo Mein?

It is not recommended to freeze lo mein as the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze separate components like cooked chicken or veggies if needed, and then assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, homemade Chicken Lo Mein in just 30 minutes! Enjoy your cooking!