What Is In Chicken Lo Mein? The Ultimate Guide to This Beloved Chinese Dish

Have you ever found yourself craving that perfect plate of chicken lo mein from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Those slurpy, savory noodles mixed with tender chicken and crisp veggies are hard to resist! But what exactly goes into making this popular dish? I’ve been obsessed with recreating authentic chicken lo mein at home, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about what makes this dish so special.

The Essence of Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken lo mein is a classic Chinese-American takeout staple that’s beloved worldwide. The term “lo mein” translates roughly to “stirred noodles” or “tossed noodles” in Cantonese, which perfectly describes how the dish is prepared. Unlike its cousin chow mein (which features crispy, pan-fried noodles), lo mein is characterized by soft, chewy noodles that are tossed with sauce and other ingredients.

What makes chicken lo mein so popular is its perfect balance of textures and flavors – tender chicken chewy noodles crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce that brings everything together harmoniously.

The Key Components of Chicken Lo Mein

Let’s break down exactly what goes into making the perfect chicken lo mein

1. The Noodles: The Foundation

The most important element of any lo mein dish is definitely the noodles! Traditional lo mein uses:

• Egg noodles: These yellow-hued noodles contain eggs in their dough, giving them a distinctive chewiness and flavor.
• Fresh or dried: While fresh egg noodles provide the most authentic experience, dried varieties work well too.
• Width matters: Lo mein noodles are typically medium-thick, which allows them to hold up to the sauce without becoming mushy.

If you can’t find lo mein noodles at your local store, spaghetti can work as a substitute in a pinch (though the texture won’t be quite the same).

2. The Protein: Chicken

The chicken in lo mein should be tender and flavorful. Most recipes call for:

• Chicken breast or thighs: Thighs are generally more flavorful and tender, but breast works great too.
• Bite-sized pieces: The chicken is typically cut into small, thin slices that cook quickly.
• Marination: Many authentic recipes involve “velveting” the chicken – a Chinese marinating technique that keeps the meat tender when cooked. This often includes soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil.

3. The Vegetables: The Fresh Element

The vegetables in chicken lo mein provide color, texture, and nutritional value. Common vegetables include:

• Cabbage (regular or napa): Adds crunch and soaks up the sauce nicely
• Carrots: Provide sweetness and vibrant color
• Bean sprouts: Add a refreshing crunch
• Green onions/scallions: Deliver mild onion flavor and bright color
• Mushrooms: Add earthiness and meaty texture
• Celery: Contributes crunch and freshness
• Bell peppers: Add sweetness and vibrant color

What I love about lo mein is how flexible it is – you can basically use whatever veggies you have in your fridge!

4. The Aromatics: Flavor Builders

These ingredients create the aromatic foundation of the dish:

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note
• Onions: Provide sweetness and depth

5. The Sauce: The Heart and Soul

The sauce is what brings all the components together. A typical lo mein sauce includes:

• Soy sauce: Regular and/or dark soy sauce provides saltiness and umami
• Sesame oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor
• Oyster sauce: Contributes sweetness and depth
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness (white sugar or brown sugar)
• White pepper: Adds mild heat without changing the color

Some recipes may also include:

• Hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity
• Rice wine vinegar: Provides acidity
• Chicken broth: Creates additional depth of flavor

How Chicken Lo Mein Differs From Other Noodle Dishes

It’s easy to confuse various Chinese noodle dishes, so here’s how chicken lo mein compares:

Making Chicken Lo Mein at Home: A Simple Process

Making chicken lo mein at home is actually pretty simple! Here’s the basic process:

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, and oil.
2. Prepare the sauce: Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
3. Cook the noodles: Boil according to package instructions, then drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil.
4. Cook the chicken: Stir-fry until cooked through, then set aside.
5. Stir-fry aromatics and vegetables: Cook until fragrant and vegetables start to soften.
6. Combine everything: Add back the chicken, noodles, and sauce, then toss until well combined.
7. Finish and serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot!

Health Considerations

While delicious, traditional chicken lo mein from restaurants can be high in sodium and fat. When making it at home, you can make it healthier by:

• Using more vegetables
• Choosing lean chicken breast
• Reducing the amount of oil
• Using low-sodium soy sauce
• Adding more fresh herbs

Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein Every Time

After making this dish countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

• Don’t overcook the noodles: They should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking when tossed with the hot ingredients.
• High heat is key: Stir-frying requires high heat to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Prep everything before starting: Once you begin cooking, things move fast!
• Don’t skimp on the sauce: The noodles absorb a lot of sauce, so make sure you have enough.
• Taste and adjust: Everyone’s preference for saltiness and sweetness differs, so taste and adjust your sauce accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lo Mein

Is chicken lo mein spicy?

Traditional chicken lo mein is not typically spicy. However, you can easily add chili flakes, sriracha, or other spicy ingredients to give it a kick if you prefer some heat!

Can I make chicken lo mein ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately and combine everything just before serving. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I make chicken lo mein vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Be sure to use vegetable-based broth or water in the sauce if oyster sauce is omitted.

What side dishes go well with chicken lo mein?

Chicken lo mein pairs wonderfully with other Chinese-American favorites like egg rolls, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or wonton soup. It can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger family-style spread.

Final Thoughts

Chicken lo mein is one of those perfect comfort foods that’s simultaneously satisfying and relatively simple to make. The combination of chewy noodles, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that savory-sweet sauce creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite takeout dish or expand your cooking repertoire, chicken lo mein is a fantastic option that’s versatile, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Next time you’re craving those slurpy noodles, why not try making them yourself? I promise it’s easier than you think, and there’s something so satisfying about creating this beloved dish in your own kitchen!