Dinner

Better Than Takeout Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Name: Better Than Takeout Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound lo mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions; 2 cups chicken, sliced in strips; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating chicken); 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 1 bell pepper, julienned; 1 large onion, sliced julienne; 2 bunches bok choy, sliced (about 2 cups); 1 cup sliced green onions; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-2 tablespoons oil (for cooking); 1 cup lo mein sauce (store-bought or homemade)

BySana Jeannette January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

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Introduction

This Better Than Takeout Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious homemade version of a Chinese-American favorite. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A round black cast iron pan filled with three layers of stir-fried noodles mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken, bean sprouts, and green herbs scattered on top. The noodles are light brown with a slightly glossy texture, the chicken pieces are pale tan, and the green herbs add fresh color. The pan is placed on a dark wooden surface with a white plate and black chopsticks nearby. A red cloth is placed to the side, adding a splash of color to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lo mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
1–2 tbsp oil

2 cups chicken, sliced into strips plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cups mushrooms, sliced

1 bell pepper, julienned
1 large onion, sliced julienne

2 bunches bok choy, sliced (about 2 cups)
1 cup sliced green onions
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup lo mein sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat a pan with the oil over medium-high heat and fry the chicken strips until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic in the chicken drippings until they become translucent.

Step 3: Add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and bok choy to the pan and sauté until the vegetables soften.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the lo mein sauce over all the ingredients and simmer for about 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles absorb the sauce evenly.

Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, remove from heat, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lo mein noodles if available for a more authentic texture, or substitute with spaghetti in a pinch.
Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma.

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
If you like it spicy, stir in some chili garlic sauce with the lo mein sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep the noodles moist.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a noodle stir-fry showing around three layers: the bottom layer is glossy brown sauce coating thick yellow noodles that twist around the bowl; the middle layer features bite-sized pieces of light brown chicken along with chunks of bright orange carrot strips and small green broccoli florets; the top layer is scattered with pale yellow baby corn pieces and additional sauce covering some ingredients, all resting on a white marbled surface with a metal fork partially inside the bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to swap or add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bean sprouts based on your preference.

Is it necessary to cook the noodles before adding to the pan?

Yes, noodles should be cooked separately according to package instructions before tossing them with the sauce and vegetables to ensure proper texture.