Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this incredible Sesame Chicken Lo Mein! This isn’t just any weeknight meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the authentic taste of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces, perfectly crisp-tender vegetables, and satisfyingly chewy noodles, all coated in a rich, savory, and subtly sweet sesame-garlic sauce. This recipe promises a truly restaurant-quality experience that’s so irresistibly good, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your family’s meal rotation. Get ready to impress everyone at the table with a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour!
For a complete list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Why This Homemade Lo Mein Recipe is an Absolute Must-Try
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Faster Than Takeout, Infinitely Fresher: Forget waiting for delivery! This sesame chicken lo mein comes together incredibly fast – we’re talking about a delicious, homemade meal on your table in under 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to whip up a hot, fresh dinner before a delivery driver would even arrive at your doorstep. Plus, the best part? It’s predominantly a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor!
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A Nutritious, Balanced Meal Everyone Will Love: It can be a challenge to find a meal that’s both healthy and a hit with the entire family. This lo mein recipe effortlessly combines lean protein from tender chicken, an abundance of fiber and essential vitamins from a medley of colorful vegetables, and satisfying, energy-boosting carbohydrates from the noodles. All these wholesome ingredients come together in one glorious bowl, making it a balanced, satisfying, and utterly delicious option for any night of the week.
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Smart & Simple for Busy Lifestyles: This is one of those rare dinner recipes where you can genuinely feel good about what you’re serving, knowing that picky eaters won’t complain or try to pick out ingredients. Its universally appealing flavors and textures make it a family favorite. What’s more, this recipe yields generous portions, ensuring you have enough for a fantastic dinner tonight with plenty of delicious leftovers for quick, easy, and satisfying lunches throughout your busy week. It’s the ultimate solution for practical, busy families seeking flavorful convenience.
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Essential Tips for Perfect Homemade Lo Mein
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Mastering Your Noodles: The key to great lo mein is perfectly cooked noodles. Always aim to cook your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, if substituting) just to an al dente stage. As soon as they reach this texture – firm to the bite, but cooked through – immediately drain them in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This crucial step stops the cooking process dead in its tracks, preventing them from becoming mushy and overcooked, which is a common pitfall. The cold rinse also washes away excess starch, ensuring your noodles remain separate and don’t clump together while you prepare the rest of your incredible dish.
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Achieving Uniform Chicken Pieces: For even cooking and consistent texture, it’s vital to cut your chicken breast (or thighs) into roughly the same size pieces, ideally about 1 inch in size. This ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others remain undercooked. Pro Tip: For super easy and precise slicing of thin, even chicken pieces, try partially freezing your chicken breast for 15-20 minutes before you start cutting. It firms up the meat, making it much simpler to get those perfect, uniform chunks – a little kitchen magic!
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The Secret to a Silky, Clingy Sauce: Don’t even think about skipping the cornstarch when making your sauce! This humble ingredient is the unsung hero that transforms a watery sauce into a glossy, thick coating that beautifully clings to every strand of noodle and piece of chicken, just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant. It prevents the sauce from pooling sadly at the bottom of your bowl. Be sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the sauce mixture until it’s completely dissolved and lump-free. A smooth cornstarch slurry guarantees a silky, delectable sauce every time.
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High Heat for That Authentic Stir-Fry Char: To replicate the delicious, slightly charred, and caramelized flavor found in truly exceptional takeout lo mein, you must utilize high heat when stir-frying your chicken and vegetables. A screaming hot pan or wok is essential. High heat quickly sears the ingredients, locking in their natural juices and developing rich flavors without overcooking. More importantly, it ensures your vegetables remain delightfully crisp-tender, retaining their bite and vibrant color, rather than steaming and becoming soft or mushy. Make sure your skillet or wok is truly hot before adding any ingredients.
Flavorful Recipe Variations to Suit Your Taste
Make it Spicier: For those who love a bit of heat, easily transform this dish by adding 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce directly to your sauce mixture. Alternatively, a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the finished dish will provide a pleasant kick to each bite.
Swap Your Protein: This versatile recipe welcomes a variety of proteins. Instead of chicken, consider using succulent shrimp (which cooks quickly in just 2-3 minutes), thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for a beefy twist, tender pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian version. Just remember to slice all proteins into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Amp Up the Veggies: This lo mein is a fantastic canvas for more vegetables! Feel free to incorporate additional favorites like crunchy snow peas, vibrant snap peas, sweet baby corn, crisp water chestnuts, or fresh bean sprouts. The key is to maintain a total vegetable ratio of 3-4 cups to keep the dish balanced and ensure everything cooks evenly.
Go Gluten-Free: With a few simple substitutions, this recipe can be easily adapted for a gluten-free diet. Opt for rice noodles instead of traditional lo mein noodles, use coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce, and select a gluten-free oyster sauce or a mushroom-based alternative. Always double-check that your chosen dry white wine is also gluten-free.
Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews along with the sesame seeds as a garnish. Crispy fried shallots or garlic chips also make a wonderful addition for a burst of savory crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken Lo Mein
While you can certainly prep all the individual components ahead of time – such as chopping your vegetables, whisking together the sauce, and even cooking the chicken – this dish is truly at its best when it’s stir-fried and combined fresh. The noodles can get a bit softer upon reheating, so for the optimal texture and flavor experience, we recommend assembling and cooking everything right before serving. However, if you do have leftovers, they will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches.
To bring your leftover lo mein back to life, the best method is to reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of water or chicken/vegetable broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The key is to avoid overcooking, as this can make the noodles unpleasantly mushy.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for chicken breast in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay extra juicy, even with high-heat cooking. Just be sure to slice them into similar bite-sized pieces as you would the breast, ensuring uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout your lo mein.
Authentic lo mein noodles definitely give you that signature takeout feel, but don’t fret if they’re not available at your local grocery store. Regular spaghetti is a perfectly acceptable and widely available substitute. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then proceed with the recipe as written. In a pinch, linguine or fettuccine can also work, just ensure they are cooked until firm to the bite.
The base version of this sesame chicken lo mein recipe is not spicy at all. It features a wonderfully balanced profile of savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors, primarily from the oyster sauce and sesame oil. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily customize it by adding sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes to your taste, as suggested in our ‘Recipe Variations’ section.
The beauty of lo mein is its adaptability to various vegetables! For this recipe, we recommend a mix that offers both color and crunch. Excellent choices include julienned carrots, sliced red bell peppers, shredded Napa or green cabbage, bok choy, sliced mushrooms, or broccoli florets. Other great additions are snap peas, snow peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, and fresh bean sprouts. Aim for 3-4 cups total to ensure a good vegetable-to-noodle ratio and cook until they are tender-crisp for the best texture.
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Important Note: While we strive to provide reliable variations, making significant changes to a recipe can sometimes result in unforeseen outcomes. Any substitutions or variations listed within this article are simple changes that we believe will work well with this recipe, but results are not guaranteed. Always exercise caution and taste as you go!
Cheryl Malik
Sesame Chicken Lo Mein
15
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This sesame chicken lo mein recipe is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. It’s packed with succulent, tender chicken, an array of colorful and crisp-tender vegetables, and satisfyingly chewy noodles, all generously coated in a rich, savory sesame-garlic sauce. This dish is designed for ease and speed, ensuring you can enjoy a fresh, homemade meal that tastes like takeout, but is far superior in freshness and nutrition. Get ready for a family favorite that you’ll want to make on repeat!
Cheryl Malik
Equipment
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Large pot Essential for cooking noodles to perfection.
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Large heavy skillet or wok A 12-inch or larger skillet or a traditional wok is preferred for effective stir-frying at high heat.
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Medium mixing bowl For preparing the flavorful sesame-garlic sauce.
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Whisk Crucial for ensuring a lump-free sauce.
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Colander For draining and rinsing your noodles.
Ingredients
For the Lo Mein
- 8 ounces lo mein egg noodles or spaghetti, cooked al dente and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil for cooking, adds rich nutty flavor
- 3 green onions sliced into ½-inch pieces, white and green parts separated for different cooking stages
- 3 to 4 cups julienne cut or chopped vegetables such as carrots, red peppers, Napa or green cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli florets for color and crunch
- 1 pound chicken breast thinly sliced and cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces for even cooking
- 3 cloves garlic minced, adds aromatic depth to the stir-fry
For the Sauce
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos, or lite tamari for a savory base
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for complexity and deglazing (can substitute with broth)
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce provides umami and a hint of sweetness
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil for the sauce, enhances the signature nutty flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced, for a robust garlic kick
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch the thickening agent for a perfect glossy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water to create a cornstarch slurry
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds for garnish and an extra layer of nutty flavor
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your savory sesame-garlic sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of soy sauce (or your preferred alternative), 2 tablespoons of dry white wine (or broth), 3 tablespoons of rich oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of water. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all ingredients until the sauce is completely smooth and the cornstarch has dissolved without any lumps. Set this bowl aside, as it will be used throughout the cooking process.
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Next, prepare your chicken. Take about 1 tablespoon of the sauce you just prepared and pour it over your thinly sliced, bite-sized chicken pieces. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This quick marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor and help keep it tender during cooking. Set the marinated chicken aside for a few minutes while you move on to the noodles.
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Prepare your lo mein noodles. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 8 ounces of lo mein egg noodles (or spaghetti) and cook them according to the package directions until they are just al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite but cooked through. Immediately drain the cooked noodles in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside.
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Now, it’s time to stir-fry the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large, heavy skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and very hot (you might see a wisp of smoke), add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook without stirring for about 1 minute to allow for a good sear. Then, stir and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
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Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of your sliced green onions along with your 3 to 4 cups of prepared vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.). Stir-fry these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp – they should still have a slight bite. Then, add the remaining 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for just 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Finally, combine all the elements. Add the cooked noodles, the perfectly cooked chicken, and the reserved sesame-garlic sauce back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Continue to heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb into the noodles. Once heated and coated, divide the lo mein evenly into individual serving bowls. Finish by garnishing generously with the sliced green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds for an extra nutty flourish. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover Sesame Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken/vegetable broth to prevent the noodles from drying out and to help them regain their texture. Individual portions can also be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be mindful not to overcook during reheating to maintain noodle quality.
Make Ahead Tips: To streamline your cooking, you can prep almost all components up to 24 hours in advance. Slice the chicken, chop all your vegetables, and prepare the sauce, storing each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the absolute best texture and vibrant flavor, we recommend cooking the noodles, chicken, and vegetables fresh just before you are ready to serve. This ensures everything is at its peak deliciousness.
Vegetable Options: This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to use any combination that totals 3-4 cups. Popular choices include julienned carrots, colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), shredded Napa cabbage, robust bok choy, crisp broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, crunchy snap peas, tender snow peas, sweet baby corn, water chestnuts, or fresh bean sprouts. Mixing different colors and textures will not only enhance the visual appeal but also boost the nutritional value of your dish.
Protein Substitutions: If chicken breast isn’t your preference, this recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy and forgiving meat, 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined, cooked quickly for 2-3 minutes), thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for a beef lo mein, tender pork tenderloin, or pressed and cubed firm tofu for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option.
Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to cook with wine, or don’t have it on hand, you can easily substitute the dry white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even plain water. While the wine adds a subtle depth of flavor, the dish will still be incredibly delicious and flavorful without it, thanks to the robust sauce ingredients.
Sesame Oil: For the most authentic and rich nutty flavor, always use toasted sesame oil in both the stir-fry and the sauce. Regular sesame oil is much milder and lacks the deep, aromatic profile of its toasted counterpart. Once opened, it’s best to store sesame oil in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness and prevent it from going rancid.
Serving Suggestions: This Sesame Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed edamame, a light cucumber salad, or extra stir-fried greens for a larger feast.
Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 2012mg
Potassium: 542mg
Total Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Net Carbs: 8g
Vitamin A: 124IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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