Chicken Lo Mein | Easy Authentic Noodle Recipe + Paleo | Keto options (2024)

This Chicken Lo Mein is anauthentic recipemade with silky noodles stir-fried with tender chicken, carrots and red bell pepperspaired with a savory Asian sauce and ishealthier and way better than takeout! So easy to make at home in under 30 minutes in just one pan and includes grain-free, low carb, keto and paleo options.

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What is chicken lo mein?

Chicken lo mein is a traditional recipe found in most Chinese restaurants and cultures. Traditionally, chicken and vegetable lo mein is served with noodles and vegetables like snow peas and carrots. All of the ingredients are combined in a savory sauce that is mixed with sesame oil and and tangy yummy flavors.

Lo Mein vs Chow Mein

Wondering what the difference is between Chicken Lo Mein and Chow Mein? Both chow mein and lo mein are stir-fried noodle dishes. The main difference is the type of noodles.

Cantonese Chow Mein uses thin crispy egg noodles. You’ll find that many authentic Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong also shape the noodles into a bird’s nest and deep fry / flash fry the noodles so you get that crispy noodle texture whileLo Mein typically is made with wider yellow noodles.

What noodles are best for Chinese Lo Mein

• For this one pot chicken lo mein, you can use fresh lo mein noodlesor dried egg noodles.
  • Fresh noodles are usually found in your local Asian market. Some large grocery stores carry it in the International / Ethnic section or refrigerated section.

• Dried ramen noodles, yakisoba noodles or regular / gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine pasta would also work. Just be sure whatever noodles you use, they measure out to about 6-8 ounces (about 225 grams – 2 cups) when cooked.

• For grain-free dietsthese can be swapped with Jovial Grain-Free Cassava Spaghetti Pasta, Cappello’s Grain Free Spaghetti Almond Flour Pasta or Palmini Noodlesmade from Hearts of Palm Pasta. Vegetable noodles work, too, like cooked spaghetti squash noodles or these zucchini noodlesfor Whole30 Chicken Lo Mein.

Ingredients in Lo Mein

For the stir fry lo mein

• Fresh Egg Noodles– usually found at Asian supermarkets. You can also swap with ramen noodles or spaghetti noodles. For grain-free dietsthese can be swapped with Jovial Grain-Free Cassava Pasta or Palmini Noodlesmade from Hearts of Palm Pasta
• For grain-free dietsthese can be swapped with Jovial Grain-Free Cassava Spaghetti Pasta, Cappello’s Grain Free Spaghetti Almond Flour Pasta, Cappelo’s Grain Free Fettuccine Almond Flour Pasta or Palmini Noodlesmade from Hearts of Palm Pasta. You can also use Shirataki/ Konjac noodles. These noodles from Miracle Noodle are what we like to use. Spiralized vegetable noodles work, too, like cooked spaghetti squash or these zucchini noodlesfor Whole30 Lo Mein.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken breast– cut into 1″ chunks. Can omit for vegetarian lo mein.
• Oil –for cooking. Avocado or coconut oil.
• Garlic & fresh ginger –we like to use fresh garlic and ginger, but ground garlic and ginger can be substituted in a pinch.
• Vegetables:
  • Bell pepper– low carb vegetable that offers fresh flavors; Red was used for this recipe, but any color will work
  • Carrots– shredded organic carrots- we are only using a little bit but feel free to leave out for Keto Chicken Lo Mein and use any other low carb veggies instead such as broccoli or mushrooms
  • Bok Choy and Snow peas– for the added crunch and flavor.
• Salt and pepper– season to taste

For the savory lo mein sauce

• Coconut Aminos– can subsitute with gluten free tamari or reduced sodium soy sauce if not following Whole30/paleo.
• Apple cider vinegar– may sub with rice wine vinegar if not Whole30/paleo.
• Coconut sugar –a low glycemic paleo sweetener that mimics the taste of brown sugar and adds a nice sweetness to this healthy lo mein sauce. If you want to make this sauce keto, then sub with granulated monk fruit sweetener or use homemade date paste or apple juice for Whole30 sauce
• Sesame oil– adds the signature nutty flavor found in traditional recipes
• Arrowroot powder– we love use this grain-free starch in place of cornstarch to help thicken up the sauce, but you can substitute with xanthan gum for low carb / keto diets
• Water or Chicken Broth –to mix with the arrowroot powder

Other ingredients

• Oyster sauce – sub with Primal Kitchen’s No Soy Teriyaki Sauce for paleo / Whole30
• Red Boat Fish sauce–optional, but if you already have it in your pantry, give it a try – it adds that extra rich umami flavor – for vegetarian sub with Miso paste OR Vegan Fish Saucewhich can you buy on Amazon or directly from their site
• Chili garlic paste
• Bean sprouts

How to make Chicken Lo Mein Noodles

Making healthy chicken lo mein at home couldn’t be easier. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions, photos or watch the video below.

1. PREPARE THE NOODLES: Cook or prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. WHISK INGREDIENTS: After the noodles are prepared, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
3. COOK THE CHICKEN: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Plate chicken in pan and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate and set aside.
4. SAUTE THE VEGETABLES: Add remaining oil to the same skillet, add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Combine red peppers, carrots, snow peas (bok choy) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until tender crisp.
5. MIX INGREDIENTS: Add prepared noodles and cooked chicken breasts back into the same pan. Pour the sauce over noodles, toss and coat well, using tongs.
6. THICKEN THE SAUCE & SERVE: Turn the heat high to allow the sauce to bubble and thicken and add more water if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss again and serve immediately and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Variations and Tips for making the Best Lo Mein

• Swap out the chicken for your favorite protein – beef, pork, shrimp and fried tofu work great in here.
• Not a fan of bok choy or snow peas? No problem – leave them out or swap them for snap peas and spinach instead.
• For extra saucy noodles, feel free to double the sauce recipe.
• If you cannot find fresh (Asian market) or dry lo mein noodles (usually in the International section of Target, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or large chain grocery store), then you can swap with any gluten-free noodle or shirataki noodles.
• Prep – chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container the night before.

Make ahead, reheating and storage instructions

The best part about making lo mein is that it works perfect for meal-prep especially if you make a double batch.

• To make ahead: Cook your noodles the day before. Mince or chop the garlic, ginger and wash and cut the vegetables the day before. Store in the fridge in separate containers or resealable bags.
• Wondering how long does Lo Mein last in the fridge? You canstore this delicious dish in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to allow the noodles to cool down then transfer to airtight containers,
• How to reheat lo mein: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover lo mein noodles, it’s best toeither sauté it in a wok or pan on medium low heat over the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.

Meal prepping

We love to make this lo mein recipe for weekly meal preps! Chicken lo mein is a one-pan dinner recipe that is easy to make in huge batches that will last the entire week and perfect for packing in school or work lunches.

Let your noodles cool then pack into meal prep containers. We like these glass containersfor home and theselunch containers for school and work.Pack with yourfavorite side – Jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables – zoodles.

Serving suggestions

Homemade vegetable lo mein is delicious on its own or serve it with:

• Beef and Broccoli
• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Air Fryer Tofu
• Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Is lo mein healthy?

Lo Mein that you make at home is definitely healthier than any takeout lo mein that you order from any North American Chinese restaurant. Our recipe includes a soy-free option but we also have theseLow Carb Noodlesthat is perfect for anyone that is following a grain-free or Whole30, paleo, low carb orketo diet.

Kung Pao Chicken Stir Fry

Slow Cooker General Tso

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry