If you’ve ever craved those silky, saucy noodles from your favorite takeout spot but wanted to whip them up easily at home, then this Easy Chicken Lo Mein is your new weeknight go-to. It’s loaded with tender bites of chicken, vibrant veggies, and noodles slicked in a craveable stir-fry sauce that tastes just like the real deal. The best part? It all comes together faster than delivery and can be tailored to fit what’s in your fridge. You’ll want to bookmark and come back to this Easy Chicken Lo Mein every time you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are all it takes to create bold, irresistible flavors in this dish. Each item has a purpose—adding color, texture, or that authentic savory flair that makes every bite of Easy Chicken Lo Mein so memorable.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): Chewy, slurpable noodles are the base and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (2 pieces): Tender pieces of chicken cook quickly and absorb the savory sauce beautifully.
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups): Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or broccoli add crunch, color, and nutrition—use your favorites or what you have on hand.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic brings that irresistible, mouthwatering base note to every noodle swirl.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds a kick of warmth and depth that lifts the whole dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The essential salty, umami backbone of the sauce—low-sodium keeps it balanced.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a deep, savory richness that makes the sauce extra satisfying.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a sweet and tangy complexity for that takeout flavor you love.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle gives a toasty, nutty aroma to finish the dish perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness helps balance the salty, savory notes in the sauce.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): For a glossy, clingy sauce—skip it if you prefer yours a little thinner.
How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain them well once they’re cooked—al dente is best since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Set them aside, and get ready for the rest of the magic to happen.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes, until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and let the chicken get a nice sear—it adds so much flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Toss in your chosen mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until just crisp-tender. The quick, high-heat cooking keeps those veggies vibrant and a little snap in every bite. Add the garlic and ginger, then sauté for another minute to really wake up their flavors.
Step 4: Return the Chicken & Add Sauce
Scoot the vegetables to the side and add the chicken back to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and if you want a thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry too. Pour this savory mixture straight into the pan, letting it bubble up and coat everything in sheer deliciousness.
Step 5: Add Noodles & Finish
Toss in your drained noodles and give the whole pan a thorough mix. Turn and toss until every strand is slicked with sauce and everything is evenly combined. Let it all cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is glossy and gently clings to every bite. Easy Chicken Lo Mein is ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
Nothing finishes a bowl of Easy Chicken Lo Mein like some thoughtful garnishes! Sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness, or a handful of toasted sesame seeds to play up that nutty aroma. For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. These little extras elevate your homemade lo mein into something truly special.
Side Dishes
While Easy Chicken Lo Mein is fantastic on its own, it’s also wonderful with light and simple accompaniments. Try a side of steamed bok choy, crisp Asian cucumber salad, or classic egg drop soup. These pairings keep the meal balanced, bright, and just like a real restaurant spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish is a chance to get a little playful! Pile the noodles high in a deep bowl, or twist generous portions with tongs to showcase those silky strands. If you’re feeling extra fun, serve it in takeout-style boxes with chopsticks. For a family dinner, present it straight from the wok at the table and let everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Chicken Lo Mein, simply let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they mingle overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
While noodles can sometimes change texture in the freezer, Easy Chicken Lo Mein actually does quite well if you want to stash it away for another day. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your noodles in a skillet or wok with a splash of water or extra soy sauce over medium heat. Stir gently until everything is hot and the sauce is revived. The microwave works, too, but pan reheating brings those noodles back to their fresh-from-the-wok glory!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in Easy Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp, thinly sliced beef, pork, or even tofu to keep things vegetarian. The beauty of this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is its flexibility with whatever protein you’re craving (or have on hand).
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Anything goes, really! Alongside bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, and broccoli, you could try mushrooms, baby corn, cabbage, or bean sprouts. This is the perfect dish for cleaning out your produce drawer.
Is Easy Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use gluten-free noodles and choose tamari instead of soy sauce, plus gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauces. Double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I make Easy Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep and chop the vegetables and chicken in advance, then cook everything fresh in about 15 minutes. The finished dish also reheats beautifully for speedy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Do I need a wok to make lo mein at home?
A wok is fantastic, but a large, heavy skillet works just as well. The key is cooking over high heat for that authentic, quick-cooked texture that makes Easy Chicken Lo Mein so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that dazzles with flavor but won’t have you tied to the kitchen, give this Easy Chicken Lo Mein a try. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll quickly become a staple—satisfying, simple, and always delicious. Gather your favorite veggies and let the noodle night magic begin!
Print
Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce.
Ingredients
Lo Mein:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, broccoli)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Stir-fry mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger.
- Make the sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry.
- Combine all: Toss chicken, sauce, and noodles in the pan. Cook until heated through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables for convenience.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
