Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

A great lo mein sauce should cling to each noodle with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. This easy chicken lo mein recipe achieves that with a simple blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that perfect takeout flavor at home. It was a rainy Tuesday, the kind of evening that begs for a cozy, steaming bowl of noodles, but I was out of both the budget and the energy for delivery. I stood in my kitchen, staring into the pantry, and realized I had everything I needed for a classic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. Twenty minutes later, with the sizzle of garlic in the air and a tangle of glossy noodles in my bowl, I knew I’d found a forever weeknight solution.

This isn’t about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s about regular kitchen, regular time, great results. This easy chicken lo mein recipe is your ticket to a fast dinner that feels like a treat, a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with zero fuss. It’s the kind of food that feels like home, even when it’s inspired by your favorite takeout spot. Let’s make a batch that’s better than any delivery, together.

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Ingredients List

This easy chicken lo mein recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you might already have waiting in your fridge or pantry. The magic is in how they come together.

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 12 ounces fresh lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cabbage or bok choy
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and swap the oyster sauce for a gluten-free mushroom stir-fry sauce. Use rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
• Protein: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or tofu. For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu and vegetable broth.
• Vegetables: This is a great clean-out-the-fridge recipe! Add mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn.
• Noodles: No fresh noodles? Dried spaghetti or linguine works beautifully in a pinch for this easy Chinese recipe.

Timing

One of the best parts of this easy chicken lo mein recipe is how quickly it comes together. Perfect for those nights when you need fast dinners on the table, stat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s about 50% faster than waiting for delivery, and you get the joy of that incredible, fresh-cooked aroma filling your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a flawless, restaurant-quality chicken lo mein at home. The key is having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—this is called mise en place, and it makes all the difference in fast dinner recipes.

Step 1: Prep and Marinate
Thinly slice your chicken against the grain for tenderness. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Add the chicken, toss to coat thoroughly, and let it marinate while you prep the vegetables and sauce. This quick marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful quick chicken.

Step 2: Make the Sauce & Cook Noodles
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Cook your noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to get a good color, then stir-fry for 3-4 more minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil to the same wok. Add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for just 30 seconds until incredibly fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a slight crunch. Add the cabbage and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Give your sauce another quick stir and pour it over everything. Add the cooked noodles. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every single noodle and piece of chicken. The noodles will soak up that glorious flavor.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from heat. Garnish your easy chicken lo mein recipe with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot right from the wok for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this homemade chicken lo mein is a satisfying and balanced meal. Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 32g (Excellent for keeping you full!)
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 15g
• Key Notes: The chicken provides lean protein, while the colorful vegetables offer vitamins A and C from the carrots and bell peppers. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content. For a lighter version, see the healthier alternatives below.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need specialty gear for this easy chicken lo mein recipe. A regular kitchen setup works perfectly.

• A Large Wok or Skillet: A wok’s high sides are ideal, but a large 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven works great too. You just need surface area for proper stir-frying.
• A Large Pot for boiling the noodles.
• Tongs or Two Large Spoons for tossing the noodles with the sauce.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board for prepping.
• A Few Mixing Bowls for marinating and holding prepped ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy chicken lo mein recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation, and here’s why it will in yours too:

1. Faster Than Takeout: From fridge to table in 30 flat minutes. No delivery fees, no waiting at the door.
2. Customizable to Your Taste: Control the sodium, adjust the veggies, make it spicier—it’s your kitchen, your rules. It’s the ultimate template for easy Chinese recipes.
3. Family-Friendly Comfort Food: The familiar, cozy flavors are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s comfort food, made easy.
4. Perfect for Using What You Have: Those lonely carrots and half a bell pepper in the crisper? They’ve found their purpose.
5. Leftovers Reheat Beautifully: It makes fantastic next-day lunches, tasting just as good (if not better) after the flavors have melded.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up this classic? Here are simple swaps that keep all the flavor.

• Boost the Veggies: Double the cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots, or add broccoli florets and mushrooms. This adds volume, fiber, and nutrients without many calories.
• Choose Whole Grains: Use whole wheat spaghetti or soba noodles for added fiber.
• Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce by half, supplementing with a touch more honey for balance.
• Lower Sugar: Swap the honey for a sugar-free substitute or use only 1 tablespoon.
• Increase Protein: Add an extra handful of edamame or use a full 1.5 pounds of chicken breast.

Serving Suggestions

This easy chicken lo mein recipe is a complete meal in a bowl, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• For a Classic Combo: Serve with steamed dumplings or a simple side of crispy baked spring rolls.
• Add More Greens: A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a side of simply steamed bok choy or broccoli balances the meal beautifully.
• For Extra Heat: Offer chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes at the table for those who like a kick.
• Family-Style: Pile the lo mein into a large, shallow serving bowl, garnish generously, and let everyone serve themselves straight from the center of the table. It’s a wonderfully communal way to eat.

If you love the cozy, savory flavors here, you might also enjoy our Hearty Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms and Bok Choy for another satisfying noodle bowl, or explore more Easy Asian Dinner Ideas for inspiration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tweaks can make the difference between good lo mein and great lo mein. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Overcrowding the Pan: Adding all the chicken or veggies at once steams them instead of searing them. Cook in batches if your pan is small to get that essential caramelized flavor.
2. Overcooking the Noodles: Cook your noodles to al dente. They will continue to cook slightly when you toss them in the hot sauce. Mushy noodles ruin the texture.
3. Using Cold Noodles: After draining, toss your noodles with a tiny bit of oil to prevent them from clumping into a solid mass before they hit the wok.
4. Not Prepping Everything First: Stir-frying is fast. If you’re chopping garlic while your chicken is in the pan, something will burn. Have your sauce mixed, veggies chopped, and noodles cooked before you turn on the wok.
5. Skipping the Cornstarch in the Marinade: That little bit of cornstarch is crucial. It creates a light coating on the chicken that helps it stay juicy and helps the sauce cling later.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This easy chicken lo mein recipe makes fantastic leftovers.

• Refrigerating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze it, the texture of the noodles can become a bit softer upon thawing. If you do freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. This helps loosen the sauce and re-crisp the vegetables slightly. Microwave reheating can make the noodles rubbery.

Conclusion

At the end of a long day, there’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of noodles you made yourself. This easy chicken lo mein recipe is that perfect intersection of quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It proves that you don’t need a menu or a delivery app to enjoy a cozy, restaurant-style meal. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your kitchen, a reliable answer to the “what’s for dinner?” question. It’s food that feels like home, no matter where the inspiration comes from.

Give it a try this week! And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add extra veggies? Try it with shrimp? Share your version in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest if you share a photo—it makes my day to see your creations!

If you’re craving more quick and cozy noodle dishes, try our creamy and spicy Creamy Gochujang Udon Noodles or the deeply comforting Curry Udon. For another fast chicken favorite, our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is always a hit. Happy cooking.

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