This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is one of my favorite fast dinner recipes for busy weeknights. It is quick, flavorful, and tastes just like your favorite takeout but fresher and lighter. The noodles are coated in a savory sauce with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. If you have a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you can have this quick chicken dinner on the table without stress. It is a cozy and satisfying dish that proves easy Chinese food recipes can be made right at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It comes together in less than 25 minutes, perfect for fast dinners.
- You do not need fancy ingredients, just simple ones from your pantry.
- The sauce is rich and balanced with soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.
- It tastes like your favorite Chinese cooking recipes, but even better homemade.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti: the base that holds the sauce and veggies perfectly.
- Chicken breast: sliced thin for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Vegetables: carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas add crunch and color.
- Soy sauce: brings that deep, salty flavor we all love.
- Oyster sauce: adds a rich and slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: the heart of good Chinese cooking recipes.
- Sesame oil: a touch for warmth and nutty aroma.
Step by Step Instructions
- Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the chicken slices until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil. Toss in garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of honey for balance.
- Add the noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve hot, with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds on top.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle in a bit of honey like you would for honey garlic chicken.
- Use leftover chicken or even ground beef for a fun twist.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha if you enjoy heat in your easy Chinese food recipes.
- Swap noodles for rice if that is what you have on hand. It still tastes amazing.
- Try serving it alongside a cozy side like butter beans with leeks and sausage for a full meal.
Serving and Storage
Serve this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe hot, straight from the wok. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a small bowl of Kim’s black-eyed pea dip for a cozy mix of textures and flavors.
Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and cook the sliced chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add more oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey.
- Add the noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce until warmed through. The noodles reheat beautifully and soak up even more flavor the next day.
FAQs
Can I make this chicken lo mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Cook everything as directed, then cool and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in a pan with a splash of soy sauce. It is one of those fast dinner recipes that tastes even better the next day.
What kind of noodles work best for this chicken lo mein recipe?
Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti works just as well. The key is to cook them al dente so they hold their texture when tossed in the sauce. This makes it easy to enjoy Chinese cooking recipes even without special ingredients.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can substitute hoisin sauce or add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce and a touch of honey for sweetness. It keeps the dish rich and balanced like a true easy Chinese food recipe.
How can I make this more like takeout?
Use a hot pan and cook everything quickly to keep the vegetables crisp and bright. Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for that signature takeout aroma and shine. It is a fast dinner that tastes restaurant-quality without leaving home.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Definitely. Shrimp, beef, or tofu all work beautifully. The sauce and noodles are flexible enough to make this one of your go-to quick chicken or veggie dinners for any night of the week.
Final Thoughts from Ama
Some nights call for comfort that comes together fast, and this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is just that. It is warm, balanced, and full of flavor without fuss. Even if your noodles stick or your veggies cook a little longer than planned, it will still taste wonderful. Remember, good food does not have to be perfect, it just has to be shared.