Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Easy Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate weeknight hero: a vibrant, flavorful noodle stir-fry packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that brings everything together in just 25 minutes. This restaurant-inspired dish transforms everyday ingredients into a colorful, slurp-worthy meal your whole family will crave, whether you’re a lo mein lover or just after a quick Asian-inspired dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Chicken Lo Mein is in its simple, accessible ingredients—each one is carefully chosen to add a pop of flavor, crunch, or color. With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this meal comes together, tasting even better than takeout!
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): These are the chewy, slurpable base of the dish; spaghetti is a fantastic stand-in if you can’t find lo mein noodles.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): Using thin slices ensures quick, even cooking and juicy, tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): This classic seasoning brings salty umami depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a layer of savory richness and subtle sweetness that’s signature in lo mein dishes.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Offers a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish to the stir-fry sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle gives the noodles a toasty, nutty fragrance.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for stir-frying at high heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Sautéed garlic punches up the aroma and savory notes.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): These add color, slight sweetness, and a satisfying crunch.
- Snow peas (1 cup): Their snap and bright green color make every bite lively.
- Sliced bell pepper (1/2 cup, any color): A sweet, crisp counterpoint to the savory sauce and tender chicken.
- Sliced green onions (1/4 cup): Use these as a fresh garnish for color and mild onion flavor.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle warmth to the chicken.
How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside. This step ensures the noodles are perfectly al dente and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors in the pan.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss your thinly sliced chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a sprinkle of black pepper. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with savory flavor and helps keep it juicy while cooking.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and their colors pop.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Add the drained noodles and the sauce mixture to the pan. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the noodles are evenly coated and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once everything is sizzling hot, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top as a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve your Easy Chicken Lo Mein right away while it’s piping hot and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
The finishing touch to any Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness and crunch. For even more flair, try topping with toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes for a little heat.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think steamed edamame, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or even some homemade spring rolls for a takeout-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein in large, shallow bowls for easy noodle-twirling, or portion it into small takeout boxes for a party. For a family-style meal, pile the noodles high on a platter and let everyone dig in. Add chopsticks for extra authenticity and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially tasty for lunch the next day.
Freezing
While lo mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to one month. Let the dish cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Chicken Lo Mein, simply microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Alternatively, toss the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive their saucy shine and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in Easy Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a delicious twist. Just adjust the cooking time to suit your choice of protein so everything stays tender and flavorful.
What noodles work best if I can’t find lo mein?
If lo mein noodles aren’t available, regular spaghetti or linguine noodles are great substitutes. Just cook them al dente so they hold up well during stir-frying.
Is Easy Chicken Lo Mein spicy?
This recipe is mild as written, but you can easily add a kick by tossing in chili oil, red pepper flakes, or even some sliced fresh chilies to taste.
Can I make Easy Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and be sure to choose gluten-free versions of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. The results will be just as tasty and satisfying.
How do I keep the veggies crisp?
Stir-fry the vegetables for just a few minutes over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures everything stays bright, crisp, and full of flavor in your Easy Chicken Lo Mein.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Chicken Lo Mein, it’s bound to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. With its quick prep, customizable ingredients, and irresistible flavors, you’ll never crave takeout noodles again. Give it a whirl and watch it become a family favorite!
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Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and soft lo mein noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and authentic Asian-inspired meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the ground black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly for flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more vegetable oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to make the sauce. Add the cooked noodles and the sauce mixture into the skillet.
- Toss and Heat Through: Toss everything together, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the vegetables with broccoli, cabbage, or mushrooms depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For extra heat and flavor, add a splash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes while stir-frying.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content if desired.
- Spaghetti noodles can be used as a substitute if lo mein noodles are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
