Chicken Lo Mein: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

There’s something comforting about a bowl of Chicken Lo Mein; glossy noodles tangled with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and that perfectly savory-sweet sauce. It reminds me of weeknights when I’d rush home after work, craving something warm, quick, and satisfying. Nonna never made Lo Mein, of course, but she taught me that any dish made with care could taste like home. The first time I made this, the sizzling aroma of garlic and soy brought that same warmth back into my kitchen. If you’ve ever wanted to make takeout-quality Chicken Lo Mein right at home, this recipe’s going to be your new favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Chicken Lo Mein hits all the right notes; easy to make, full of color, and endlessly customizable. You can toss in whatever vegetables you’ve got in the fridge, from bell peppers to broccoli, and it’ll still taste restaurant-worthy. The real magic, though, is in the sauce: a balanced blend of soy, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and garlic that coats every strand of noodle beautifully. If you’re into flavorful weeknight dinners, you’ll also love my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles; both dishes use similar flavor bases but with their own unique twist. This Lo Mein is the kind of meal that makes you forget about takeout entirely.

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Chicken Lo Mein served with green onions and sesame seeds

Chicken Lo Mein

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A quick and flavorful Chicken Lo Mein with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave homemade takeout!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti)

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup bell pepper, sliced

½ cup shredded carrots

2 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce in a small bowl to create the sauce base.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.

4. Add garlic, peppers, carrots, and broccoli to the same pan. Stir-fry until crisp-tender.

5. Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

6. Finish with green onions and an extra drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute spaghetti for Lo Mein noodles if needed.

To make it spicy, add chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes.

Leftovers keep well for 3 days in the fridge and taste even better the next day.

  • Author: Chef Grace
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for authentic, delicious Chicken Lo Mein:

  • 8 oz Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

The ingredient list might look simple, but each component brings depth. The soy sauce provides saltiness, hoisin adds sweetness, and sesame oil gives it that nutty aroma that makes Lo Mein unmistakable. If you like Asian fusion recipes, try this Chinese Beef and Broccoli for a homemade takeout night.

How to Make this Recipe

Making Chicken Lo Mein is all about timing; cook fast, stir often, and let your kitchen smell incredible.

  1. Cook the noodles: Boil them just until tender. Drain and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
  2. Prepare the sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add chicken, season lightly, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic, peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Combine everything: Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss until coated evenly.
  6. Finish with green onions and a splash of sesame oil before serving.

This method keeps every element vibrant and flavorful. For a creamier twist, take a peek at Chicken with Buttered Noodles, it’s another quick meal that never disappoints.

Tips and Variations

  • Swap the protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for variety.
  • Use what you have: Zucchini, cabbage, or snow peas all work beautifully.
  • Add spice: A dash of chili oil or crushed red pepper can elevate the flavor.
  • Meal prep friendly: It keeps well for up to three days in the fridge.

If you love spicy, savory noodles, you’ll also enjoy the Cajun Chicken Rotini recipe, it’s bold, creamy, and equally satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Chicken Lo Mein sauce made of?
The classic sauce combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and garlic. It’s sweet, salty, and slightly tangy, coating each noodle in rich flavor.

2. What kind of noodles are used in Lo Mein?
Traditional Lo Mein uses Chinese egg noodles, which are soft and springy. However, spaghetti makes a great substitute when you can’t find authentic Lo Mein noodles.

3. Can I use spaghetti instead of Lo Mein noodles?
Absolutely! Spaghetti holds sauce well and works perfectly in a pinch. Just cook it al dente to avoid over-softening.

4. What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
The main difference lies in texture and cooking style. Chow Mein noodles are fried until crispy, while Lo Mein noodles are boiled and then tossed with sauce for a softer finish.

If you’re curious about fusion flavors, check out this Korean Ground Beef Bowl, it delivers that same satisfying balance of sweetness and spice.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress your guests. From the tender chicken to the glossy noodles, every bite carries that irresistible takeout-style taste, only fresher. Just like Nonna’s cooking, it’s made with intention and love, bringing warmth to the table in every bowl.

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