If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s both crowd-pleasing and quick to whip up, Chicken Lo Mein has you covered. This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp veggies, perfectly chewy noodles, and a glossy, savory sauce—it’s everything you crave in takeout, but made fresher and faster at home. The balance of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the colors from the veggies make each plate a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can make a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Asian restaurant. Let’s dive in and make Chicken Lo Mein your new dinnertime hero!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Lo Mein starts with its straightforward ingredient list. Each piece plays an important part, from the chewy noodles that soak up the sauce, to the bright vegetables and savory chicken that make every bite interesting and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): These form the base of the dish, capturing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese spot.
Chicken breast, thinly sliced (1 pound): Using boneless, skinless chicken keeps things light and cooks quickly.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Essential for stir-frying—keeps the veggies and chicken sizzling rather than sticking.
Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Provides a subtle crunch and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Matchstick carrots (1 cup): Bring a burst of color and mild sweetness.
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Adds both vibrant color and a juicy, slightly sweet bite.
Green onions, sliced (3): Finish the dish with a punch of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The base of the sauce, giving it depth and umami without overwhelming saltiness.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Rich and savory, it brings that signature lo mein taste.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Brown sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances the salty and savory elements for a well-rounded taste.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps the sauce cling to every noodle and veggie.
Water (1/4 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough so it coats everything without getting gloopy.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with mellow, garlicky notes.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and zing, bringing everything together.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got handy) according to package instructions. Drain them thoroughly, and give them a quick rinse under cold water—this stops the cooking and prevents sticking. Once drained, toss them with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor and to keep them loose until you’re ready for the stir-fry. Set them aside and get excited for what’s next!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your biggest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken in a single layer, letting it sizzle until it’s golden brown and just cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Make sure to avoid over-crowding the pan so the chicken gets a nice sear. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same skillet (no need to wash, those browned bits add flavor!), add that last tablespoon of oil. Toss in the cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for just 2 to 3 minutes—enough to tenderize them slightly but keep their cheerful crunch. This step is where Chicken Lo Mein gets much of its color and texture.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, and ground ginger. You’re after a smooth, glossy mixture with all the sweet, salty, and umami flavors mingling together. Don’t skip the cornstarch—it ensures the sauce clings lovingly to every noodle!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now for the fun part: add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the noodles and your ready-made sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together, coating noodles and veggies evenly in that delicious sauce. Let it all cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—the sauce will thicken, the noodles will warm through, and the flavors will meld perfectly. Finally, sprinkle in those fresh green onions, give it one last toss, and serve your Chicken Lo Mein piping hot.

How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein

Garnishes

Adding a final pop of freshness or crunch brings your Chicken Lo Mein to a new level. Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. If you enjoy a kick, a light drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes really wakes things up!

Side Dishes

While Chicken Lo Mein is hearty enough to stand on its own, it shines even brighter next to other Asian-inspired dishes. Pair it with steamed dumplings, a simple cucumber salad, or maybe some crispy spring rolls. Even a bowl of miso soup is lovely if you’re feeling cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Lo Mein in individual bowls, garnish with plenty of color, or try a family-style platter for sharing. Want to impress? Twirl the noodles high with tongs and top with extra veggies or grilled chicken for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even use takeout containers for a playful, “fakeout-takeout” dinner night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Lo Mein (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making lunch the next day a breeze to look forward to.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Chicken Lo Mein freezes surprisingly well! Cool it completely, portion it into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in individual servings—this way, you can thaw just what you need.

Reheating

To bring Chicken Lo Mein back to life, simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, and enjoy just as much as you did the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work in a pinch. The important part is to choose a noodle that’s sturdy enough to handle stir-frying with sauce and veggies.

What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

Chicken Lo Mein is endlessly adaptable. Try adding snap peas, broccoli florets, baby corn, mushrooms, or snow peas. You can mix and match depending on what you have in your crisper drawer or what’s in season.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Chicken Lo Mein is usually mild, but you can easily dial up the heat with a drizzle of sriracha, a scatter of chili flakes, or even some chopped fresh chili added with the veggies. Make it your own!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Totally! Just swap out the chicken for extra veggies or tofu. Simply cook the tofu until golden and crisp before adding it to your veggies and sauce, and you’ll have a fabulous vegetarian lo mein.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy noodles?

After draining, toss the noodles with sesame oil to keep them separated and add them to the wok only when the sauce and other stir-fry elements are ready. This prevents them from sitting too long and becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to try this easy, flavor-packed Chicken Lo Mein at home! It’s one of those meals you’ll want to put on repeat, perfect for busy nights or whenever you’re craving takeout with a homemade twist. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready for some seriously happy forks. Enjoy!

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe