Name: Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 16 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles; 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut to bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 ½ cups stir fry vegetables (carrots, red bell pepper, onions, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas), sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 stalk scallion, chopped; 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds for garnish; ½ cup chicken stock; 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 ½ Tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 ½ Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 1 teaspoon Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp; 1 teaspoon Thai chili pepper flakes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a plate of warm noodles tossed with tender chicken and crisp veggies, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce. This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe hits that comfort food sweet spot—it’s quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress. Let me show you how to nail it every time.

The image shows a close-up of a served plate filled with yellow-brown stir-fried noodles mixed with bright green snap peas, red bell pepper strips, and pieces of cooked meat that are light brown with grill marks. The noodles glisten with sauce and are sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A pair of black-tipped tongs is lifting a bundle of the noodles along with vegetables, held by a woman's hand. The plate is white and sits on a white marbled surface, with some green onion segments blurred in the background. The colors are vivid and the textures show the softness of the noodles and the crunch of the vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of versions of chicken lo mein over the years, but this one has become a go-to because it balances ease, flavor, and adaptability perfectly. If you want a satisfying, restaurant-style dish without a long prep time, this recipe is for you.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies you probably already have on hand.
Fast Cooking: From start to finish, it takes just about 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Deliciously Saucy: The sauce is rich and savory, with just enough sweetness and a lovely hint of garlic and ginger.
Customizable: Swap veggies, adjust the heat, or use your favorite noodles—make it truly your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe comes from a few simple but well-chosen ingredients that marry beautifully. The combination of fresh noodles and a deeply flavored sauce ensures every bite is satisfying. Here’s why each piece is essential.

Flat lay of fresh yellow Chinese egg noodles neatly coiled, raw bite-sized chicken breast pieces, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a small white bowl with glossy dark oyster sauce, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light soy sauce, a small white bowl containing fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with light amber toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl holding freshly grated pale yellow ginger, three fresh garlic cloves with papery white skin, a fresh orange carrot sliced into thin rounds, a red bell pepper quartered and sliced, white onion slices, dark brown shiitake mushrooms whole with stems, vibrant green snow peas whole, a fresh green scallion stalk, a small white bowl filled with white toasted sesame seeds, a small white bowl with bright red chili garlic sauce -- all arranged symmetrically in balanced proportions on a simple clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh Chinese Egg Noodles: These have a lovely springy texture and absorb the sauce without getting mushy. If unavailable, dried lo mein or even linguine work well.
Chicken Breast or Thigh: Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner—choose based on your preference.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for that high-heat wok stir-frying to get a bit of char and quick cooking without burning.
Stir Fry Vegetables: I like a colorful mix like carrots, bell peppers, onions, shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas for crunch and freshness—feel free to mix it up!
Scallions: They add a bright, oniony finish that cuts through the richness.
Toasted White Sesame Seeds: Adds a subtle nuttiness and texture contrast when sprinkled on top.
Lo Mein Sauce: The blend of chicken stock, oyster sauce, dark and low sodium soy sauces, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic creates the signature umami-packed coating that makes noodles sing.
Optional Heat: Adding chili garlic sauce, Lao Gan Ma, or chili flakes turns up the flavor for those who like a little kick.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is how flexible it is. I often change up the veggies based on the season or what’s leftover in my fridge. You can even swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want to mix things up.

Vegetarian Variation: Replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable stock—just as delicious and perfect for Meatless Mondays.
Spicy Twist: Adding chili garlic sauce to the sauce takes it from mild to fiery in an instant, which I adore on chilly days.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some toasted peanuts or cashews on top for a fun texture and flavor contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

A white round plate is full of stir-fried noodles with a mix of colorful vegetables and pieces of cooked chicken. The noodles are light brown and glossy, twisted in a pile. Bright green snap peas, thin orange carrot strips, and red bell pepper strips are mixed in with the noodles. Pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken are spread evenly on top. The dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and fresh green sliced spring onions. Around the plate on a white marbled surface are whole garlic bulbs, green spring onions, and several brown mushrooms. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce and Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing all the lo mein sauce ingredients in a bowl until the brown sugar dissolves completely. I like to marinate the bite-sized chicken pieces in a tablespoon of this sauce while I prep the noodles and veggies—this helps infuse flavor right from the start without extra effort.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles Just Right

Boil your noodles until just shy of al dente—if the package says 8 minutes, drain them around 6. This way, they’ll finish cooking perfectly when tossed with the sauce later and won’t turn mushy. Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and drizzle a tiny splash of oil to keep them from sticking. Trust me, this little trick saves headaches.

Step 3: Stir Fry Chicken and Vegetables

Heat your wok or large pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Toss in the marinated chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink inside and gets a nice light brown color. Remove the chicken and set aside. Next, stir fry your vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes; you want them tender yet crisp—that crunch makes all the difference.

Step 4: Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss everything quickly over the heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and evenly coats every strand and piece. At this stage, make sure the noodles aren’t clumping and the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling chopped scallions and toasted white sesame seeds. These little touches bring freshness and nuttiness that round out the flavors perfectly. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!

Top Tip

Over the years I’ve learned a few neat tricks to make this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe turn out restaurant-worthy in my own kitchen every time. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me really enjoy cooking this dish even on busy days.

Prep Everything First: Lo mein cooks fast. Have your noodles, veggies, sauce, and chicken ready before turning on the heat to avoid overcooking.
Don’t Overload the Pan: Stir fry in batches if needed to get that perfect sear and keep veggies crisp instead of soggy.
Use High Heat: It helps develop flavor and texture quickly. Just be ready to stir constantly and keep ingredients moving.
Adjust the Sauce Last: Taste before serving and add a bit more soy or oyster sauce if you want it saltier or sweeter for your preference.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds because they add brightness and a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I add a few crushed peanuts or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten things up, especially if I’m craving a bit of freshness.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty complete on its own, but I love to serve it alongside crisp cucumber salad or steamed dumplings if I’m feeling fancy. A simple bowl of miso soup also pairs beautifully for a comforting Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this easy chicken lo mein layered in small bowls with fresh herbs and edible flowers on top—it’s a great way to dress it up for dinner guests. You can also try plating it over baby lettuce leaves for a fresh, light presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken lo mein keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating to maintain texture and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover lo mein successfully, though the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and try to consume within a month for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water or chicken stock to revive the sauce and keep everything moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the noodles from getting gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?

Absolutely! Dried lo mein noodles work well, and if you can’t find those, spaghetti or linguine are fine substitutes too. Just be sure to cook them al dente and rinse immediately to prevent sticking.

What vegetables are best for chicken lo mein?

I usually go for a mix like carrots, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, onions, and snow peas for color and crunch. Feel free to use what you have on hand, like broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn. The key is slicing them thin for quick stir-frying.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add chili garlic sauce, chili flakes, or a spoonful of Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp to the sauce mixture. Start with small amounts because these can be quite salty and spicy—tweak to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies and chicken ahead of time, which speeds up cooking. However, toasting the chicken and stir-frying fresh vegetables last-minute makes a big difference in flavor and texture for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is one of those dishes that feels homemade but restaurant-quality—easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive whenever you serve it. It’s truly a comfort food winner in my house, and I think you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again. Give it a try, and soon lo mein might just become your favorite quick dinner staple too!