This Chicken Lo Mein is one of those meals I love making when I want something comforting, flavorful, and better than takeout. I enjoy how the tender chicken, saucy noodles, and crisp vegetables come together in a balanced dish that feels hearty without being heavy. It’s a recipe I often return to when I need a reliable and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients I usually already have. I appreciate how everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy. The flavors are savory and well-balanced, and I can easily adjust the vegetables or sauce to match my taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken and noodles:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
For the vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Directions
I begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them and set them aside. While the noodles cook, I heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. I add the chicken strips and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they are fully cooked and lightly browned. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I add the carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas, then stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. I return the chicken to the pan.
I whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water. I pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. I add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until well coated and heated through. I finish by sprinkling green onions over the top before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 4 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is around 20 minutes, and the total time comes to approximately 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu when I want a different protein. I also like adding mushrooms, cabbage, or baby corn for extra texture. When I want a little heat, I mix in chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer warming it in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. The microwave works well too for quick reheating.
FAQs
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
I often use spaghetti when lo mein noodles aren’t available, and it works very well.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
I can prepare it ahead of time, but I think it tastes best fresh. If needed, I reheat it gently to keep the noodles from drying out.
What vegetables can I substitute?
I like using broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, or snap peas if I don’t have the listed vegetables.
Is Chicken Lo Mein spicy?
This version is not spicy, but I easily add heat with chili sauce or pepper flakes.
How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
I avoid overcooking the noodles and toss them with the sauce just until everything is combined.
Conclusion
This Chicken Lo Mein is a dependable, flavorful recipe I enjoy making again and again. I love how easy it is, how customizable it feels, and how it delivers that classic takeout taste right from my own kitchen.
Print
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Lo Mein is a comforting noodle stir-fry made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. It’s quick, customizable, and better than takeout.
Ingredients
- Chicken and Noodles:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour sauce into the pan. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Add cooked noodles and toss to combine. Cook until heated through.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Use spaghetti if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
- Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Great add-ins: mushrooms, cabbage, bok choy, or baby corn.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
