Chicken Lo Mein Recipe A Flavor Packed Weeknight Dinner You Will Make Again And Again

Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Chef Josie

If you love fast, affordable, family friendly meals that taste like takeout but use clean ingredients, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe will quickly become a weeknight classic in your kitchen. It is a simple chicken recipe that delivers big flavor with tender pieces of chicken breast, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and bouncy lo mein noodles coated in a savory sauce. This dish is one of the easiest healthy dinner recipes to add to your weekly rotation because it comes together quickly, does not require complicated ingredients, and satisfies both picky eaters and flavor seekers.

Whether you are looking for quick dinner ideas, lazy dinners, healthy dinner meals, or a way to use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is the type of comforting and reliable meal that becomes a household favorite. It tastes impressive, yet it uses everyday pantry staples which makes it perfect for anyone juggling work, family, or busy evenings. Even better, it reheats beautifully, which means the leftovers double as a convenient meal prep lunch.

Click to Access the Table of Contents:

Table of Contents

Print

Why You Will Love This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about making takeout style chicken lo mein at home. Once you try it, you will understand why so many home cooks keep this recipe in their weekly rotation. Here are the biggest reasons this dish stands out.

It is faster than ordering takeout

Most people assume lo mein takes a long time to prepare, but this recipe is straightforward and fast. Once you slice the chicken and vegetables, the actual cooking time in the skillet is only around 10 to 12 minutes. The noodles boil at the same time which means you can have a full meal on the table in under 25 minutes. When you crave a healthy dinner recipe but need something quick, this really is the ideal choice.

It uses simple chicken recipes ingredients you already have

There is no need for specialty sauces or rare pantry items. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar is all you need to make a restaurant level lo mein sauce. If you enjoy easy chicken breast recipes, chicken tender recipes, or boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes, you will appreciate that this dish works with any cut of chicken you prefer. You can even use ground chicken recipes if you want to switch up the texture.

Kid friendly and family approved

Chicken lo mein is a perfect example of a meal that feels fun without being complicated. Kids love noodles. Adults love flavor. Add colorful vegetables and tender chicken and you get a balanced dinner that satisfies everyone. If you have been trying to add more vegetable rich meals to your healthy dinner recipes list, this one makes it effortless because the vegetables cook into the sauce and pair naturally with the noodles.

Great for busy nights and lazy dinners

If you like recipes that come together in one skillet with minimal prep, you will appreciate how this chicken lo mein recipe fits into lazy dinners and fast weeknight routines. Everything cooks in a single pan which keeps cleanup simple. It is also budget friendly which makes it ideal for families who want cheap dinners for a family without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Customizable for any diet or preference

You can swap the vegetables, change the noodles, use gluten free soy sauce, add extra protein, or make a vegetarian version. It pairs well with baked chicken recipes, air fryer recipes, or steamed dumplings on the side. It is flexible and easy to adapt which means you can create endless variations without ever getting bored.

Ingredients You Will Need

This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe keeps the ingredients simple and accessible. Everything can be found at a basic grocery store and many items are pantry staples.

For the chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil or avocado oil for sautéing

For the vegetables

Julienned carrots
Bell peppers
Snow peas or snap peas
Green onions
Optional additions like broccoli florets, cabbage, mushroom slices, or baby spinach

For the noodles

Lo mein noodles, spaghetti noodles, or linguine noodles work perfectly

For the lo mein sauce

Soy sauce
Oyster sauce (optional but recommended for richness)
Sesame oil
Minced garlic
Fresh ginger or ginger paste
Brown sugar or honey
Cornstarch to slightly thicken the sauce

Using these ingredients guarantees a savory, glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the noodles without being too salty or heavy.

How To Make Chicken Lo Mein Step by Step

This process is simple and works even if you are new to stir fry style cooking. It relies on high heat and quick cooking techniques which keep the vegetables crisp and the chicken juicy.

Step 1. Cook the noodles

Boil your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with warm water to prevent sticking. Toss them lightly with a splash of sesame oil.

Step 2. Prepare the chicken

Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet until hot, then add oil. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3. Stir fry the vegetables

Add your sliced vegetables to the same pan. Cook just until they begin to soften but still have a crisp bite. This keeps the dish vibrant and flavorful.

Step 4. Mix the sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 5. Combine everything

Add chicken back to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Add noodles and toss everything together until the dish is warm and coated.

Step 6. Serve and enjoy

Top with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Use high heat for authentic flavor.
Slice chicken thin to reduce cooking time.
Do not overcook noodles.
Stir constantly so nothing burns.
Double the sauce if you like your noodles extra glossy.
Add protein such as shrimp, beef, tofu, or ground chicken.

Variations You Can Try

Chicken lo mein is extremely flexible. Here are some ideas.

Vegetarian lo mein using tofu
Spicy lo mein with chili flakes or sriracha
Sweet and savory lo mein with pineapple pieces
Low sodium lo mein using reduced salt soy sauce
Extra veggie lo mein for clean eating recipes
Peanut lo mein by adding a spoon of peanut butter to the sauce

How To Store and Reheat

Chicken lo mein stores well for meal prep which makes it a top choice for easy leftovers.

Store in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each.
Freeze only if necessary, though texture is best when eaten fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

Air fryer egg rolls
Asian chopped salad
Steamed broccoli
A quick miso soup
Crispy baked chicken tenders for extra protein

This makes it ideal for both healthy dinner meals and comfort food nights.

Why You Will Make It Again

Once you make this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, you will notice how seamlessly it fits into your weekly menu. The biggest reason you will make it again is the flavor. The sauce tastes rich, bold, and aromatic, yet it takes only minutes to mix together. The texture of the noodles combined with tender chicken and crisp vegetables is something that always satisfies without feeling heavy.

Another reason you will revisit this recipe repeatedly is its reliability. It always turns out well, even if you swap ingredients based on what you have available. Whether you use chicken thighs, chicken breast, or even precooked rotisserie chicken tossed in at the end, the final result is consistently delicious.

Finally, you will make it again because it solves the eternal dinner dilemma. It checks every box. Quick dinner ideas. Healthy dinner recipes. Simple chicken recipes. Lazy dinners. Affordable family meals. Everything about it works in real life kitchens. Once you discover how effortless and tasty it is, it becomes one of those go to meals you rely on during busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten free
Yes. Use gluten free noodles and gluten free soy sauce.

Can I use frozen vegetables
Absolutely. Just cook off any extra moisture before adding the sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken
Yes. Add it at the end and heat gently.

Is this recipe good for meal prep
It reheats wonderfully which makes it excellent for weekly lunches.

For more delicious recipes follow me on :

Medium: @RecipesByJosie

Instagram: @RecipesByJosie

Pinterest: @RecipesByJosie