Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Name: Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz Chinese egg noodles (or spaghetti); 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup bean sprouts; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed in 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Optional: Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

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Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate comfort dish—imagine a bowl of tender noodles tossed in savory sauce, loaded with juicy chicken and crisp stir-fried vegetables. This is exactly what we all crave after a hectic day. I still remember the first time I tried to recreate this Chinese noodle dish at home, aiming to match that deep, umami flavor we love from our favorite takeout. When I finally got it right, it became a weeknight regular.

Unlike Chow Mein, which is pan-fried until crispy, this Homemade Lo Mein uses the boil-and-toss method, giving you silky, flavorful noodles every time. Perfect for a quick Chinese dinner, this one-pan wonder is ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy families or anyone in need of something delicious and fast. Need more cozy dinner ideas? Explore our collection of easy and flavorful recipes on Pinterest or discover what’s hot on our “Dinner Magic” board.

In This Guide

Step-by-Step: How to Make Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein

This easy skillet recipe is about building layers of flavor while keeping things effortless:

Boil Chinese egg noodles just shy of done, rinse, and toss with sesame oil.
Sauté chicken strips with garlic and ginger until golden.
Cook half the vegetables first, add sauce, then toss in the rest.
Combine everything in the pan and heat through.

One pan. Thirty minutes. Pure joy.

Close-up of Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein with noodles, stir-fried chicken, and vegetables in savory sauce.

Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe Card

Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author: Sabrina Snyder

Ingredients:

8 oz Chinese egg noodles (or spaghetti)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp cornstarch mixed in 2 tbsp water
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional Toppings:

Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prepare Noodles: Cook noodles 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil.
Sear Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet. Add chicken, cook 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Aromatics & Veggies: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, onion, bell pepper, and cabbage. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch slurry, and remaining sesame oil. Pour over veggies.
Final Veggies: Stir in carrots and bean sprouts.
Combine: Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Chicken breast strips: Lean and quick-cooking, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Chinese egg noodles: Springy and thick, these noodles cling to every drop of that savory sauce.
Stir fry vegetables: A rainbow of textures and nutrients—feel free to swap in what you have.
Lo Mein sauce: The duo of soy and oyster sauces creates that umami-rich flavor you love from a Chinese restaurant-style noodle dish.
Sesame oil flavor: A final drizzle infuses nutty depth that’s essential.

How to Store Leftovers

This recipe is leftover-friendly and ideal for meal prep noodles:

Serve: Hot from the pan, preferably within 2 hours.
Refrigerate: In an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in a skillet.

Final dish of Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein served in a wok with sauced noodles, chicken, and vegetables.

How to Serve It

Keep it simple or make it a spread! Here are tasty ideas:

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for texture and pop.
Pair your Lo Mein with these easy no-yeast dinner rolls for a cozy fusion twist.
Want a comforting side? This dairy-free mac and cheese is a cozy alternative for pasta lovers.

Super Easy Chicken Lo Mein FAQs

What’s the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

Lo Mein is tossed with sauce after boiling; Chow Mein is crisped in the pan.

Can I use spaghetti instead of egg noodles?

Yes! It’s a great Spaghetti Lo Mein substitute and works well with the sauce.

Is Lo Mein spicy?

Not inherently. Add chili oil or sriracha if you want heat.

Best cookware?

A nonstick skillet or traditional wok for best results and easy clean-up.

How long to cook chicken Lo Mein?

About 20 minutes total—fast enough for a quick family meal!

Tasty Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try these easy swaps and twists:

Shrimp Lo Mein or Beef Lo Mein for a protein change-up.
Go vegetarian with tofu and more greens.
Add snow peas, bok choy, or mushrooms.
Sweeten the sauce slightly with brown sugar or add chicken broth to thin it.

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