
There’s something about a big bowl of lo mein that just feels like a win. Long, glossy noodles tangled with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that savory sauce that somehow tastes better at night. It’s comforting without being heavy. It’s fast without feeling rushed. And it gives you that takeout-style satisfaction without waiting for delivery.
Chicken lo mein is one of those meals that sits right in the middle of everything. It’s not as saucy as chow mein. Not as spicy as some stir-fries. Not as rich as creamy pasta. It’s balanced. Salty, slightly sweet, savory, with a hint of sesame in the background. The noodles soak up just enough sauce to stay flavorful without turning soggy.
And the best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes.
If you’ve been searching for easy chicken lo mein recipes, quick Asian-inspired dinners, homemade takeout meals, or simple noodle stir-fries, this one is about to become your weeknight favorite.
Let’s build it properly.
Why Homemade Chicken Lo Mein Is Better Than Takeout
Takeout lo mein is reliable. But it can also be greasy. Over-salted. Slightly overcooked by the time it arrives.
When you make it at home, you control the texture. You control the sauce. You control the amount of chicken (which is often lacking in takeout containers). And you get that fresh-off-the-pan flavor that doesn’t sit in a box for twenty minutes.
The key is balance. Properly cooked noodles. High heat. Quick stir-frying. And a sauce that clings instead of pools.
Once you understand that rhythm, lo mein becomes surprisingly simple.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the noodles and vegetables:
8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the sauce:
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons chicken broth
Simple pantry ingredients. Big flavor.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Lo Mein
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, toss the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth.
Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to coat.
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, tossing continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles evenly.
Stir in green onions just before serving.
Serve immediately.
Flavor and Texture Expectations
The noodles should be tender but not mushy. The chicken juicy with lightly seared edges. The vegetables slightly crisp.
You’ll taste savory soy first. Then subtle sweetness from hoisin. A touch of sesame warmth in the background.
It’s balanced. Not overpowering. Comforting without being heavy.
Make It Your Own
Add broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch.
Swap chicken for shrimp or beef.
Add chili garlic sauce for heat.
Use whole wheat spaghetti if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
Add bean sprouts at the end for texture.
The structure holds up to changes.
Why This Is Perfect for Easy Meals
It cooks fast. It uses one pan. It feels like takeout but fresher.
It’s customizable and family-friendly. And it reheats well for lunch the next day.
It’s one of those meals that makes you wonder why you ever ordered it instead of making it.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but the skillet keeps texture better.
Final Thoughts
Delicious Chicken Lo Mein is quick, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Glossy noodles. Tender chicken. Crisp vegetables. Savory sauce.
It’s weeknight comfort food with takeout flavor — minus the wait.
Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Easy Meals
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese-AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes540
kcal30
minutesThis Delicious Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and satisfying noodle dish made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes better than takeout.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles
8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as substitute)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced1 cup snow peas
3 green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, mincedFor the Lo Mein Sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken broth
Directions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add noodles.
Pour sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and evenly coats noodles. - Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
Serve immediately while hot.

