Description
Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a homemade takeout experience that’s customizable, balanced, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (plus extra for finishing)
- Optional: 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, or chili flakes for added flavor
Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil for stir-frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients – Begin by slicing your chicken into thin strips for quick cooking. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking. Toss lightly with a bit of sesame oil to keep the noodles separate.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they are golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.
- Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables – In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
- Step 4: Combine and Sauce – Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles and pour in the soy sauce (and optional oyster or hoisin sauce if using). Toss everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and warmed through.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve – Drizzle with toasted sesame oil for extra flavor and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Give everything one last toss, then serve hot immediately, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Cook noodles al dente to prevent sogginess when tossed with sauce.
- Use high heat for stir-frying to keep ingredients seared and flavorful.
- Prep all ingredients and mix sauces beforehand for smoother cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; stir-fry in batches if necessary.
- Customize your sauce by adjusting sweetness, saltiness, or heat to taste before combining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chicken lo mein, easy chicken dinner, stir-fry noodles, quick weeknight meal, homemade takeout
