When I first started cooking at home more often, Chicken Lo Mein quickly became my go-to fast dinner recipe. With its tender noodles, savory sauce, and colorful veggies, this classic Chinese-inspired dish always hits the spot after a long day. The best part? It tastes just like takeout but healthier, cheaper, and ready in about 20 minutes. As a recipe creator who loves quick meals (and flavorful shortcuts like honey garlic chicken and chicken bites), this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe became a staple in my weekly rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable for your family’s taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 20 minutes, quicker than takeout.
- Packed With Flavor: A rich sauce made from soy, garlic, sesame, and ginger gives restaurant-quality taste.
- Nutritious & Colorful: Loaded with veggies like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers for a balanced meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients and stretches chicken for a hearty but cheap dinner recipe.
- Prep-Ahead Friendly: Chop veggies or pre-mix the sauce earlier to make dinner even faster.
- Comforting & Family-Approved: Warm noodles, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, total comfort.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Time Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper; sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine everything: Add cooked noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Finish & serve: Add green onions and extra sesame oil if desired.
How to Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions.
- Add a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
- Pair with potstickers or spring rolls.
- Serve alongside your favorite soup, try my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for a cozy meal.
- Enjoy with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Additional Tips
- Use pre-shredded veggies for an ultra-fast dinner.
- Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if sensitive to sodium.
- Add more protein: shrimp, pork, steak, or tofu work well.
- For low-carb/keto: use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Make it spicy: add sriracha or chili crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Keto Chicken Lo Mein: Replace noodles with zucchini spirals or shirataki noodles; reduce honey.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: Add extra honey, garlic, and a splash of chili sauce.
- Veggie Lo Mein: Skip the chicken and double the vegetables for a lighter, vegetarian dinner.
- Chicken Bites Lo Mein: Use crispy pan-fried chicken bites for texture and crunch.
Freezing and Storage
| Storage Method | How Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight containers. Great for meal prep. |
| Freezer | 2 months | Freeze in portions; thaw overnight. |
| Reheat | 1–2 minutes | Add a splash of water so noodles don’t dry out. |
Special Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wok or Large Skillet | For high-heat stir-frying |
| Tongs or Stir-Fry Spoon | Tossing noodles and vegetables |
| Mixing Bowl | For sauce preparation |
| Sharp Knife | Slicing chicken and veggies |
| Colander | Draining noodles |
FAQs
1. Can I make this low-carb or keto?
Yes, Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and lower the honey to keep carbs minimal.
2. Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn work great in Lo Mein recipes.
3. Can I replace the chicken?
Yes. Try shrimp, tofu, sliced pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
4. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely. Chicken Lo Mein stores well and reheats beautifully for fast dinners.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Lo Mein is best stir-fried quickly, but you can make shredded chicken in a crockpot and assemble the dish afterward.
Conclusion
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe brings together everything you love about fast dinners: bold flavor, quick prep, and a satisfying noodle base. Whether you’re craving easy Chinese recipes or need a reliable weeknight option, this dish checks every box. Pair it with favorites like French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole for a comforting meal that fits any busy lifestyle.