Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (35-Min Fast Dinner) | Better Than Takeout!

If you love Lo Mein Recipes but want something faster than takeout, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is your new weeknight go-to. It’s a true Easy Chinese Recipe made with quick chicken, vibrant veggies, and a glossy savory sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s one of those fast dinner recipes you can cook on autopilot, and it tastes like a restaurant-quality bowl at home.

Bonus: I’m sharing a simple Honey Garlic Chicken twist too, if you like a sweeter, stickier flavor.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in about 35 minutes (perfect for fast dinners)
• Uses simple pantry sauces and fresh or frozen veggies
• Flexible: swap proteins, noodles, and vegetables easily
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

Noodles

• 12 oz (340 g) lo mein noodles
  Sub: spaghetti, ramen noodles (discard seasoning), or udon

Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
  Tip: cut into small chicken bites for faster cooking

Veggies (use what you have)

Choose 3 to 5 cups total, sliced thin:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup carrots (matchsticks)
• 1 cup bell pepper
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 cup snap peas or broccoli
• 3 to 4 scallions (green onions), sliced

Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but great)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola, sunflower, avocado)

Lo Mein Sauce (quick and glossy)

Whisk together:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium if possible)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or more soy sauce if you do not have it)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 to 2 tsp brown sugar (or 1 tbsp honey)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for extra glossy sauce)
• Chili flakes or chili sauce (optional, to taste)

Honey Garlic Chicken twist (optional)

Add:

• 1 tbsp honey (in addition to the sugar/honey above)
• 1 extra clove garlic

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook lo mein noodles until just tender.
3. Drain, rinse quickly with cool water (prevents sticking), and toss with 1 tsp oil.

Tip: Slightly undercook the noodles. They will finish in the wok with the sauce.

Step 2: Prep everything before you start stir-frying

Stir-fry moves fast. Keep these ready:

• chicken bites
• sliced veggies
• sauce whisked
• garlic and ginger minced

Step 3: Cook the chicken

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tbsp oil.
3. Add chicken and stir-fry 4 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken to a plate.

Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in two batches if needed.

Step 4: Stir-fry the veggies

1. Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
2. Add carrots and firmer veggies first (like broccoli) and cook 2 minutes.
3. Add remaining veggies and cook 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Add garlic and ginger for the last 30 seconds.

Step 5: Toss everything together

1. Add cooked chicken back to the pan.
2. Pour in the sauce and let it bubble 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Add noodles and toss until evenly coated and glossy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and serve

• Taste and adjust: more soy sauce for salt, honey for sweetness, vinegar for brightness.
• Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the best Chicken Lo Mein

• High heat = better flavor. Keep the pan hot.
• Thin slicing makes everything cook fast and evenly.
• If the noodles look dry, add 1 to 2 tbsp water to loosen the sauce.
• Want extra saucy lo mein? Double the sauce and use half the cornstarch slurry.

Easy variations

• Protein swap: shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken (add at the end)
• Veggie shortcuts: frozen stir-fry mix works отлично
• Spicy version: add chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• Honey Garlic version: add the honey + extra garlic for that sweet-savory kick

What to serve with Chicken Lo Mein

Keep it simple:

• cucumber salad
• egg drop soup
• spring rolls or dumplings
• steamed edamame

Storage & reheating

• Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this without lo mein noodles?
Yes. Spaghetti or ramen noodles work great.

How do I keep noodles from sticking?
Rinse briefly after boiling and toss with a little oil.

Can I prep this ahead?
Yes. Slice veggies and mix sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Cook fresh for best texture.