Ready for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table? Look no further than Chicken Lo Mein—an irresistible tangle of savory noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp-tender veggies all slicked in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a weekend treat. Whether you’re a seasoned stir-fryer or brand new to noodle dishes, Chicken Lo Mein delivers big on taste, color, and fun with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Lo Mein is just how approachable each ingredient is, and how beautifully they come together to balance flavor, color, and texture. Every component, from the noodles to the veggies and homemade sauce, has a purpose, making this dish greater than the sum of its parts.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): Classic lo mein noodles are perfect, but spaghetti works in a pinch for just the right chewiness.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds that irresistible, nutty aroma and keeps noodles from clumping.
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced (1 pound): Slices quickly cook up moist and tender, soaking up all the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Ideal for high heat stir-frying without overpowering other flavors.
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Brings crunch and freshness to every forkful.
- Matchstick carrots (1 cup): Give a sweet, colorful crunch that brightens up the dish.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Pops of color and subtle sweetness make each bite exciting.
- Green onions, sliced (3): Finish the dish with zesty freshness and a soft onion bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The backbone of the sauce, bringing salty depth.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a shot of savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce and imparts an unmistakable Asian flair.
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons): Evens out the salty and tangy notes with gentle sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Ensures the sauce clings silkily to every noodle.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps bring the sauce together at just the right consistency.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces zippy warmth, essential to classic Chicken Lo Mein flavor.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti!) according to the package directions. Once they’re perfectly al dente, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss the noodles right away with a splash of sesame oil, which not only prevents clumping but also infuses them with mouthwatering fragrance.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat, swirl in one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast, letting the pieces sear without crowding the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the edges and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Return to your skillet and pour in that last tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these veggies for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still maintain some crispness and vibrant color. It’s this quick cooking that keeps Chicken Lo Mein lively and fresh.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a small bowl. This combination creates a deeply flavorful sauce that’s just thick enough to coat every noodle strand.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with your prepared noodles and that gorgeous sauce. Give everything a good toss with tongs or two forks, making sure each noodle gets a generous slick of sauce and the vegetables are well distributed. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—just enough for the sauce to bubble and everything to heat through. Finish by stirring in the sliced green onions for a fresh pop.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein

Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds is all you really need to finish off your Chicken Lo Mein. If you like a little spice, shake on some chili flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha over the top right before serving. These little extras add personality and make your dish shine.
Side Dishes
Pair Chicken Lo Mein with a side of steamed edamame, crisp Asian slaw, or simple miso soup for a nutrition-packed meal that feels restaurant-quality at home. Light sides keep the focus on those irresistible noodles without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Chicken Lo Mein in a big family-style bowl so everyone can help themselves, or portion it out into cute takeout containers for a playful “night in” vibe. For a fun twist, top individual plates with quick-pickled veggies or serve with lettuce cups so guests can make their own wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep happily for up to three days and actually tastes even richer the next day as the flavors marry.
Freezing
Want to make a batch in advance? Freeze cooled Chicken Lo Mein in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your lo mein gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if things look a little dry. You can also microwave individual servings with a damp paper towel on top to keep things moist and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! If lo mein noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or linguine make a great substitute for their bite and texture. Rice noodles or even ramen can also work in a pinch—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make Chicken Lo Mein gluten free?
Swap in gluten-free noodles and use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Check labels on oyster and hoisin sauces, too, as some brands contain wheat.
What vegetables go best in Chicken Lo Mein?
Cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers are fantastic classic choices, but feel free to add broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or even bean sprouts. Chicken Lo Mein is endlessly adaptable to whatever crisp veggies you have on hand.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and sub in tofu, seitan, or simply double up on the veggies. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or extra hoisin sauce to maintain savory depth in the sauce.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for Lo Mein?
For the most tender results, slice the chicken breast thinly against the grain. This not only shortens the cooking time but also ensures every bite is tender and flavorful, just how you want it in Chicken Lo Mein.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever craved takeout but wanted something homemade, this Chicken Lo Mein is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s colorful, lightning-fast, incredibly delicious, and wonderfully versatile. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to recreate your favorite noodle dish right in your own kitchen!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender noodles, savory chicken, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and toss with sesame oil.
- Cook Chicken: Brown and cook chicken in a skillet, then set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Stir-fry cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper in the skillet.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, and ginger.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to skillet with noodles and sauce. Cook until heated through. Add green onions and serve.
Notes
- Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- For extra heat, drizzle with sriracha or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg