Easy Chicken Lo Mein

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When I’m short on time but still want something flavorful and comforting, Easy Chicken Lo Mein is my go-to recipe. It’s one of those dishes that manages to feel like takeout while being totally doable at home, even on a weeknight. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly saucy noodles, this meal never fails to satisfy.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether I’m using whatever vegetables are left in the fridge or swapping in different proteins, the core flavor always holds up. It’s fast, forgiving, and the kind of meal that has everyone scraping their plates clean.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Lo Mein

This lo mein comes together in under 30 minutes, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is way healthier than takeout. It’s rich, savory, and has just enough sweetness from the sauce to balance everything out. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one bowl—protein, carbs, and veggies all together.

The flavors are bold, the textures are satisfying, and the clean-up is minimal. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull this off.

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What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Chicken Lo Mein?

The best noodles for lo mein are traditional Chinese egg noodles—they have a slightly chewy texture and hold up well to stir-frying. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine in a pinch. The key is to not overcook them so they don’t get mushy when tossed in the wok.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Don’t have chicken? Swap it with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even tempeh. No snap peas or bell peppers? Use broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or whatever you have on hand.

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. You can also add a spicy kick with sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

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Ingredients for this Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken breast or thighs – Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors of the sauce.

Lo mein noodles or egg noodles – The chewy base that holds all the sauce and veggies together.

Red bell pepper – Adds a pop of color and a sweet crunch.

Snap peas – Brings freshness and a crisp texture.

Garlic and ginger – Essential aromatics that provide deep, savory flavor.

Soy sauce – Salty umami base of the sauce.

Oyster sauce – Adds depth and richness.

Hoisin sauce – Brings sweetness and a hint of tang.

Sesame oil – Nutty, aromatic oil that enhances the overall flavor.

Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.

Vegetable oil – For stir-frying at high heat.

Green onions – Fresh, sharp finish for the dish.

Optional sesame seeds – For garnish and a little texture.

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Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you turn on the stove, slice your chicken into thin strips, julienne the bell peppers, trim the snap peas, and mince your garlic and ginger. Cook and drain the noodles according to package instructions. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process go much smoother.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with a little soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This not only flavors the meat but helps keep it tender.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, a splash of water, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Taste and adjust based on your preference—more hoisin for sweetness, more soy for saltiness.

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Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

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Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger first, followed by the red bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks until evenly coated and heated through.

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Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot, right out of the wok for the best texture and flavor.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Prep Time: Most of the work happens up front. Between slicing the chicken, prepping the vegetables, and mixing the sauce, expect to spend about 15–20 minutes. Having everything chopped and ready before you start cooking is essential.

Cook Time: Once everything is prepped, the cooking process is fast—about 10 minutes from start to finish. Stir-frying moves quickly, so this meal can be ready in under 30 minutes total.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Lo Mein

• Use high heat to get that slightly charred, takeout-style flavor.
• Don’t overcook the noodles—just until al dente before tossing them in.
• Add the sauce last to coat everything evenly without burning.
• Cut chicken and veggies into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Work in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marinade: This step keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
• Overcooking vegetables: Keep them crisp for better texture.
• Using too much sauce: It can make the noodles soggy. Add a little at a time.
• Crowding the pan: Leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
• Not prepping ahead: This dish moves fast—have everything ready.

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What to Serve With Easy Chicken Lo Mein?

1. Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside—these make a great crunchy side.

2. Hot and Sour Soup

Light and tangy, this soup pairs well with the rich noodles.

3. Asian Cucumber Salad

Cool, refreshing, and a nice contrast to the warm, savory lo mein.

4. Steamed Dumplings

Another classic takeout favorite that makes the meal feel complete.

5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Simple greens tossed in garlic and soy for a healthy side.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce overnight, so add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.

Reheating: Best done in a hot skillet with a tiny bit of oil or water to revive the texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but the noodles may get a bit softer.

Freezing: Not recommended. The noodles and vegetables lose their texture after freezing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Sugar: 6g

These numbers may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can replace it with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar or peanut butter for richness.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Are lo mein and chow mein the same?

Not quite. Lo mein is soft and saucy, while chow mein is crispier and usually involves fried noodles.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

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Conclusion

Easy Chicken Lo Mein is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s quick, flexible, and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a solo dinner, this dish always hits the spot.

With simple ingredients and fast prep, it’s a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite!

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