There's something wonderfully comforting about a homemade noodle dish that's both flavorful and quick to whip up. This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe delivers that perfect harmony of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and glossy, savory noodles in a snap.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles that are golden brown and shiny. The noodles are mixed with green snap peas, red bell pepper slices, thin orange carrot strips, and pieces of light brown cooked chicken. There are also some green onion stalks visible in the bowl. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of the noodles. Woman's hand holding black and copper tongs lifts a serving of noodles with vegetables from the bowl. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this easy chicken lo mein so many times because it strikes that sweet spot between restaurant-worthy and home-cooked simplicity. The flavors come together beautifully without hours in the kitchen, and the ingredients are things you can find at most grocery stores or already have on hand.

Super Quick to Make: From prep to the plate, it takes just about 15 minutes.
Adjustable to Your Taste: You can easily switch up veggies or spice level to suit your mood.
Perfect Weeknight Dinner: Hands down, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together without stress.
Tender Chicken & Crispy Veggies: The balance of textures keeps it exciting bite after bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the components in this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe play a part in creating that irresistible, authentic flavor with a simple pantry-friendly approach. Here’s what you'll need and why each ingredient shines.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked lo mein egg noodles arranged in loose nests, bite-sized raw chicken breast pieces, a handful of sliced stir fry vegetables including bright orange carrot slices, red bell pepper strips, white onion slices, dark brown shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant green snow peas, one whole uncracked brown scallion stalk, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl with toasted white sesame seeds, another small white bowl containing finely grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl holding peeled garlic cloves whole and minced garlic, and a medium white ceramic bowl with mixed dark soy sauce, low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, brown sugar, cornstarch, and toasted sesame oil mixed into a glossy dark sauce, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chinese egg noodles: These noodles offer that classic chewy texture, but if you can't find them fresh, dried lo mein or even spaghetti work just fine.
Chicken breast or thigh: Thighs bring more juiciness and flavor, but breasts keep it lean. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
Stir fry vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas—you can swap in anything fresh and crunchy you like.
Scallion: Adds a subtle fresh bite and brightness right at the end.
Toasted white sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds lovely nuttiness and crunch.
Chicken stock: The base of your sauce, giving depth and richness to every bite.
Oyster sauce: Brings umami and a touch of sweetness that makes this dish special.
Dark soy sauce & low sodium soy sauce: Together they provide balance: the dark soy adds color and richness, the lighter soy controls saltiness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the noodles.
Toasted sesame oil: The secret to that signature nutty aroma.
Brown sugar: Just a little sweetness to round out the savory notes.
Fresh ginger & garlic: They wake up the whole dish with bright, warm flavors.
Spicy add-in (optional): Whether it’s chili garlic sauce, Lao Gan Ma, or chili flakes, a touch brings exciting heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is how it welcomes your twists. Personally, I love mixing in whatever fresh veggies I find on sale or from my garden. It truly becomes your own flavor playground.

Vegetable Swap: Try snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy for an interesting crunch—I've used snow peas and loved the crisp contrast.
Protein Variations: Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp or tofu and it changes up the vibe beautifully.
Spice It Up: When I want a kick, I add a teaspoon of Lao Gan Ma chili crisp—just enough for warmth without overpowering.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles; the same technique works and tastes just as good.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

The image shows a large white plate full of stir-fried noodles mixed with colorful vegetables and pieces of cooked chicken. The bottom layer consists of thick, golden-brown noodles twisted around each other. Scattered on top are bright green snap peas, thin red and orange carrot strips, and green onion pieces, plus small chunks of cooked chicken with a light brown color. The dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Around the plate, there are fresh mushrooms, garlic bulbs, garlic cloves, and green onions on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk together the lo mein sauce

Mix all your sauce ingredients in a medium bowl—the chicken stock, oyster sauce, both soy sauces, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. This base sauce is where the magic happens, so I like to do it first so the flavors get cozy while I prep the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them with about a tablespoon of that freshly made sauce. This step adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken slightly. While the chicken marinates, it’s a great time to get your vegetables sliced and ready.

Step 3: Boil your noodles just right

Cook your noodles until they’re al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package suggests. Then, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking. I like to drizzle a tiny bit of oil over the noodles before tossing them gently—that little trick keeps them separated and silky.

Step 4: Stir-fry chicken and veggies

Heat your wok or a large skillet on medium-high, then swirl in the vegetable oil. Cook your marinated chicken until it's browned all over and cooked through—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside. Next, add your sliced vegetables and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, aiming for tender-crisp texture. Don’t worry, the noodles will mingle with the veggies and chicken soon for a perfect balance.

Step 5: Bring it all together with noodles and sauce

Add those tender noodles and the remaining lo mein sauce to the pan with your veggies. Toss everything quickly, letting the sauce thicken and coat the noodles until it looks glossy and delicious—about 1 to 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and combine everything well. At the end, sprinkle over chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really bring this Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe to the next level. These tips saved me from floppy noodles, dry chicken, and bland sauce disasters. Let me share what works best in my kitchen.

No overcooking noodles: Undercook your noodles slightly and rinse right away with cold water; they’ll finish cooking in the stir-fry and stay perfectly chewy.
Marinate chicken just enough: Even 10 minutes in the sauce at room temp can boost flavor without making the chicken mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to get that nice sear and avoid steaming your chicken or veggies.
Thicken sauce properly: Make sure you whisk the cornstarch very well into the liquid sauce before adding it to the pan to avoid lumps.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always top my lo mein with freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds—they add just the right pop of color and texture. If I’m feeling adventurous, a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes make it beautifully spicy.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, I like pairing this with steamed or pan-fried dumplings. A simple cucumber salad or some garlicky sautéed greens also complement the noodles perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this lo mein family-style on a big platter, garnished with vibrant fresh cilantro and sliced chili peppers for visual appeal. It’s always a hit and instantly makes the meal feel festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up the sauce nicely overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I freeze leftovers occasionally, separating into portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture. The sauce holds up well, though noodles may soften slightly.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover lo mein is in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth. Gently toss and stir until steaming hot again—this prevents the noodles from drying out or clumping together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?

Absolutely! If fresh Chinese egg noodles aren’t available, dried lo mein noodles, spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine work well. Just make sure to cook them al dente and rinse to keep them from sticking.

How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?

Marinating the chicken in some of the lo mein sauce before stir-frying helps to tenderize and infuse flavor. Also, cook the chicken quickly over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan to avoid steaming.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra mixed vegetables, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Make sure the oyster sauce is replaced with a vegetarian-friendly alternative like mushroom sauce for umami depth.

What’s the best way to add spice without overpowering the dish?

Start with a small amount of chili garlic sauce, Thai chili flakes, or Lao Gan Ma chili crisp and add it gradually to the sauce. These add heat plus flavor. You can always serve extra on the side for those who want more punch.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe feels like my go-to comfort in a bowl that’s always ready when life gets busy. Every bite reminds me of cozy dinner nights with friends, and I hope you’ll find it just as satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how fast it comes together and how much flavor you get with so little fuss.