This Spicy Orange Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in minutes. With tender noodles, zesty orange sauce, and juicy chicken, it is one of the best easy Chinese recipes for a quick weeknight meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a fast dinner recipe that tastes like takeout.
- Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast : adds juicy protein to the dish
- Lo mein noodles : bring chewy texture and soak up sauce
- Orange juice : gives the sauce a fresh citrus flavor
- Soy sauce : adds savory depth and balance
- Honey : adds sweetness and sticky texture
- Garlic : builds bold flavor in the sauce
- Red chili flakes : give the dish a spicy kick
- Sesame oil : adds rich nutty aroma
- Green onions : bring color and freshness
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Stir in orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss until every strand is glossy and coated with the spicy orange sauce.
- Sprinkle green onions on top before serving warm.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making this spicy orange chicken lo mein recipe, a few small mistakes can change the flavor completely.
- Do not overcook the noodles. They should be tender, not mushy.
- Do not skip the fresh orange juice. Bottled juice can make the sauce too sweet.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a bowl of jasmine rice. For more quick chicken ideas, try our creamy ground beef pasta, or comfort meals like cracked out chicken tater tot casserole. If you love restaurant-style flavor, explore this longhorn steakhouse chicken recipe for your next dinner night.
Spicy Orange Chicken Lo Mein
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti as a substitute
Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.
- Pour in orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes. Stir well and let simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Add cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes, you can use spaghetti if you don’t have lo mein noodles. The texture is slightly different, but it still soaks up the sauce nicely. Make sure to cook it until just tender. Toss it well in the orange sauce to capture all the flavor and spice from this chicken lo mein recipe.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of red chili flakes or leave them out. You will still get that rich orange flavor without the heat. For a milder version, try blending in a bit of honey garlic sauce inspired by our chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe.
How can I store leftovers?
Let the lo mein cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back that glossy texture and bold flavor. This makes it one of the best fast dinners for busy weeks.
Conclusion
This Spicy Orange Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a bright, bold dish that comes together in no time. It’s one of those Chinese cooking recipes that everyone loves, perfect for fast dinners or lazy weekends. Save or pin this recipe to enjoy an easy, flavorful meal whenever you crave something zesty and delicious.
