Sometimes you just need a dinner that hits the table fast and still feels like a little gift. This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Dinner is exactly that. It’s saucy, savory, and so packed with flavor that no one will guess it took you less than thirty minutes. Whether you’re shaking off a long workday or just craving a little homemade comfort, this lo mein recipe is here to wrap you up like a warm noodle hug. Grab your biggest skillet and let’s get this dinner rolling.
Why This Recipe Works
The noodles cook in under five minutes. The sauce is pantry-friendly and packed with umami. Chicken breast cooks up juicy and quick in a hot skillet. It all comes together in one pan. You can clean out your veggie drawer and make this your own.
Ingredients
Lo mein noodles or spaghetti: These are the backbone of the dish, soft but chewy, soaking up that glossy sauce like a dream. If you don’t have lo mein noodles on hand, plain spaghetti works just fine. Just cook until tender with a tiny bit of bite left in the middle.
Chicken breast: Thinly sliced, this cooks up quickly and stays tender. You can swap in chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken if that’s what you’ve got.
Soy sauce: Salty, savory, and rich, soy sauce gives the dish that deep flavor base. A mix of regular and low sodium works best so it doesn’t overpower everything.
Oyster sauce: This gives you that slightly sweet, savory punch that turns stir fry into restaurant-level Chinese cooking recipes.
Sesame oil: Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil is added at the end for a burst of flavor. Don’t cook with it directly, as the flavor fades under heat.
Garlic and ginger: The aromatic heart of this dish, both add warmth and zing to the sauce. Always go fresh if you can.
Brown sugar: Just a touch helps round out the saltiness with subtle sweetness.
Vegetables: Think carrots, bell peppers, green onions, snap peas, or even leftover shredded cabbage. Whatever’s in your crisper, use it up here.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce just enough to coat each strand of noodle with a silky glaze.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by cooking your noodles in a big pot of boiling water. You want them just shy of done since they’ll finish up in the skillet. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together.
While the noodles are boiling, slice your chicken thin and toss it in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch. This trick helps the chicken stay juicy and gives it a silky coating once it hits the pan.
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, drizzle a bit of neutral oil and sear the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit for a minute or two before stirring so it gets a little golden. Once cooked through, remove and set aside.
Add your chopped veggies to the pan. If they’re hearty like carrots or broccoli, give them a couple of extra minutes. If you’re working with quick-cook veggies like peppers or snow peas, stir them just until crisp-tender.
Next, stir together your sauce ingredients in a bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of water. Pour it into the pan with the veggies and let it bubble for a moment.
Add the cooked noodles and chicken back in. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until coated and hot. Just before serving, drizzle with sesame oil and scatter some sliced green onions on top if you have them.
Mistakes to Avoid
With any easy chicken lo mein dinner, the biggest mistake is overcooking your noodles or chicken. Mushy noodles or dry chicken will flatten the joy of this quick meal. Another pitfall is skipping the sauce tasting step. Before you add it to the pan, dip a spoon in and adjust if needed. Add a splash more soy for salt, a pinch more sugar for balance, or even a little heat with chili flakes if that’s your vibe. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the chicken space to sear, not steam.
Pro Tips
Want to speed things up even more? Prep the sauce in the morning and stash it in the fridge. You can also pre-slice the veggies and store them in an airtight container. That way, all you have to do come dinnertime is toss and cook. If your family loves Honey Garlic Chicken or sweet-savory blends, try adding a spoon of honey into the sauce for a twist. Speaking of twists, you can turn this into a budget-friendly dinner by using leftover roast chicken or even crispy tofu for a meatless take.
And if you’re craving even more quick chicken dinners, this honey garlic meatball recipe from my kitchen has a similar flavor vibe. Or maybe you want a soup to start the meal? Try the Easy Thai Chicken Soup that’s perfect with lo mein on the side. For heavier nights, you can explore Smothered Chicken and Rice or even these Crack Burgers for something fast but filling.
Easy Chicken Lo Mein Dinner
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti cooked until just tender
Chicken
- 1 chicken breast thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce for marinating chicken
- 1 tsp cornstarch for coating chicken
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce mix of regular and low sodium
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 tbsp water
Final Touch
- 1 tsp sesame oil drizzle before serving
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or cabbage
- green onions optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling water until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Thinly slice chicken and toss with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit while noodles cook.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high. Sear chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped vegetables to the pan. Cook until crisp-tender, adjusting time depending on vegetable type.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and water. Add to pan and simmer briefly.
- Return noodles and chicken to the pan. Toss everything together until evenly coated and hot. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This easy chicken lo mein dinner is a one-pan wonder, but it doesn’t hurt to dress it up a little. Serve it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for freshness and crunch. If you’re going big, add crispy egg rolls or potstickers for a full takeout-style feast. I love to sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for a little contrast in texture. And if you’ve got a few extra minutes, a quick miso soup makes this a full, cozy dinner without much extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my chicken lo mein soggy?
Overcooking the noodles or vegetables is usually the culprit. You want the noodles just barely tender and your veggies bright with a little crunch left. Also, draining and rinsing your noodles after cooking helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from going soft in the pan.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. This is one of those fast dinners that gets better as the flavors sit. Cook everything and let it cool before refrigerating. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen things back up.
What’s the best noodle for chicken lo mein?
Traditional lo mein noodles are made with wheat and are slightly chewy. You can find them in most Asian markets. In a pinch, regular spaghetti noodles work just fine. Avoid thin noodles like angel hair, which break apart too easily.
How do I keep my chicken tender in stir fry?
The trick is to slice it thin and toss it in a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking. This creates a light coating that helps lock in moisture. Also, cook over high heat quickly so the chicken sears outside while staying juicy inside.
Let’s Make It Again
If you’re anything like me, this easy chicken lo mein dinner will end up in your regular rotation. It’s quick, it’s craveable, and it leaves you with just one skillet to wash. You can tweak it every time with different veggies or spice levels. And best of all, it’s one of those fast dinner recipes that feeds everyone without fuss. Whether you’re brand new to easy Chinese food recipes or already deep into the world of Chinese cooking recipes, this one’s a keeper. Bring it back whenever you need a quick chicken dinner that feels like a win.
