15-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and speed.

The tender chicken pairs beautifully with vibrant stir-fried vegetables and fresh Chinese egg noodles, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce that’s slightly sweet and aromatic.

High in protein from lean chicken and fiber-rich from assorted vegetables, this dish offers a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal without heavy carbs.

It’s also rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C from bell peppers and snow peas, while the sesame oil provides heart-healthy fats.

With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep and cooking, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or a quick lunch that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Its versatility allows you to swap vegetables or adjust spice levels, making it a recipe that works beautifully for families or solo dinners alike.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results

Wok

Essential for achieving the authentic stir-fry texture, the wok’s high sides and even heat allow chicken and vegetables to cook quickly while preserving crispness. Its versatility makes it ideal for frying, searing, or tossing any quick Asian-inspired dishes.

Chef’s Knife

Perfect for slicing chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and chopping vegetables efficiently. A sharp, high-quality chef’s knife ensures precise cuts and reduces prep time, making your cooking safer and smoother.

Medium Mixing Bowl

Used for whisking together the lo mein sauce ingredients. Its size is perfect for marinating chicken or combining wet and dry ingredients evenly, and it’s a multipurpose tool for baking and meal prep.

Large Pot

For boiling noodles to al dente perfection. A spacious pot prevents sticking, ensures even cooking, and is invaluable for pasta, blanching vegetables, or making soups.

Slotted Spoon or Tongs

Ideal for transferring cooked noodles and stir-fried ingredients without losing any sauce. They make tossing and serving easy while keeping portions intact.

15-Minute Chicken Lo Mein

Jessica T. Brown

Tender chicken and fresh vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked Chinese egg noodles in a savory, glossy lo mein sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 Wok or Large Skillet
• 1 Medium mixing bowl
• 1 Large Pot
• 1 Chef’s Knife
• 1 Slotted Spoon or Tongs

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Noodles

• 16 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles or substitute with dried lo mein, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 1 lb chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Vegetables & Garnish
• 2 ½ cups stir-fry vegetables e.g., carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, onions, mushrooms
• 1 stalk scallion chopped
• 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds

Lo Mein Sauce

• ½ cup chicken stock or vegetable stock/water
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Optional Spice

• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp, or Thai chili flakes

Instructions

 

• Prepare Lo Mein Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, low sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic.

  Whisk thoroughly until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy sauce.

  Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prep the chicken and vegetables.
• Marinate Chicken Pieces: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a separate bowl and pour about 1 tablespoon of the prepared lo mein sauce over them.

  Toss the chicken until evenly coated, letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb flavor while you prepare the noodles and vegetables.
• Cook Noodles to Al Dente: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the fresh Chinese egg noodles, cooking just 1–2 minutes shy of the package instructions to achieve al dente texture.

  Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, then drizzle a small amount of oil over the noodles and toss gently to coat.
• Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

  Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same wok, add the prepared stir-fry vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until tender but still crisp. Cover the pan briefly if necessary to soften firmer vegetables, then uncover and ensure vegetables retain vibrant color and texture.
• Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles and remaining lo mein sauce to the pan with vegetables, tossing thoroughly for 1–2 minutes.

  Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with glossy, thick sauce and heated through.
• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Chicken Lo Mein to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

  Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor, enjoying a perfectly balanced, savory, and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Noodle Selection: Fresh Chinese egg noodles are ideal for their texture and elasticity, but dried lo mein noodles, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine can be substituted if needed.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Use any combination of vegetables you like or have on hand, such as carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli. Slice evenly for consistent cooking.
• Marination Tip: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 5–10 minutes to absorb the sauce’s flavor. Even a short marination enhances taste significantly.
• Sauce Adjustments: Taste and adjust the sauce with more soy or sesame oil depending on your preferred flavor profile. For spicier variations, add chili garlic sauce or chili flakes sparingly.
• Leftovers Storage: Store any leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the noodles.

Chef’s Secrets For Ultimate Flavor

The secret to perfect Chicken Lo Mein lies in balancing high heat with careful timing.

Stir-frying the chicken first ensures it stays juicy, while vegetables are added just long enough to maintain crunch and vibrant color.

Using fresh egg noodles prevents sogginess, and tossing the noodles in the sauce for a brief moment creates a glossy coating that locks in flavor.

Adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil at the right stage intensifies the overall taste.

For an extra layer of flavor, toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing, and always taste-test the sauce before combining everything to fine-tune seasoning.

Serving Suggestions For Delicious Meals

Chicken Lo Mein pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides.

Consider serving it with a crisp cucumber salad, miso soup, or a side of steamed dumplings.

A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.

It also works well as a main course for lunch or dinner, making it perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Garnishing with scallions and sesame seeds adds visual appeal and a subtle crunch, making each serving both appetizing and satisfying.

Storage Tips For Freshness Longevity

To maintain the perfect texture, store leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave to keep noodles from becoming mushy.

You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a wok or pan.

If the noodles dry out slightly, splash a little chicken stock or water during reheating to restore moisture and glossy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lo Mein

1. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! Pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu are excellent substitutes. Cook each protein separately, then combine with vegetables and noodles. Adjust cooking time according to protein type to avoid overcooking.

2. How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock in the sauce. Increase vegetables for added texture and protein, and ensure the sauce remains balanced with soy and sesame oil.

3. Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Add chili garlic sauce, Lao Gan Ma, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with small amounts, taste, and adjust gradually to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.

4. Can I prepare noodles ahead of time?

Yes, cook noodles slightly under al dente, rinse under cold water, drizzle with oil, and store in an airtight container. Combine with stir-fried chicken and vegetables when ready to serve.

5. How do I prevent noodles from sticking?

Rinse noodles in cold water after cooking, toss with a light drizzle of oil, and stir gently before adding to the pan. Avoid overcooking to maintain a firm, non-sticky texture.