Introduction: The Chinese-Inspired Comfort Dish for Fast Dinners
Some nights call for something quick, warm, and full of flavor. That’s where a good chicken lo mein recipe delivers. Think tender noodles, savory sauce, and juicy chicken tossed with crisp veggies. It hits that sweet spot between comfort food and convenience.
This dish is ideal if you’re craving easy Chinese recipes that don’t take over your evening. It comes together fast, uses everyday ingredients, and feels way more satisfying than takeout. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this is one of those fast dinner recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
If you love fast dinner recipes with Asian flavors, try my Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe next for another 30 minute chicken dinner that works for both weeknights and meal prep.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (Quick Chicken Style)
This chicken lo mein recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Optional add-ins for a quick chicken upgrade:
- A splash of oyster sauce for depth
- A pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
- Snap peas or broccoli for extra crunch
Keep everything prepped and ready before cooking. The stir-fry moves fast, and timing matters.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe Step by Step
Making this chicken lo mein recipe is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps and dinner will be on the table in no time.
- Cook the noodles
Prepare lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain them and set aside. If you’re worried about sticking, rinse them briefly with cold water. - Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken into thin strips. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sauté the chicken until golden and fully cooked. This usually takes about six to eight minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. - Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for about three minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. - Combine and sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. - Serve hot
Plate your chicken lo mein while it’s still steaming. Add a drizzle of soy sauce if you like a saltier kick.
Quick tip: Work fast and keep the heat up. It’s the secret to keeping everything crisp and flavorful.
Tips for Fast Dinners That Still Taste Amazing
A few smart moves can make your chicken lo mein even better. These tips help you save time and boost flavor.
Prep everything before you start
Lo mein cooks fast. Slice vegetables and cut the chicken before turning on the heat.
Use high heat
Cooking on high heat helps lock in flavor and gives that stir-fry texture. A hot pan also prevents soggy noodles.
Go easy on the sesame oil
Too much can overpower the dish. A little adds depth without making it heavy.
Rinse noodles if needed
If they start sticking after cooking, a quick rinse in cold water helps keep them separate.
Try marinating your chicken
Even 20 minutes in soy sauce and garlic can make a difference. It’s a simple upgrade for any fast dinner recipe.
Fast dinners don’t have to feel rushed. A few small choices can turn simple into standout.
Variations and Lo Mein Recipe Ideas
Lo mein recipes are easy to personalize. Here are a few ways to switch things up while keeping it fast and flavorful.
Swap the protein
Instead of sliced chicken breast, try chicken bites for a fun twist. They cook quickly and add texture. You can also use tofu, shrimp, or thin-sliced beef.
Try a different sauce
Love sweet and savory? A honey garlic chicken version of this lo mein is a game-changer. Just add a spoonful of honey and extra garlic to your soy sauce mix.
Mix in more vegetables
Bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli all work well. Use what’s fresh or left in your fridge.
Make it spicy
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a bit of chili oil if you like heat. Stir it in with the sauce for an even kick.
This chicken lo mein recipe can be the base for many different lo mein recipes. Just one pan and a few swaps and you’ve got something new each time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Lo Mein
What makes this different from other lo mein recipes?
This version is quick, flexible, and made with fresh ingredients. Unlike takeout, you can control the salt, oil, and add-ins. It also uses simple steps anyone can follow.
Can I use other noodles?
Yes. If lo mein noodles are hard to find, use spaghetti or udon as a backup. Just avoid very thin noodles like vermicelli since they can break apart during stir-frying.
How is chicken lo mein different from chow mein?
Chow mein often involves crispy noodles or a fried finish. Lo mein recipes focus on soft noodles tossed in sauce with stir-fried ingredients.
Is this part of traditional Chinese cooking recipes?
It is inspired by Chinese cooking but simplified for home kitchens. It combines familiar ingredients with techniques used in many Chinese dishes.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can slice the chicken and vegetables a day ahead. Cooked lo mein also stores well in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition Info for This Easy Chinese Recipe
Each serving of this chicken lo mein gives a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Here is the breakdown for one average plate.
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32 grams
- Carbohydrates: 66 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 850 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 85 milligrams
These values are based on standard portions. If you add extra sauce, meat, or veggies, the numbers will shift. For lighter versions, reduce the oil or swap in low-carb noodles.
Final Thoughts on This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Great meals do not have to be complicated. This chicken lo mein recipe proves that with a few ingredients and a little heat, you can create something full of flavor and comfort.
Whether you are exploring more Chinese cooking recipes or just looking for a go-to weeknight dish, this one delivers. It is flexible, fast, and always satisfying.
If you try it, feel free to make it your own. A bit more spice, a new veggie, or a twist in the sauce can turn it into a personal favorite.
Print it, save it, or share it with someone who loves simple food done right.
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles fresh or dried
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 carrots peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse if needed. Set aside.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Toss everything to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot. Add extra soy sauce if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Potassium: 0 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 0%
- Iron: 0%
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