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Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe 5-Minute Quick Weeknight Meal

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A quick and flavorful chicken lo mein recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that clings to every noodle strand.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (mix of light and dark preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce as substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 sliced bell pepper (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 cup baby bok choy or napa cabbage
  • 1/2 cup snow peas or snap peas
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Chili flakes or Sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional), and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and toss with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey, and 1/4 cup chicken broth or water. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil if needed. Stir-fry shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, baby bok choy or napa cabbage, and snow peas for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  7. Return the chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and flavors meld.
  8. Turn off heat. Stir in sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Add chili flakes or Sriracha if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to loosen. For extra brightness, add a dash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper stir-frying. Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor and tenderness. Toss noodles with sesame oil after boiling to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken lo mein, quick dinner, weeknight meal, stir-fry noodles, easy chicken recipe, Chinese noodles, healthy dinner