This chicken lo mein recipe is a delicious 30-minute meal perfect for a hectic weeknight. The flavors are simple, delicious and tasty!

I have a cookbook, Desperation Dinners, that I pull out every once in a while when I need a meal in a hurry.

Although some of the recipe titles are eye-rolling, to say the least, the meals come together FAST and are really, really good.

Every time I use the book, I’m reminded I need to use it more! This meal, Lazy Lo Mein, is wonderful.

I love Asian noodle dishes, and this did not disappoint. The ingredients are fresh and delicious and I am definitely adding this to my meal planning rotation.

Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Go-To 30-Minute Weeknight Wonder

Are you constantly searching for quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner ideas that don’t involve endless hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is designed to be your ultimate weeknight savior, delivering authentic Asian flavors in under 30 minutes. Forget expensive and often unhealthy takeout; with fresh ingredients and a simple stir-fry technique, you can whip up a truly incredible homemade Lo Mein that the whole family will adore.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the vibrant medley of textures and tastes. Tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked noodles, and crisp-tender vegetables are all tossed in a savory, aromatic stir-fry sauce that comes together in mere moments. It’s a meal that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed, making it a staple in any busy household.

Why This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this particular Chicken Lo Mein recipe stands out and deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Lightning Fast: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes total, making it faster than ordering delivery. This is ideal for those evenings when time is scarce, but you still crave a wholesome, satisfying meal.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The homemade stir-fry sauce is the heart of this dish, balancing salty soy, rich oyster sauce, pungent garlic and ginger, a touch of sweetness from ketchup, and a hint of tang from vinegar. It coats every noodle and piece of chicken, creating an explosion of umami in every bite.
• Healthier & Fresher: By making it at home, you have complete control over the quality of your ingredients and the amount of oil and sodium used. Load it up with your favorite fresh vegetables for a nutrient-packed meal.
• Highly Customizable: While we love the chicken and vegetable combination in this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile. Swap out proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Cooking at home is almost always more economical than dining out. This recipe uses readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the gourmet price tag.

The Inspiration: Desperation Dinners and the Quest for Quick Meals

Like many home cooks, I often find myself in need of a quick meal solution, especially on those extra hectic weeknights. That’s when I turn to trusted resources, and one of my favorites is a cookbook titled Desperation Dinners. While some of the recipe titles might induce a chuckle or an eye-roll, the philosophy behind the book is pure genius: deliver delicious, reliable meals that come together incredibly fast.

This “Lazy Lo Mein” recipe, as it’s affectionately known, is a shining example of the cookbook’s brilliance. It consistently reminds me of the joy of Asian noodle dishes and how truly satisfying a well-made stir-fry can be. Every time I prepare it, I’m genuinely impressed by how fresh the ingredients taste and how effortlessly the complex flavors meld. It’s undeniably earned its place in my regular meal rotation.

Chicken Lo Mein the EASY Way

Yield:

4
Servings

Prep Time:

20
mins

Cook Time:

20
mins

Total Time:

40
mins

4.72 stars (7 ratings)

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Ingredients

STIR-FRY SAUCE

• 3 tablespoons
  soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons
  oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon
  minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon
  rice wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon
  ketchup
• 2 teaspoons
  chopped ginger
• 1 teaspoon
  dark sesame oil

FOR THE LO MEIN:

• 12 ounces
  Chinese Lo Mein noodles or linguine pasta, I used linguine cooked until barely al dente
• 2
  boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon
  vegetable oil
• 1 large
  onion
• 1 ½ cups
  shredded carrots
• 1 cup
  sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup
  broccoli florets, steamed until just barely tender (they will cook longer in the stir-fry)
• Unsalted dry-roasted peanut halves, optional

Instructions

1. For the sauce, whisk all of the ingredients together in a 1-quart bowl.
2. For the lo mein, cook the noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, continue with the recipe, and when the noodles are done, drain and set aside.
3. Make the stir-fry sauce and set aside. Heat the oil in an extra-deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Peel and coarsely chop the onion, adding it to the skillet as you chop. Stir from time to time. While the onion cooks, slice the chicken into strips about 1/4-inch wide. Add the chicken to the skillet. Raise the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally.
4. While the chicken cooks, add the carrots, broccoli and mushrooms and stir to mix. Stir-fry the mixture until the chicken is no longer pink. Immediately add the stir-fry sauce and noodles. Raise the heat to high and cook until the noodles and chicken are heated through and coated with sauce, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve, garnished with peanut halves (if using – I did not).

Author:
Mel

Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 554kcal, Carbohydrates: 78g, Protein: 39g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 1215mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 8g

Recipe Source: adapted from Desperation Dinners

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Lo Mein

Crafting incredible homemade Chicken Lo Mein starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine:

The Dynamic Stir-Fry Sauce

The sauce is arguably the most crucial component, bringing all the flavors together. This recipe features a balanced blend:

• Soy Sauce: Provides the fundamental savory, umami base. Use a good quality light or all-purpose soy sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds depth, a hint of sweetness, and that unmistakable restaurant-quality richness. Don’t skip it!
• Minced Garlic & Chopped Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses are essential for any Asian stir-fry, contributing fresh, pungent notes.
• Rice Wine Vinegar (or Distilled White Vinegar): Offers a crucial touch of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
• Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It might sound unusual, but it adds a subtle sweetness and tang, contributing to the sauce’s body and familiar comfort food taste.
• Dark Sesame Oil: A finishing oil that imparts a deep, nutty aroma. Add it at the end to preserve its delicate flavor.

Main Components: Noodles, Chicken, and Vegetables

• Lo Mein Noodles or Linguine: Traditionally, fresh Lo Mein noodles are used, which are thick, chewy egg noodles. However, linguine pasta is an excellent and widely available substitute. The key is to cook them al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook briefly in the stir-fry.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken breasts are sliced into thin strips for even cooking and easy incorporation into the noodles. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best for stir-frying.
• Fresh Vegetables: This recipe uses a classic combination of onion, shredded carrots, sliced fresh mushrooms, and broccoli florets. The broccoli is lightly steamed beforehand to ensure it’s tender-crisp in the final dish. This mix offers a wonderful variety of textures and nutrients.
• Unsalted Dry-Roasted Peanut Halves (Optional): For an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor, peanuts are a fantastic garnish.

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Chicken Lo Mein at Home

Making great Lo Mein is easier than you think, especially with these simple tips:

1. Mise en Place is Key: Before you even turn on the heat, have all your ingredients prepped, measured, and ready to go. Stir-frying is a fast process, so you won’t have time to chop chicken or mince garlic mid-cook.
2. High Heat is Your Friend (for Stir-Frying): A hot skillet or wok is crucial for achieving that characteristic stir-fried texture – slightly charred veggies and seared chicken, without becoming soggy. Ensure your oil is shimmering before adding ingredients.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary, especially if you’re using a standard skillet. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed instead of stir-fried ingredients.
4. Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Boil your noodles until they are just al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. They will absorb some of the sauce and continue to cook as you toss them in the skillet, ensuring they don’t become mushy.
5. Timely Sauce Addition: Add the prepared sauce at the very end of the cooking process, just before tossing with the noodles. This allows the sauce to coat everything beautifully without reducing too much or burning.
6. Constant Stirring: Keep everything moving in the pan during the stir-fry process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Variations to Customize Your Homemade Lo Mein

One of the joys of cooking Asian-inspired dishes at home is the flexibility they offer. Feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Protein Power-Ups:
  • Shrimp Lo Mein: Add raw shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking the vegetables until pink and cooked through.
  • Beef Lo Mein: Thinly slice flank steak or sirloin and stir-fry it first until browned, then remove and add back at the end.
  • Tofu Lo Mein: For a vegetarian option, press extra-firm tofu, cube it, and pan-fry until golden before adding to the stir-fry.
• Veggie Boost:
  • Bell Peppers: Sliced red, yellow, or green bell peppers add color and a sweet crunch.
  • Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Quick-cooking and provide a lovely texture.
  • Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage: Add thinly sliced greens for extra freshness.
  • Water Chestnuts or Bamboo Shoots: For an authentic crunch.
  • Spinach or Kale: Wilt in at the very end.
• Spice It Up:
  • Add a dash of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
• Garnish Galore:
  • Fresh chopped scallions (green onions) are a classic and highly recommended garnish.
  • A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts can also enhance the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Lo Mein

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables. However, if you’re hosting an Asian-themed dinner or simply want to round out the meal, consider serving it with:

• Crispy vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls.
• A light cucumber salad with a sesame dressing.
• Potstickers or dumplings.
• A simple miso soup or hot and sour soup.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Chicken Lo Mein is just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for the best texture, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the noodles and sauce.

There you have it – a phenomenal Chicken Lo Mein recipe that is not only incredibly easy and quick to make but also bursts with authentic, satisfying flavors. Say goodbye to takeout menus and hello to your new favorite homemade Asian noodle dish. Happy cooking!