Easy Chicken Lo Mein

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Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and crisp-tender vegetables come together in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every strand — Easy Chicken Lo Mein is everything you crave in a takeout classic, made right at home. This dish offers a symphony of flavor and texture with every bite, from the umami-rich soy-based sauce to the vibrant crunch of snow peas and bell peppers.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a quick meal-prep option, this lo mein hits all the right notes. It’s faster than ordering out and infinitely more customizable. Plus, it gives you the freedom to load up on your favorite veggies and protein, making it a balanced and crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Lo Mein

• It comes together in under 30 minutes
• Tastes just like your favorite takeout but fresher and healthier
• Easy to customize with whatever veggies or protein you have on hand
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare the best Easy Chicken Lo Mein, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more efficient:

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat cooking, allowing ingredients to cook evenly and quickly without steaming.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables thinly and uniformly.
• Cutting Board: Keeps your workspace clean and your cuts precise.
• Tongs or Chopsticks: Ideal for tossing noodles and mixing sauce evenly.
• Medium Pot: Used to boil the noodles separately before stir-frying.

Each tool plays a critical role, from ensuring a perfect sear on the chicken to maintaining the crunch of the veggies.

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Preparation Tips

Slice your chicken and vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and don’t overcrowd your pan — stir-frying requires high heat and quick movement. Cook the noodles just shy of al dente; they will continue cooking when tossed with the sauce. Have all your ingredients prepped and within reach before you start stir-frying. This dish moves quickly, and a well-organized station makes a big difference. Finally, always taste and adjust your sauce at the end for a perfectly balanced flavor.

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Ingredients for this Easy Chicken Lo Mein

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles as a substitute)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup snow peas (trimmed)
• 1 small carrot (julienned)
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water

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Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Toss lightly with a few drops of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside — this sauce is the flavor foundation of your lo mein.

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Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

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Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger first to release their aroma, then add bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked noodles. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats all ingredients evenly and everything is heated through.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately. For added texture and flavor, top with a dash of sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil.

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Notes

For the most flavorful results, marinate your chicken briefly in a teaspoon of soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking. If you’re short on time, pre-cut stir-fry vegetable mixes from the grocery store are a fantastic shortcut. Don’t skip rinsing the noodles with cold water — it stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together in the wok. You can also swap in shrimp, beef, or tofu for the chicken if you’re looking to change up the protein.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the noodles: They’ll turn mushy and won’t hold up during stir-frying.
• Adding sauce too early: This can cause the noodles to absorb too much and become overly salty or sticky.
• Using too many vegetables: It can overcrowd the pan and cause everything to steam instead of stir-frying.
• Skipping the high heat: Stir-frying needs quick, high heat cooking to achieve that signature smoky, savory flavor.
• Not prepping ingredients in advance: Stir-frying moves quickly, and pausing to chop something mid-process can throw off timing and texture.

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Storage Instructions

Easy Chicken Lo Mein stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the noodles without drying them out. For freezing, portion the cooled noodles into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different noodles?

Yes! Spaghetti, udon, or even ramen noodles can be great alternatives.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the chicken and use tofu or extra veggies.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use more soy sauce with a splash of Worcestershire or hoisin for depth.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

Yes! Prepare all components and store separately. Toss together before serving or reheating.

Does it work with leftover chicken?

It works great! Just add it in during the final stir-fry to warm through.

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Conclusion

Easy Chicken Lo Mein is your ticket to satisfying takeout-style flavor without leaving your kitchen. It’s quick, loaded with customizable options, and a hit with both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re whipping up dinner after a long day or prepping lunches for the week, this dish proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.

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