Simple Homemade Chicken Lo Mein

Easy Chicken Lo Mein – a lightning-fast and incredibly satisfying homemade dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles, all coated in a rich, savory teriyaki sauce. Forget the delivery; this is genuinely better than any take-out you’ve had.

Craving the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine but prefer the comfort and quality of a home-cooked meal? This delightful Chicken Lo Mein recipe is designed for those busy evenings when you need a delicious and hearty meal on the table in record time. Much like our popular Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry or the beloved Shrimp Fried Rice, this Lo Mein offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight warrior meal. It’s a complete meal in one pan, boasting a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is Your Next Go-To Dinner

Our kitchen is passionate about crafting those irresistible “takeout fakeout” dishes that taste authentically delicious but are made with love (and total control over ingredients!) right at home. This Easy Chicken Lo Mein truly shines because of its elegant simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it effortlessly delivers. The secret weapon, the undeniable star of the show, is our signature simple teriyaki sauce. This versatile sauce has become a fan favorite in many of our Asian-inspired recipes, notably contributing to the success of the highly acclaimed Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls.

What sets this particular Lo Mein recipe apart is not just its exquisite taste but also its remarkable efficiency and adaptability. Imagine a rich, savory teriyaki sauce so straightforward to prepare that you can whisk it together the day before. Couple that with pre-cooked chicken – a fantastic meal prep hack – and dinner transforms from a chore into a swift assembly. It becomes a simple matter of tossing fresh, crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles in a pan with the prepared chicken and sauce. This smart, ahead-of-time approach to meal preparation means you can have a piping hot, incredibly flavor-packed meal ready in under 20 minutes from the moment you start stir-frying to the first delicious bite. It’s the ultimate solution for those perpetually busy weeknights, offering unparalleled convenience without ever compromising on the vibrant, savory taste you crave.

If you’re earnestly seeking to refresh your dinner routine with a dish that’s both excitingly exotic and refreshingly straightforward, then this Easy Chicken Lo Mein is your unequivocal answer. It boldly rivals the profound flavors of our popular Easy Chicken Yakisoba, promising an explosion of savory goodness and satisfying textures in every single mouthful. This is not merely just another meal; it stands as a testament to how effortlessly quick, wonderfully easy, and undeniably flavorful homemade Asian cuisine can truly be when approached with a smart, simplified method. It’s a dish that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table, consistently delivering a gratifying experience.

We completely understand the constant demand for quick, simple, and satisfying dinners, especially when life’s pace becomes particularly hectic. This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is nothing short of a lifesaver in those moments. With just a handful of fresh, readily available ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can effortlessly transform an ordinary weeknight into a culinary delight. The absolute best part? While this dish is so irresistibly good that there are seldom any leftovers, if you do miraculously manage to save a portion, it makes for an even more exquisite and convenient lunch the very next day. It truly is a win-win culinary situation – a sumptuous dinner tonight, followed by a delicious and eagerly anticipated lunch tomorrow! This recipe truly embodies the essence of smart, flavorful cooking for the modern household.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Chicken Lo Mein

Crafting an outstanding homemade Chicken Lo Mein begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. We’ve thoughtfully simplified the ingredient list for this incredibly flavorful dish, ensuring accessibility without compromising on that coveted authentic taste. You’ll find that gourmet flavors don’t necessitate obscure or hard-to-find items:

• Lo Mein or Spaghetti Noodles: The foundation of any great Lo Mein. While traditional lo mein noodles are ideal for their distinctive chewy texture and ability to soak up sauce, regular spaghetti or even linguine can serve as an excellent, readily available substitute. The crucial step is to cook them al dente, ensuring they maintain a firm bite and hold up beautifully within the vibrant stir-fry.
• Our Signature Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: This is where the true magic and depth of flavor emerge! Our incredibly easy-to-make teriyaki sauce, for which you can find the complete recipe here, is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, savory, and rich umami notes. It forms the irresistible backbone of this dish, single-handedly providing that coveted, authentic takeout flavor profile you adore.
• Tender Chicken (Breast or Thighs): Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are both excellent choices for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to remain exceptionally juicy and tender, while breast meat offers a leaner option that cooks very quickly. Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces; this promotes even cooking and allows for seamless integration with the noodles and vegetables in every forkful.
• A Medley of Fresh Vegetables: A vibrant and diverse mix of fresh vegetables not only adds crucial color and appealing texture but also packs in essential nutrients. Our base recipe thoughtfully includes carrots for sweetness, colorful bell peppers for a slight crunch, earthy mushrooms for umami, and fresh spinach for its delicate wilting texture. However, feel entirely free to customize this selection based on your personal preferences, what’s in season, or simply what you have readily available in your refrigerator.

By consciously focusing on these core, high-quality components, you are already well on your way to creating a homemade Lo Mein that is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Remember, the freshness and quality of your ingredients directly and significantly impact the final taste and overall success of your dish, so always opt for the freshest produce and leanest chicken available to you.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Best Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Get ready to master your new favorite weeknight meal with confidence! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is meticulously designed for delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring a delightful cooking experience. Follow these simple, easy-to-understand steps for a truly incredible homemade Chicken Lo Mein that rivals any restaurant dish:

• Prepare the Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce: Begin by creating the heart of your Lo Mein – the rich teriyaki sauce. In a small mixing bowl, carefully combine your chosen sweetener (brown sugar or honey), low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, optional toasted sesame seeds, optional sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly and vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce achieves a perfectly smooth, consistent texture. This meticulously balanced sauce is your key flavor powerhouse, so dedicating a moment to ensure it’s impeccably mixed is well worth the effort. Set this luscious sauce aside for later use.
• Cook the Chicken and Vibrant Vegetables: Place a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is thoroughly heated and the olive oil begins to shimmer, add your uniformly cut, bite-sized chicken pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring it occasionally to ensure even browning, until it is no longer pink in the center and has developed a beautiful, light golden-brown crust on all sides. This crucial step typically takes approximately 5-7 minutes. Next, introduce the harder, more robust vegetables into the skillet, such as the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers achieve a tender-crisp texture – retaining a slight bite is key. Finally, incorporate the fresh spinach, cooking and stirring just until it has delicately wilted down. It’s important not to overcrowd your pan during this stage; if necessary, cook the chicken and vegetables in smaller batches to ensure they sear beautifully rather than steaming.
• Combine with Noodles and Luscious Sauce: Once your chicken and vegetables are perfectly cooked and vibrantly appealing, add the pre-cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet. Using tongs, give everything a good, gentle stir to thoroughly combine all the elements. Now, pour your expertly prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables. Continue to cook, stirring constantly and with enthusiasm, for an additional 1-2 minutes. During this time, the sauce will begin to thicken and develop a desirable glossy sheen, evenly coating all the ingredients. The cornstarch in the sauce plays a vital role here, helping it achieve that perfect, clingy consistency and ensuring everything is thoroughly heated through.
• Serve and Garnish for a Restaurant-Quality Finish: Carefully transfer your glorious Easy Chicken Lo Mein into individual serving bowls. For an extra layer of freshness, a burst of color, and an aromatic enhancement, garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions and a final sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds. Serve this exquisite dish immediately and relish the delectable rewards of your quick yet impressive culinary labor! Remember, having all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you begin cooking is the secret to successful and speedy stir-frying!

Delicious Variations and Pro Tips to Customize Your Lo Mein

One of the most delightful aspects of preparing homemade Lo Mein is its incredible versatility and adaptability. Feel empowered to experiment boldly and truly make this dish your very own culinary masterpiece! Here are some creative ideas and expert pro tips to elevate your Easy Chicken Lo Mein and tailor it to your unique tastes:

• Ginger Substitutions: If fresh ginger isn’t conveniently on hand, do not fret! You can absolutely substitute with ground ginger. As a general guideline, aim to use approximately half a teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh grated ginger recommended in the recipe, always adjusting the quantity to perfectly suit your personal taste preferences.
• Highly Recommended Vegetables: While virtually any vegetable can be incorporated, mushrooms and bell peppers are unequivocally highly recommended. Their robust, earthy flavors and satisfying textures contribute an essential depth that genuinely enhances the overall complexity of the dish, making them almost indispensable.
• Spinach Alternatives: If fresh spinach isn’t a favorite, or perhaps you anticipate your family might not appreciate it, there are fantastic alternatives! Crisp snow peas, tender snap peas, or even thinly sliced green cabbage are all superb choices that cook quickly and introduce a delightful, refreshing crunch.
• Optimal Noodle Choices: Authentic lo mein egg noodles are traditionally preferred for their signature chewiness and ideal sauce absorption capabilities. However, readily available regular spaghetti or linguine noodles are excellent and convenient substitutes that perform admirably. Ensure you cook them precisely according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy during the subsequent stir-frying process.
• Flexible Protein Options: This recipe boasts incredible adaptability when it comes to protein! Feel entirely free to confidently swap the chicken for tender slices of beef, lean pork, succulent shrimp, or even firm tofu for a completely satisfying vegetarian or vegan option. You can also opt for a delightful vegetable-only Lo Mein by simply increasing the quantity and diversifying the variety of your chosen vegetables.
• Expand Your Vegetable Medley: Get truly creative and adventurous with your vegetable blend! Beyond the core carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, consider incorporating vibrant broccoli florets, thinly sliced zucchini, crisp green beans, earthy bamboo shoots, crunchy water chestnuts, or protein-rich edamame beans for added texture, nutritional value, and visual appeal.
• Inject Some Heat (Make it Spicy!): For those who genuinely appreciate a fiery kick, a dash of your favorite sriracha sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will do the trick. Alternatively, garnish the finished dish with thinly sliced fresh chilies for a bold, fresh heat.
• Garnish for Grandeur: Beyond the standard green onions and sesame seeds, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro, a bright squeeze of lime juice, or a delicate drizzle of chili oil. These thoughtful additions introduce an extra layer of complex flavor and elevate the visual appeal of your dish to gourmet levels.

This Chicken Lo Mein is so exceptionally adaptable, you could genuinely create a distinct and exciting new version every single week without repeating yourself! It stands as the perfect, readily available answer when that irresistible Chinese takeout craving inevitably strikes, especially given that you likely already possess most, if not all, of the essential ingredients within your pantry and refrigerator. It’s truly quick, delightfully simple, and infinitely customizable, making it a staple for any home cook.

More Asian-Inspired Takeout Favorites You Can Make at Home

If you’ve fallen deeply in love with the sheer convenience, incredible flavor, and satisfying nature of this Easy Chicken Lo Mein, then you’re in for a treat! You’ll be absolutely thrilled to explore even more of our meticulously crafted homemade Asian-inspired recipes. We firmly believe in the joy of bringing the absolute best of Asian cuisine directly into your very own kitchen, offering straightforward, unequivocally delicious dishes that are perfect for any night of the week. Expand your culinary repertoire, impress your family and friends, and delight your taste buds with these fantastic, tried-and-true recipes:

If you tried this fantastic Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and rate the recipe in the comments below. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks discover new favorites!

Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Author: Anna

Quick and easy homemade chicken, vegetables, and noodles dish with a delicious teriyaki sauce. A definite upgrade from your usual takeout!

★★★★★
5 from 11 votes

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Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Total Time:
25 mins

Course:
Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine:
Asian

Servings:
4 people

Calories:
485 kcal

Ingredients

For the main dish:

• 6 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup sliced white mushrooms
• 1 medium carrot, cut into thin sticks
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped or julienned
• 2 cups fresh spinach

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup brown sugar (or honey)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds (if using), sesame oil (if using), and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
3. Add carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts (1-2 minutes).
5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
6. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients evenly. Ensure everything is heated through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or additional toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Ginger: If fresh ginger is unavailable, ground ginger can be used. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Vegetable Choices: Mushrooms and bell peppers are highly recommended for their robust flavor. For spinach, if your family isn’t keen, consider snow peas or shredded cabbage as delicious alternatives.

Noodles: Lo mein egg noodles are traditional, but regular spaghetti or linguine noodles are excellent and convenient substitutes.

Protein Flexibility: This dish is incredibly versatile! Feel free to substitute chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. You can also make it a pure vegetarian dish by focusing on a rich assortment of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, snow peas, edamame, broccoli, and more.

Customization: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetable combinations or adjust the spice level to your preference. This recipe makes it easy to create a unique and satisfying meal every time.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 485 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 108mg
• Sodium: 1563mg
• Potassium: 976mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 4935 IU
• Vitamin C: 46mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2.1mg

(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.)

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