20-Min. Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Quick & Delicious!

Okay, so you’re staring at the clock, right? Dinner time is looming, and you’re thinking, “Ugh, what can I whip up that’s actually *good* and doesn’t take forever?” Well, friend, you’ve come to the right place! I’m all about quick and easy dinners, and I’m SO excited to share my go-to recipe: Easy Chicken Lo Mein. Yep, you read that right – delicious, restaurant-quality lo mein in just 20 minutes! Seriously, from start to finish, this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’ll be making this one on repeat. My family begs for it!

I’ve been making this recipe for years and have perfected it. As a home cook, I love sharing my tips and tricks for making delicious meals.

Ingredients for Delicious Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! You won’t believe how few ingredients you need for this flavor bomb. I always make sure I have these on hand – it’s the ultimate pantry-staple dinner, I swear! Here’s what you’ll need to make my amazing Easy Chicken Lo Mein:

Chicken and Noodles

First up, the heart of the dish! You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook super fast. Also, grab 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles or, if you can find them, lo mein noodles for that authentic feel. I’ve used both, and they’re both delish!

Vegetables and Aromatics

Next, for the veggies! You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch!), and 1/2 cup of sliced carrots. For an extra layer of flavor, don’t forget 2 cloves of minced garlic and some sliced green onions for garnish. Yum!

Sauces and Seasonings

Now for the sauce! This is where the magic happens. You’ll need 1/4 cup of soy sauce (I like low-sodium), 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (it adds amazing depth – totally optional, but I highly recommend it!), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Trust me, the combination is *chef’s kiss*!

How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein – Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is seriously a breeze to make. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner on the table in, like, no time at all. Ready? Let’s go!

Cooking the Noodles

First things first: get those noodles going! Follow the package directions for cooking your spaghetti or lo mein noodles. Usually, that means boiling them in salted water until they’re al dente, which means they still have a little bite to them. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy! Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. You can even rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables

While the noodles are cooking, let’s get the chicken and veggies going! Heat that olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces and cook them until they’re nice and browned on all sides. Careful, it splatters! Then, toss in your broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften a bit but still have a little crunch. Mmm, smells so good already!

Preparing the Sauce

Now, let’s whip up that amazing sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved so you don’t get any lumps. Once the veggies are ready, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for just 30 seconds. You don’t want it to burn!

Combining Everything Together

Alright, time to bring it all together! Pour that delicious sauce over the chicken and veggies. Cook it, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens up a bit. It should only take a minute or two. Then, add those cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in that yummy sauce. Make sure everything is heated through.

Garnish and Serve

Almost there! Now, for the final touch: garnish with those sliced green onions. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, zesty flavor. Serve it up hot, and get ready to enjoy the best Easy Chicken Lo Mein you’ve ever had! You can even add extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Seriously, you are going to fall head-over-heels for this recipe! Here’s why:

• Speedy Supper: Ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
• Crazy Easy: Minimal prep, one-pan cooking – what’s not to love?
• Flavor Explosion: That sauce! The combination of flavors is seriously addictive.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with veggies and lean protein. Win-win!
• Customizable: You can totally adjust it to your liking.

Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions for Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Okay, so, let’s talk ingredients! I’m all about making things work, and sometimes you gotta get creative in the kitchen. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* on hand. This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is super forgiving, and you can totally swap things out. It’s all about making it work for YOU, right?

Noodle Alternatives

First up, noodles! While lo mein noodles are the classic, don’t sweat it if you can’t find them. Spaghetti works perfectly fine – that’s what I usually use! You could also try fettuccine, linguine, or even udon noodles if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure you cook them according to the package directions.

Vegetable Swaps

Next, the veggies. Broccoli and carrots are my go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Snow peas, snap peas, bell peppers (any color!), mushrooms, or even some shredded cabbage would be fantastic. Use whatever you have on hand – it’s all good!

Protein Variations

And finally, the protein! Chicken is the star here, but you can definitely swap it out. Shrimp, pork, or even some firm tofu would be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on what you use! Quick and easy, right?

Tips for Easy Chicken Lo Mein Success

Okay, here are a few little tricks to make your Easy Chicken Lo Mein absolutely perfect, every single time! First, make sure your skillet is hot before you add the chicken – that’s how you get that nice browning. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re cooking the chicken; cook it in batches if you need to! Finally, taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Okay, I know you probably have some questions, so let’s get to it! I get asked these all the time, so I figured I’d answer them right here. Don’t be shy – if you have more, ask away in the comments! I love hearing from you guys!

Can I make this *Easy Chicken Lo Mein* ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long. Just cook the noodles, chicken, and veggies, and mix them with the sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It tastes just as good, I promise!

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No oyster sauce? No problem! It adds a nice umami flavor, but you can definitely skip it. Just add a little extra soy sauce to make up for the missing flavor. Or, if you have it, a splash of fish sauce would be a great substitute! If you don’t have either, the lo mein will still be delicious – I promise! Don’t let one ingredient stop you from making this amazing dish!

How can I make this *Easy Chicken Lo Mein* spicier?

Oh, you like it spicy, huh? I hear ya! To kick up the heat, you have a few options. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you’re making it. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding some sriracha! Start small, though, and add more to taste. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, yes, YES! This recipe is super versatile. While I love it with chicken, you can totally swap it out for other proteins. Shrimp cooks up super fast and would be amazing. Thinly sliced pork would be great too. Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try some firm tofu. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before you cook it. Yum!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Okay, so, here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition info, but keep in mind, it can vary a bit based on the brands and ingredients you use. I’m no nutritionist, but I wanted to give you a general idea!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest!

Print