Chicken Lo Mein
Updated: Aug 23
Quick and easy 20-minute Chicken Lo Mein featuring tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory homemade lo mein sauce. The ultimate weeknight dinner recipe when you want takeout flavor in a flash.
Let's talk weeknights. You know the drill – the day's been a whirlwind, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's where simple, satisfying meals swoop in to save the day. And today, I'm thinking about a dish that hits all the right notes: Chicken Lo Mein.
I love The Woks of Life and have tried their 5-Ingredient Lo Mein. It is amazing and so quick, using pantry ingredients primarily. That says simple weeknight meal to me!It's the kind of recipe that makes you wonder, "Why didn't I think of that sooner?"
What makes this dish perfect for a weeknight dinner?
Well, for starters, it's fast. We're talking minimal prep and a quick cooking time, which is exactly what you need when hunger strikes after a long day. It's also incredibly versatile. Got some leftover cooked chicken hanging out in the fridge? Perfect! It's a fantastic way to give it new life. The rest of the ingredient list is short and sweet and can be stored in your pantry – a major win in my book.
It is also a great way to regularly use up some of those more exotic ingredients you may have bought, such as oyster sauce or sesame oil. Soon they won’t feel so exotic, but part of the pantry that you always want to have on hand.
The beauty of a great Lo Mein base is how easily you can customize it to your liking and whatever you have on hand. Feeling like adding a pop of color and extra nutrients? Toss in some vibrant bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange - I love the color), crisp snow peas, or some earthy mushrooms. Got some broccoli or carrots in the crisper drawer? They'd be delicious too!
And don't even get me started on the protein possibilities. While chicken is a classic, I love to swap it out for some thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own unique texture and flavor to the dish.
The sauce, oh the sauce! What makes my version slightly different is that I’ve added garlic and ginger to the original recipe. I think they enhance the flavor and are so classic, at least when I make stir-fries.
Here's the Recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dry spaghetti noodles instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh egg noodles or lo mein noodles, dry spaghetti or linguine works great as a quick substitute. Cook them according to package directions, rinse with cold water, and toss in a little sesame oil before adding to the wok.
What is the best way to store and reheat leftover lo mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to revive the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
Can I make this chicken lo mein gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap standard soy sauce and oyster sauce for certified gluten-free tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce (or coconut aminos), and use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles instead of wheat-based egg noodles.
This is so easy, it will replace your favorite takeout.