Easy Chicken Lo Mein (Make Takeout at Home)

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and full of flavor. Chicken, noodles, and colorful, crisp veggies are tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s everything you love about takeout Chinese cuisine, made fresh at home in just one skillet.

Chicken Lo Mein

I’ve mentioned this before, but years ago, we lived about 10 minutes away from a couple of Chinese restaurants where we often ordered takeout. But then we moved away. Back to my hometown, which is at least 35-40 minutes from good takeout.

And that is when I started learning to make Chinese takeout at home. First it was Beef & Veggies. Then Homemade Chinese Orange Pineapple Chicken and Instant Pot Asian Glazed Chicken Wings. We also often make Crab Rangoons at home and even host Sushi Parties where we all make our own sushi. 

There are still dishes I haven’t mastered and I still prefer a restaurant version, but for others, making it at home is a great way to save money. But the best part? Being able to enjoy Chinese food without actually going out.

What is Chicken Lo Mein?

Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American noodle dish made with tender pieces of sliced chicken, stir-fried crisp vegetables, and soft lo mein noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. 

The sauce typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar, creating a rich umami flavor that coats the noodles perfectly. Common vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and onions add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish. 

It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and often served as a hearty, one-pan meal that brings all the comfort of your favorite takeout—made fresh at home.

Chicken Chow Mein vs Lo Mein

Chicken Chow Mein and Chicken Lo Mein are both popular noodle dishes in Chinese cuisine, but they differ in preparation and texture. 

Chow Mein features thin noodles that are either stir-fried until crisp or lightly pan-fried, giving the dish a delightful crunch. 

Lo Mein, on the other hand, uses soft, boiled noodles that are tossed in a rich, savory sauce, resulting in a tender, saucy dish. 

While both include similar ingredients like chicken and vegetables, Chow Mein leans drier and crispier, whereas Lo Mein is all about the noodles soaking up the flavorful sauce. 

The choice really comes down to whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy or something saucy.

Tools

• Large skillet or wok
• Knife & cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Colander

Ingredients

We don’t have a Chinese grocery store or an Asian market nearby, but I’m able to get all of these ingredients at Walmart or our local grocery store.

Lo Mein noodles – I used Simply Asia Chinese Style Lo Mein Noodles, use your favorite brand.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – boneless skinless chicken thighs can also be used.
Vegetable oil, divided

For the Lo Mein Sauce

This flavorful sauce is perfect for this recipe and it’s so easy to make!

Soy sauce: I use regular soy sauce most of the time, but you could use low sodium soy sauce.
Oyster sauce
Hoisin sauce
Brown sugar
Sesame oil
Chicken broth

For the Stir-Fry

This homemade version of Chicken Lo Mein is loaded with fresh veggies. 

Red bell pepper, julienned
Carrots, julienned
Snow peas, ends trimmed
Medium onion, sliced into half-moons
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Sliced green onions, for garnish, optional
Sesame Seeds, for garnish, optional

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Use skinless boneless chicken thighs or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. You could also use a different protein and make Shrimp Lo Mein or Beef Lo Mein.

Lo Mein Noodles: Spaghetti noodles or ramen noodles work if lo mein isn’t available. In some Asian grocery stores, you can also buy fresh lo mein noodles in the refrigerated section.

Oyster Sauce: Use soy sauce with a little extra brown sugar as a backup.

Red Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers would work just as well here.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein

This is the Best Chicken Lo Mein Recipe and I love that it’s all made in one large pan. 

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). You want tender chicken but not dried out, so be careful to not overcook it. Remove to a plate.
4. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add sliced red peppers, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add snow peas. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked noodles and sauce.
8. Toss everything together using tongs, cooking for 2–3 minutes until noodles absorb some of the sauce and everything is well combined and heated through.
9. Garnish with green onions and/or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.

Variations

Fresh vegetables are the best part of this recipe, and you can certainly add more or substitute your favorites. Here are some suggestions:

• Bok Choy
• Bean Sprouts
• Green Cabbage or Napa Cabbage
• Shiitake Mushrooms

Serving Suggestions

Serve with egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a bowl of egg drop soup.

Storage Directions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

To Freeze: Freeze cooled  Lo Mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQ

More Asian Inspired Dishes

• Homemade Chinese Orange Pineapple Chicken
• Crock Pot Beef & Veggies Over Rice
• Instant Pot Mango Pineapple Chicken
• Easy Potsticker Stir Fry (ready in under 30 minutes!)
• Instant Pot Asian Glazed Chicken Wings