This easy chicken lo mein recipe is the ultimate 30-minute meal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious way to use up leftover chicken. It’s a kid-approved favorite that tastes just like takeout, but it's secretly vitamin-packed thanks to a colorful blend of fresh and frozen vegetables. You'll love how quickly this easy dinner comes together, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and satisfying!
Jump to:
- 🍗The perfect recipe for chicken leftovers
- ✅Easy weeknight dinner win
- 🍜Why this easy chicken lo mein recipe is better than takeout
- 🥘Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- 🤔What is hoisin sauce and what does it taste like?
- 🔪How to make this easy chicken lo mein recipe
- 🌿Healthy ingredient substitutions
- 🍜 Easy chicken lo mein recipe variations
- 🍽Equipment needed for this easy recipe
- 🥡 Meal prep and storage
- ✅ Easy chicken lo mein recipe top tips
- 🗨️FAQ about easy chicken lo mein
- 🍗More leftover chicken recipes
- 🍴What pairs well with chicken lo mein
- 📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
- 💬 Comments
🍗The perfect recipe for chicken leftovers
This easy chicken lo mein recipe is the absolute best way to transform your leftover chicken into a gourmet meal the whole family will crave. Simply cut your chicken into thin strips and, for an extra flavor boost, toss them in a quick soy and hoisin marinade in the morning so they're ready to hit the pan later. This simple step makes your easy meal even more delicious and ensures every bite of your stir-fry is bursting with savory takeout flavor.
✅Easy weeknight dinner win
Just like our Cheese Tortellini Soup, this easy recipe is a total lifesaver because it comes together in just 30 minutes. Since it uses leftover chicken and frozen veggies, you spend less time prepping, which comes in handy--especially on busy weeknights. Plus, the wiggly lo mein noodles coated in the sweet and savory sauce is a winner with the kids, and makes eating this vitamin-packed dinner feel like a treat!
🍜Why this easy chicken lo mein recipe is better than takeout
Choosing this budget-friendly chicken lo mein recipe over takeout is a much healthier option because you have full control over the ingredients. This homemade version offers a healthy, lower sodium alternative that isn't processed with the heavy preservatives found in restaurant dishes. Plus you can easily load your plate with a vitamin-packed variety of fresh and frozen veggies for a much more nutritious and satisfying meal.
🥘Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- pre-cooked chicken, cut into thin strips - makes this a perfect 30-minute meal while adding lean protein that absorbs the savory lo mein sauce
- lo mein egg noodles - provide the classic chewy texture and golden color essential for a traditional takeout-style chicken lo mein
- hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, & ground ginger - this sauce blend creates a complex balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic umami flavors that define Chinese-inspired cuisine
- red bell pepper & olive oil - sautéing crisp red bell peppers in heart-healthy olive oil adds a vibrant pop of color and a boost of Vitamin C
- frozen vegetable medley of broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas, & water chestnuts - offers a convenient, nutrient-dense way to add crunch and fiber without extra prep time
- canned cut baby corn - provides a unique, earthy sweetness and a satisfying snap that elevates the dish's texture
- green onions & crunchy chow mein noodles - these optional, kid-friendly toppings add a fresh and crunchy bite
See recipe card for quantities.
🤔What is hoisin sauce and what does it taste like?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant glaze used frequently in Asian-inspired cooking that acts like a savory-sweet "Chinese BBQ sauce." You'll love its complex flavor profile that perfectly balances salty soy beans with hints of garlic, five-spice, and a touch of sweetness. Most grocery stores carry it right in the international or Asian food aisle, usually sitting right next to the soy sauce and teriyaki glaze.
🔪How to make this easy chicken lo mein recipe
- Step 1: Sauté red pepper strips in oil until just tender.
- Step 2: Add defrosted veggies and canned baby corn.
- Step 3: Stir in leftover chicken strips.
- Step 4: Fold in cooked noodles and lo mein sauce, stir and enjoy!
For complete, step-by-step instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Hint: Rinse your lo mein noodles under cold water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, ensuring they stay perfectly chewy and don't stick together when tossed in the savory sauce.
🌿Healthy ingredient substitutions
- Swap for Low-Sodium Soy Sauce - To make this a heart-healthy meal, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to significantly reduce the salt content without losing that savory umami flavor.
- Opt for Whole Grain or Soba Noodles - Boost the fiber in your easy chicken lo mein recipe by substituting traditional egg noodles with whole grain spaghetti or buckwheat soba noodles for a more nutritious, slow-digesting carbohydrate option.
- Use Leaner Protein or Plant-Based Alternatives - For a leaner version of this 30-minute meal, ensure you're using skinless leftover chicken breast or swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes to lower the saturated fat while maintaining a high protein count.
🍜 Easy chicken lo mein recipe variations
- Vegetarian Lo Mein Option - To make this a vegetarian lo mein, simply swap the chicken for crispy pan-seared tofu or extra hearty mushrooms like shiitake or baby bella to keep that satisfying, meaty texture.
- Spicy Szechuan Variation - If you prefer a bit of heat, transform this into a spicy chicken lo mein by adding a teaspoon of red chili flakes or a dollop of sriracha to the sauce for a zesty kick that rivals your favorite takeout.
- Beef or Shrimp Alternative - Easily customize this 30-minute meal by replacing the leftover chicken with quick-cooking shrimp or thinly sliced flank steak for a delicious protein swap that pairs perfectly with the savory hoisin sauce.
See Cantonese Chicken for another Asian-inspired, easy weeknight dinner that uses leftover chicken!
🍽Equipment needed for this easy recipe
- quart-sized Ziploc bag (if marinating leftover chicken in sauce ahead of time)
- medium saucepan with lid
- cutting board
- chef's knife & serrated knife
- 12-inch skillet or larger with lid
- large colander
- small bowl & whisk
🥡 Meal prep and storage
To keep your easy chicken lo mein recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you are meal prepping, keep the savory lo mein sauce in a separate small jar and toss it with the cooked noodles and other ingredients just before reheating to maintain the perfect takeout texture.
✅ Easy chicken lo mein recipe top tips
- Prep the Protein - Slice your leftover chicken into thin strips and marinate them in a Ziploc bag with a savory sauce blend ahead of time for maximum flavor and speed.
- Mix Sauce on the Fly - Whisk your lo mein sauce ingredients together while the noodles are boiling to keep your 30-minute meal workflow moving smoothly!
- Streamline the Stir-Fry - Defrost your frozen vegetable medley under cool water while the pepper is sautéing so they are ready to hit the pan immediately.
🗨️FAQ about easy chicken lo mein
The main difference is the preparation of the noodles. "Lo" means tossed, so the noodles are boiled and then tossed with sauce and ingredients. "Chow" means fried, where the noodles are stir-fried to become crispier.
Traditional lo mein uses fresh yellow egg noodles (about 3mm thick). If you can't find those, thick spaghetti or linguine are actually excellent pantry-friendly substitutes that hold the sauce well!
Homemade versions are much healthier than takeout! By using low-sodium soy sauce and packing the dish with a high veggie-to-noodle ratio (like this recipe!), you can control the salt and increase the vitamins and fiber.
The secret is to reheat it with a little liquid (it also helps if you coat it in my suggested marinade ahead of time). In this easy chicken lo mein recipe, the savory sauce acts as a buffer that keeps the chicken strips moist and tender during reheating.
Cooked chicken stays fresh and safe to eat for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
🍗More leftover chicken recipes
Wondering what else you can make with your chicken leftovers? Try these easy recipes:
See Leftover Chicken Recipes You Don't Want to Miss for even more family dinner ideas!
🍴What pairs well with chicken lo mein
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this easy chicken lo mein recipe:
📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein
Equipment
- quart-sized Ziploc bag (for simple marinade)
- cutting board
- serrated knife
- chef's knife
- medium saucepan with lid
- 12-inch nonstick skillet with lid
- large colander
- small mixing bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked chicken cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce for optional chicken marinade
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce for optional chicken marinade
- 10 oz lo mein egg noodles may substitute with spaghetti
- 3 tablespoon hoisin sauce for main dish lo mein sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce for main dish lo mein sauce
- 2 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large red bell pepper washed, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil
- 20-22 oz. frozen vegetable medley with broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas, and water chestnuts thawed; may substitute with frozen Asian stir-fry vegetable blend
- 15 oz can cut baby corn drained
- green onions sliced; optional topping
- crunchy chow mein noodles optional topping
Instructions
Optional Prep
- Place cooked chicken strips in a Ziploc bag. Add 2 tablespoon hoisin and 2 tablespoon soy sauce. Seal the bag and shake to coat; refrigerate. This should be done at least two hours prior to making the meal, but it can marinate this way for up to 24 hours.
Recipe Instrucions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions, but reduce time by 30 seconds for al dente. Immediately transfer to colander and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- While noodles are boiling, make the main dish lo mein sauce. Whisk together 3 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoon water, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; set aside.
- In large skillet, sauté pepper strips with oil over medium-high heat until just soft; add defrosted vegetables and canned corn. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until vegetables are fork tender.
- Add precooked chicken; reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes to warm chicken; stirring occasionally.
- Add the noodles and lo mein sauce to the skillet and gently stir to coat ingredients; warm over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions and crunchy chow mein noodles if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.
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