Quick Chicken and Broccoli Lo Mein

Here’s my go-to chicken and broccoli lo mein recipe, with tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and a simple homemade sauce that brings it all together. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving takeout but want to cook at home instead.

This lo mein has become my family’s favorite Chinese-inspired meal. I usually make a big batch because everyone goes back for seconds, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. Nothing beats having restaurant-style noodles ready to reheat for lunch, right?

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Traditional lo mein noodles are your best bet for this dish, but don’t worry if you can’t find them at your local store. Regular spaghetti or linguine makes a perfectly good substitute since they have a similar thickness and texture to lo mein noodles. If you’re going the Italian pasta route, whole grain varieties work well and add extra nutrition, though regular white pasta is fine too. Fresh lo mein noodles can usually be found in the refrigerated section of Asian markets, while dried versions are available in many regular supermarkets. Just remember to cook your noodles until they’re just tender but still have a slight bite – nobody likes mushy lo mein!

Options for Substitutions

This lo mein recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:

• Lo mein noodles: Can’t find lo mein noodles? Regular spaghetti, linguine, or even udon noodles work great here. Just cook them until they’re al dente.
• Oyster sauce: If you need a substitute for oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a bit of sugar. For vegetarians, there’s mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce available.
• Sriracha: Any hot sauce will do – try sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Chicken breast: Feel free to use chicken thighs, or swap the chicken entirely for tofu, shrimp, or beef strips. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Vegetables: The veggie mix is totally customizable – try snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy. Just keep the total amount of veggies about the same.
• Sesame oil: While sesame oil gives a nice authentic flavor, you can use regular vegetable oil if needed – just add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds at the end for that nutty taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making lo mein is overcooking the noodles – they should be cooked just until al dente since they’ll continue cooking when added to the stir-fry, so test them a minute before the package time suggests. A common error is adding all the vegetables at once, which leads to some being overcooked while others remain raw – instead, start with the carrots and broccoli, then add the bell peppers last since they cook quickly. To prevent the chicken from becoming tough and dry, make sure to slice it against the grain and cook it just until it loses its pink color (about 3-4 minutes per side) before removing it from the pan while you cook the vegetables. For the best flavor distribution, mix your sauce ingredients in a separate bowl before adding to the pan, and remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water – this starchy liquid helps the sauce cling better to the noodles if needed.

What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Lo Mein?

Since this noodle dish already includes protein, veggies, and carbs, it works great as a complete meal on its own, but there are some tasty sides you can add to round things out! Try serving it with some crispy spring rolls or dumplings for that takeout-style experience at home. A simple side of edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a perfect starter, while a small bowl of egg drop or hot and sour soup can really complete the meal. If you want to keep things super simple, just add some extra crunch with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a handful of chopped peanuts on top.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Pop your leftover lo mein in an airtight container and place it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. The noodles might absorb more sauce as they sit, but that just means they’ll be extra flavorful the next day!

Freeze: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, keep in mind that the texture of the noodles and veggies might change a bit. If you’re planning to freeze, try cooking the veggies slightly less than usual so they don’t get too soft when reheated.

Reheat: To warm up your lo mein, add a splash of water or chicken broth and heat it in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave – just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s heated through. A quick drizzle of soy sauce can help refresh the flavors!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-30 minutes
Total Time	30-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 70-80 g
• Fat: 35-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 8 ounces cooked lo mein or whole grain spaghetti, following package instructions
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced thin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 head)
• 1 cup thin carrot sticks
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thinly (about 2 cups sliced)
• Sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package directions.

This usually involves bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding the noodles, and letting them cook for the recommended time.

Once cooked, drain and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk them together until they are well mixed.

Once combined, set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with your desired amount of salt and pepper to taste.

Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.

Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.

Set the cooked chicken aside for now.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the broccoli, carrots, and red peppers.

Cook the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, making sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

Stir in the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the dish is hot and ready to serve, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for an added crunch and flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious noodle stir-fry!