If you’ve ever been asked for a tasty dinner that’s quick, comforting, and brings everyone to the table, this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein has probably popped up in your daydreams. I remember the first time my kids begged for it after a long day of school and activities. They needed something fast but filling, and I didn’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. This simple lo mein noodles dish saved the night and quickly became a staple. Watching their faces light up with every bite was a reminder that great meals don’t need to be complicated.
This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein works so well for busy families because it combines protein, veggies, and noodles all in one skillet. It’s an easy one pan stir fry that lets you use just one dish, cutting down on cleanup and stress. Over time, I learned that using fresh garlic and just the right soy sauce mixture is key to getting that classic chicken lo mein recipe flavor we crave. Now, whenever someone asks for a comforting yet quick chicken lo mein, I know exactly what to do.
What keeps me coming back to this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is how it brings my family together. Even on those rushed nights, we all sit down ready to share, chat, and enjoy a warm meal that feels like a little celebration. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s foolproof, healthy, and crowd-pleasing, I invite you to try making this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein your own. It’s a dish that fits right into busy schedules and leaves everyone happily full.
What You’ll Need

For this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll find everything at your regular grocery store – nothing exotic here. I like to keep it simple but flavorful.
- 8 ounces of lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles as a handy substitute)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (adds a sweet crunch)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas (for fresh green color and crispness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, garlic makes all the difference in this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (for easy stir-frying)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (I recommend low sodium to control salt)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (for that authentic flavor boost)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is forgiving if you need to swap out veggies. Broccoli, mushrooms, or even cabbage work well too. My family prefers when I add a little extra carrots and snap peas for a pop of color. Before cooking, get everything prepped and ready to go in bowls – this makes the stir fry faster and smoother. The key to the best One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is fresh garlic and crisp veggies that stay bright even after cooking.
How to Make It
1. Start by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. They usually take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them from sticking. Set aside. This step is straightforward but important — you want simple lo mein noodles that don’t clump together.
2. Heat your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the chicken strips. Stir frequently, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, until chicken is browned and cooked through. This quick chicken lo mein step gets your protein perfectly tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add the garlic to the skillet now. You’ll know your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is smelling just right when the garlic becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as the veggies soften. This keeps the One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein healthy and fresh.
5. Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Stir everything to coat evenly. This is where the flavors come together perfectly.
6. Add your drained noodles and the toasted sesame oil. Toss gently but thoroughly so the noodles absorb all the sauce. Don’t worry if your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein looks saucy or shiny—that’s exactly what you want.
7. Cook for another 2 minutes just to heat everything through. Taste and add a splash more soy sauce if you want. Remember, every family has their own flavor preference, so adjust as you go.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. While your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table or quickly tidy up.
This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein typically takes me about 25 minutes start to finish, making it perfect for those weeknights when you need dinner done without fuss. Here’s where I used to mess up—adding noodles too early or overcrowding the pan—but now I always cook the chicken first and keep things moving quickly.
For more inspiration, this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein reminds me of another family favorite, the Chicken Alfredo Soup, which is equally simple and comforting.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein comes out with its colorful veggies and savory sauce. It’s perfect on its own or alongside a light side. My family loves serving it with steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad for added freshness.
Because this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein combines protein, veggies, and noodles in one skillet, it fits beautifully into busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals. It’s great for when you want something satisfying without a long list of sides.
If you want to make it look special, try serving it in big bowls topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. It always brings a smile at the dinner table.
Got leftovers? This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein reheats well in a skillet or microwave. Just add a splash of soy sauce or water to keep it moist. Sometimes, I’ll add a quick scrambled egg to transform the leftovers into a whole new meal.
For variety, I’ve swapped chicken for shrimp or tofu with success. My picky eaters enjoy the shrimp version, while others prefer the original chicken. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe for a change of pace.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time? Absolutely. I often make it a day before, then reheat it gently. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce? You can skip it or substitute with hoisin sauce alone. It will change the flavor slightly but still taste delicious.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes! Adding cooked chicken at the end saves time if you’re rushing. Just warm it through with the veggies and noodles.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep noodles from drying out.
Is this a healthy one pot chicken lo mein option? Yes, by using lots of fresh veggies, lean chicken, and controlling the salt in the sauce, it’s a great balanced meal.
Can I substitute the lo mein noodles? You can use spaghetti, thin rice noodles, or even shirataki noodles for a lower-carb version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking? Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss with a little oil before adding them to the pan. This keeps your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein from becoming a clumpy mess.
I’ve seen so many friends ask these same questions in our cooking group, such as the One pan chicken lo mein recipe discussion. Trust me, everyone’s found it doable and delicious with small tweaks.
For some different takes, you might also want to peek at the One Pot Chicken Lo Mein – The Wholesome Dish.
The Final Word
This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein has gone from a quick fix to a family recipe favorite, earning its spot on our busy weeknight table. It’s straightforward enough for any home cook to master and tasty enough to please kids and adults alike.
My One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein Tips:
– Use fresh garlic for a burst of authentic flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook chicken first and set it aside.
– Prep all veggies and sauces before starting for a smooth cooking flow.
Variations I’ve tried with success include swapping chicken for shrimp, using tofu for a vegetarian option, and adding extra crunchy veggies like bean sprouts. My husband enjoys the tofu version, while the kids always choose the classic chicken.
I encourage you to make this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein your own. Tweak it to your taste, play with veggies, and bring your unique family flavor to the table. I hope it becomes one of those meals your family asks for again and again.
If you’d like more comforting, easy recipes, be sure to check out the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup—it’s a cozy crowd-pleaser you’ll love.
Remember, this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is all about bringing everyone together with a meal that feels special but is easy to pull off. Happy cooking!
One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein
This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful stir-fry combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles in a savory sauce—all made in a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in mushrooms, bell pepper, and cabbage; cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Add cooked noodles and sauce mixture to the skillet; toss well to combine and heat through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

