Easy One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein: A Comforting Meal!

Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about quick and easy dinners, friend!

My weeknights are usually a blur of school pickups, homework battles, and the ever-present “What’s for dinner?” chorus. It’s enough to make any mom reach for the takeout menu. But what if I told you that you could have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table faster than ordering in? Enter my family’s beloved One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein.

I still remember the first time I made this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein. I was so tired of the same old rotation of dinners, and I stumbled across a quick chicken noodle stir fry recipe online. I tweaked it to fit what I had in my pantry, and crossed my fingers my family would love my homemade lo mein recipe.

My kids devoured it, and my husband raved about the flavors! Now, it’s a total staple. This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein has become a dinnertime hero in our home, offering a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy solution to the weeknight mealtime crunch. I wanted a One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein that was fast and delicious – and this is it!

This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is a winner because it combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a flavorful sauce all in one pan. Less mess, less stress, and more time for family. Plus, you can easily customize it with your family’s favorite veggies. As moms, we all need that kind of flexibility, right?

I’m so excited to share this sanity-saving comfort food with you. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight lo mein that will please even the pickiest eaters, you’ve come to the right place. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is about to become your new best friend!

Trust me, this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: I buy the family pack and freeze half for later.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
• 1 onion, sliced: Adds a savory base flavor. My little one hates chunks, so I dice it small.
• 2 carrots, julienned: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: For extra veggies. My family gets extra comfort when I add this to our One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein.
• 8 ounces lo mein noodles: I like the fresh ones, but dried work great too.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: The base of our delicious sauce.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For easy garlic flavor.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish: Optional, but adds a nice touch.

No worries if you don’t have broccoli – I use frozen peas for extra comfort in my One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, making this a super convenient meal. This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, which is always a win in my book.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often chop the veggies the night before. It saves so much time during the crazy dinner rush. Here’s a One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: pre-cut the chicken too! So much easier that way.

Remember, this quick weeknight lo mein is all about making it work for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to adjust the veggies or seasonings to your liking. We are all about delicious and convenient!

Time to get cooking! This easy chicken lo mein recipe is so simple, even the kids can help (with supervision, of course!).

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken. This helps it brown nicely and not stick.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein should smell amazing by now!
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder. This is your flavorful sauce that will bring everything together.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and bring to a simmer. The sauce will start to thicken as it simmers.
7. Add the lo mein noodles to the pan and toss to coat. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Cook until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. It is all in the presentation, am I right?

Here’s where I used to struggle with my One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein: I always overcooked the noodles! Learn from my experience and don’t overcook the noodles! In my busy kitchen, this comforting One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, which is a total lifesaver. While your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

Don’t worry if your One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein looks a little saucy at first. The noodles will absorb the sauce as it cooks. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Here’s a mom comfort food hack: cut up your vegetables the night before to save time. This chicken noodle stir fry can be ready in minutes!

You can find more easy weeknight lo mein recipes at Easy Chicken Lo Mein (Make Takeout at Home).

This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is a true family favorite, and we’ve found some fun ways to enjoy it.

The kids devour this comforting One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein when I serve it with a side of steamed edamame. They love popping the beans out of the pods. This quick weeknight lo mein is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love to serve it with a simple side salad for a little extra freshness.

This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers. I’ve even packed it in the kids’ lunchboxes (they love it cold!).

For presentation, I like to sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top. It makes it look extra appealing, especially for picky eaters. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, or you can even add a fried egg on top for a more substantial meal.

One seasonal variation we love is adding snow peas in the spring. It adds a nice sweetness and crunch. One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for meal planning, since you can use almost any vegetables you have.

We made this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein for my husband’s birthday last year and he said it was perfect!

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Chicken Parmesan Soup.

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe.

Here are some common questions I get from other busy moms about my One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein:

• Is this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein really filling enough for growing kids?
  Yes! The combination of chicken, noodles, and vegetables makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. You can always add more chicken or veggies to make it even more filling.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein?
  Start by offering a small portion and don’t pressure them to eat it. You can also try letting them pick out one or two vegetables to add themselves. Sometimes, just being involved in the cooking process can make them more willing to try it.
• Can I meal prep this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein for busy weeks ahead?
  Absolutely! This quick chicken noodle stir fry is great for meal prepping. Just cook it according to the instructions and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Can I use different types of noodles?
  Yes, you can use any type of noodles you like! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles would work well.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it uses lo mein noodles and soy sauce (which typically contains wheat). However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative).
• Can I add other proteins besides chicken?
  Of course! Shrimp, tofu, or beef would all be delicious in this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein.
• What other vegetables can I add?
  The possibilities are endless! Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and bean sprouts are all great additions.
• My sauce didn’t thicken, what happened?
  Make sure your cornstarch is fresh! Also, ensure you’re simmering the sauce long enough. Sometimes it takes a few extra minutes to thicken. Also, here’s a homemade lo mein recipe for you: Homemade chicken and vegetable lo mein recipe
• Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
  I recommend making it fresh. The noodles can get a little mushy when frozen and thawed. I have made this one-pan Asian noodles recipe ahead and the noodles were not great. But it is okay to freeze!

If you want even more ideas, take a look at The Ultimate Chicken Lo Mein! Homemade is Way Better than ….

And for more comfort food goodness, check out Southwest Chicken Soup

This One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein is more than just a recipe; it’s a sanity-saver for busy moms who want to provide their families with a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It perfectly aligns with my goal of sharing simple comfort food solutions that bring families together around the table. My kids love my easy chicken lo mein recipe!

• Pre-chop your veggies: Do this the night before to save time during the dinner rush.
• Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for super busy nights.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Nobody likes mushy noodles!

• Spicy One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Peanut One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty twist. My son loves this version!
• Honey Garlic One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein: Use honey instead of brown sugar in the sauce and add an extra clove of garlic.

My daughter loves the classic version, while my husband prefers the spicy One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein. I encourage you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your family’s favorite version of this One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein.

I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family’s mealtime as it has to mine. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Embrace the cozy chaos, and enjoy creating simple comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. You’ve got this, mama! Give this satisfying One-Pan Chicken Lo Mein a try, and let me know what you think! I know you will love my homemade lo mein recipe!