Get ready to meet your new weeknight favorite: Sesame Chicken Lo Mein! This dish is the very best mashup of juicy, sesame-glazed chicken and tangled, slurpable noodles—all tossed in a rich, garlicky soy sauce that hits every craving.
The flavors are outrageously good: nutty toasted sesame, a hint of sweet and a pop of fresh veggies in every bite. It’s loaded with color, texture, and that irresistible takeout flavor we all secretly love.
Sesame Chicken Lo Mein is also incredibly easy and ready in just 40 minutes—making it perfect for busy nights, quick lunches, or casual dinner parties. My family always requests seconds!
If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feels special (but takes way less effort than takeout), this is absolutely the recipe to try.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality taste at home without the delivery fee
- A complete, filling meal loaded with protein, veggies, and noodles
- Ready in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
- Crowd-pleasing, family-friendly, and totally comforting
Key Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Lo Mein
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Chicken Breast
Lean, tender chicken breast soaks up the salty-sweet soy sauce and delivers plenty of satisfying protein. Slice it thinly for quick cooking and juicy results. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute for even more flavor and tenderness.
Lo Mein Noodles
These classic, chewy egg noodles give this dish its signature slurp! Look for fresh or dried lo mein noodles at most grocery stores in the Asian section. In a pinch, spaghetti or linguine works well, but lo mein noodles really make it authentic.
Toasted Sesame Oil
Sesame oil provides that deep, nutty aroma you recognize from your favorite takeout. Make sure to use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor, and add it at the end so its fragrance shines. If you don’t have it, a bit of peanut oil in the stir-fry is a decent runner-up.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the backbone of the savory, umami sauce. I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from getting too salty, but regular works in a pinch. If gluten is an issue, swap in tamari or coconut aminos.
Vegetables
A mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas adds crunch and freshness. Feel free to use what you have on hand—broccoli, baby corn, or snap peas all work beautifully.
Instructions for Sesame Chicken Lo Mein
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Prepare the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This glossy sauce will coat everything with mouthwatering flavor.
Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken slices dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and snow peas; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender but still vibrant.
Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan with the veggies. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and toss in the green onions.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onion. Enjoy piping hot!
Recipe Variations
Swap the Protein
You can easily sub out chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or even a hearty plant-based chicken alternative. Each option brings its own texture and taste, so pick your favorite!
Make It Vegetarian
If you want to go meatless, use extra-firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Swap the oyster sauce for mushroom stir-fry sauce or just add extra soy sauce for plenty of umami.
Gluten-Free Option
Simply replace the lo mein noodles with gluten-free rice noodles and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Double-check your oyster sauce for hidden gluten, or skip it.
Add More Veggies
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, baby broccoli, snap peas, or shredded cabbage for more color and crunch. It’s a great way to use up whatever’s in your fridge.
Spice It Up
Craving heat? Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes while stir-frying for a spicy sesame chicken lo mein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sesame Chicken Lo Mein as a stand-alone meal, or round it out with simple steamed dumplings, an Asian cucumber salad, or a side of hot and sour soup. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a wedge of lime add the perfect fresh and zesty finish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or microwave until piping hot. For best texture, avoid freezing as noodles can become mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken Lo Mein (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Sesame Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the veggies and sauce up to a day in advance, then stir-fry everything fresh for best flavor.
Q: What noodles should I use if I can't find lo mein?
A: Spaghetti or linguine make great stand-ins. Even thick rice noodles will work in a pinch!
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper to the stir-fry, or serve with Sriracha at the table for a spicy kick.
Thanks for stopping by! Sesame Chicken Lo Mein is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation—loaded with vibrant flavors, easy to make, and family-approved. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and rating below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Sesame Chicken Lo Mein
Sesame Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, savory stir-fry packed with tender chicken, bouncy noodles, and a crave-worthy sesame-soy sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes!
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil; set aside.
- 2In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water; set aside.
- 3Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- 4In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas; cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- 5Return chicken and noodles to pan. Add sauce and toss everything for 1-2 minutes until hot and the sauce is glossy and thickened. Drizzle with remaining sesame oil; toss in green onions.
- 6Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and more green onions if desired.
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