This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Saucy, Chinese-inspired lo mein noodles stir-fried with end-of-summer vegetables, chicken, and a spicy-sweet garlic hoisin sauce. Mix up the sauce, cook the chicken and veggies, toss in the noodles, and pour everything together — dinner done! Quick, flavorful, and an easy one-pan meal everyone will love.
I know I talk a lot about childhood food memories, but honestly, those simple dishes are still some of my favorites. My dad was (and still is) a very uncomplicated cook. He’s not the type to run out to the store for one missing ingredient — no way. Instead, he just works with whatever’s in the fridge.
One thing he’s mastered is a good family chicken stir fry. This time of year, he’d make it at least once a week with whatever was flourishing in his garden — bell peppers, broccoli, fresh basil. It was simple, colorful, and always so delicious. Dad always served his stir fry over rice, but I’ve swapped in lo mein noodles here…and honestly, I think they’re even better. My mom agrees — she loves a good noodle!
Here are the details (you’ll love how fast this is!)
Ingredients
- Lo Mein or spaghetti noodles
- tamari – or use soy sauce
- hoisin sauce
- toasted sesame oil
- ground chicken
- garlic
- chili flakes
- a big bowl of stir-fry vegetables – zucchini/bell peppers/broccoli/carrot
- toasted sesame seeds
- fresh basil and sliced green onions
Special Tools
You need a big skillet for these noodles.
Steps
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package directions, as each brand will vary a little. I usually boil mine just like spaghetti — and honestly, spaghetti works here too if that’s what you have!
Step 2: Make the sauce
While the noodles are cooking, mix together the tamari, hoisin sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Add a splash of water to thin it out. That’s it — nothing fancy!
Sometimes I like to mix up my own hoisin sauce using tamari, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white miso paste, Chinese five-spice, and black pepper. If you feel like going the extra step, it’s so flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the chicken and vegetables
In a large skillet, cook the chicken with garlic, chili flakes, and butter until browned. Add in your veggies — use whatever you love most. I went with shaved zucchini and red bell peppers. Cook until the chicken is fully done and the vegetables have softened.
Step 4: Toss it all together
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, then add the noodles. Toss everything together and cook for just a couple of minutes until the sauce coats the noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Be careful not to overcook — this part happens fast!
Serve the lo mein in bowls topped with lots of toasted sesame seeds, fresh basil, and green onions.
This whole dish comes together in about 15–20 minutes, depending on how much chopping you need to do. Using ground chicken makes it even quicker, and, in my opinion, yummier too since the sauce coats every bite. So simple, so delicious. A great weeknight dinner for back-to-school season!
Looking for other quick noodle recipes? Try these:
30 Minute Creamy Turmeric Chicken and Noodles
Saucy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Coconut Milk and Rice Noodles
20 Minute Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles
20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles
Lastly, if you make these 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry lo mein or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup tamari/soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- black pepper
- 3 cups mixed stir fry veggies, (carrots/zucchini/bell peppers/broccoli)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil baby leaves and chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. 2. Combine the tamari/soy sauce, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. 3. Cook the chicken, garlic, and chili flakes with butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with black pepper. Add the mixed stir fry veggies and cook another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the sauce. Bring to a low simmer. Add the noodles and cook until the sauce coats the chicken and noodles.4. Serve the noodles warm, topped with sesame seeds, baby basil leaves, and chopped green onions.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Did not enjoy this one – will not make again
Hey Alice! So sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe! Thank you for the input, would you be able to give me more details so I can improve the recipe? Thank you! xT
Can I use chicken breast cubed vs. ground chicken? would it affect the recipe?
Hi Jenna! Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breast cubed into small pieces and it should work just the same! 🙂 xT
What type of side and beverage should this be served with? What’s the difference between soy and tamari sauce? Also, is it possible to stop showing the food hanging over the sink? It makes me nauseous.
Hi there! This lo mein is great with something light on the side like a cucumber salad, steamed or roasted veggies, or even dumplings if you want to make it more of a spread. For drinks, I’d go with something refreshing like iced green tea or a light cocktail/mocktail. As for soy vs tamari, tamari is very similar in flavor but it’s usually gluten-free and just a touch richer. And thank you for the note about the photos, I really appreciate the feedback and will keep it in mind moving forward! xT
I liked this recipe. Added some minced ginger, cut back on amount of pasta and added more veggies. Would make again.
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for trying out the recipe! I bet adding more veggies would be delicious! xT
Thank you for this recipe! My whole family enjoyed it! It was easy , healthy and delicious.
Thank you so much Kim! I am so glad you are loving this lo mein! Thank you for giving it a try! 🙂 xT
Hi. Where does the toasted sesame oil get used?
First time trying this recipe.
Hi there! The toasted sesame oil is used in step 2 of the recipe! Hope you enjoy! xT
Really didn’t care for this one, and the prep/cook time is not accurate.
Hey Jesse! So sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe! Thank you for letting me know, I really appreciate it! xT
I thought this was delicious! It did take longer than 10 minutes but it was definitely low-prep. For example, if you chose to use a bag of frozen mixed stir fry veggies it would be very little prep time, although still more than 10 min to cook. Great flavor and versatile!
Hi Jen! Thank you so much for this input, I really appreciate it! Have a great day! xT
Delicious! This came together quickly and was so easy! I did use only half the lo mein noodles and it still made a ton. I will add more veggies next time I make it because they were so good! My family LOVED this and it’s a keeper!
Ji Jennifer! Thank you so much for trying out this recipe! So happy to hear you enjoyed this lo mein! 🙂 xT
This was quick, easy, and budget friendly! Great way to use leftover spaghetti and some carrots, broccoli, and green onion that I’ve been meaning to use. Also threw in lots of basil from my garden at the end. Did not have have any chicken, so scrambled in some eggs instead for some protein. My biggest complaint about Asian noodle dishes is when they are too sweet, so I love how savory the sauce is. That said, I may consider using low sodium soy sauce next time instead of regular soy sauce, just to see if that’s adequately tasty without adding lots of extra sodium. I’ll definitely try making this again.
Hi Megan! Thank you so much for trying out the recipe! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Love that you used fresh basil from the garden! 🙂 xT
Super easy, super delicious. Better than takeout and husband loved it. Honestly, it was good. I add more chili flakes for extra spice; I love spice.
So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for trying it out! Have a great week! 🙂 xT
This recipe is easy and delicious! The blend of flavors is nice with just the right amount of heat from the pepper flake. Sesame oil is listed on the ingredients but wasn’t in the instructions so I added with the butter when I cooked the chicken and garlic. Don’t forget it because it makes the meal. I’m keeping this for my weekly rotation. Can mix up the veggies to make it different each time.
Hi Michele! I am so glad you loved this lo mein! Thank you for giving it try! Have a great week! 🙂 xT
This definitely took longer than 10 mins to cook, and the final result was less than stellar.
Hey Rita! Thank you so much for trying out the recipe, I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy it! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help! 🙂 xT
Looks great! Does the sesame oil go with the hoisin and tamari, or in the pan with the chicken? Thanks!
Hi Katie! Yes, it goes in with the hoisin and tamari! Hope you enjoy! xT
Are we adding the basil and green onions in whole? It doesn’t say how to prepare them, or when to add the green onions.
Hi Kelly! In step 4 it says to add the green onions, and the basil and green onions should both be chopped! So sorry for any confusion! Hope you enjoy the recipe! xT
Ah ok, I see now where it’s been corrected.
It only says chopped green onions. Also you need to be including these things as actual directives. “Chop the onions.”
Are we supposed to put the basil in whole?
Hey Carly! So sorry for any confusion, yes you chop the green onions and the basil! Enjoy! 🙂 xT