Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli | Easy Takeout-Style Dinner

A delicious twist on takeout favorites, this Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli brings the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity to your dinner table. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and soft noodles are tossed in a rich sesame-garlic sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal that’s fresher, lighter, and tailored to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a new pasta recipe for busy nights, this lo mein checks every box for comfort, color, and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

This Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli is everything you want in a weeknight meal, quick, balanced, and full of bold flavor. The sauce coats every strand of noodle with a glossy finish that tastes indulgent yet remains healthy enough for any family dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular evening into something special without needing complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Deliciously balanced flavors of sesame, soy, and garlic
• Crisp-tender broccoli adds color and freshness
• Perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches
• Great alternative to takeout with simple pantry staples

This dish is also adaptable. You can swap vegetables, adjust heat levels, or use any noodle you have on hand. Each bite delivers that irresistible mix of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that make Asian-inspired chicken pasta dishes so satisfying. It’s comfort food that still feels light, and it’s the perfect recipe for easy weeknight dinners when you need something fast but crave something delicious.

Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli Ingredients

A great Sesame Chicken Lo Mein starts with the right mix of ingredients. Each component contributes to the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish stand out.

• 12 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if needed)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp sesame oil (divided use)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for mild spice)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for topping

These ingredients create that classic sesame chicken flavor with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Using fresh broccoli and ginger adds brightness, while sesame oil gives the dish its signature nutty aroma. If you prefer a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables for a colorful and hearty plate.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Lo Mein

This dish is simple, fast, and satisfying, just a few quick steps stand between you and a steaming bowl of noodles.

1. Cook the noodles in salted boiling water for 5 to 6 minutes or until just tender. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green.
4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Pour this sauce into the skillet.
5. Add the noodles and toss until fully coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

For another quick weeknight favorite, try my Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, it’s equally flavorful and just as easy to prepare.

Serving Suggestions for Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli

Serving this dish is as enjoyable as cooking it. The glossy noodles, crisp vegetables, and sesame aroma make it ideal for a cozy meal or a dinner party centerpiece. Serve in warm bowls with chopsticks for a restaurant-style presentation.

Add a squeeze of lime for brightness or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch. Pair it with a light Asian cucumber salad or miso soup to complete the meal. If you’re planning a themed dinner night, this recipe fits beautifully with other easy pasta recipes like my Quick Teriyaki Chicken Skillet, offering a perfect flavor balance between sweet and savory.

For presentation, swirl the noodles high, drizzle with a touch of sesame oil, and top with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for color.

Variations and Customizations for Chicken Lo Mein

Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli is flexible enough to match your cravings. Try any of these easy tweaks to make it your own:

• Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different proteins.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots for extra crunch.
• Turn it spicy with chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper.
• Create a low-carb option by replacing noodles with spiralized zucchini.
• For a creamy twist, whisk 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the sauce before mixing.

If creamy pasta recipes are your favorite, you’ll also love my One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Bake, which brings a comforting, cheesy finish to weeknight dinners without much cleanup.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Sesame Chicken Lo Mein

Leftovers of this Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli are just as delicious the next day. Store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may dry out the noodles.

For best storage techniques and reheating ideas, check how I keep my Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake perfectly moist even after two days.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken Lo Mein

Every great cook knows the small details make a big difference. Follow these pro tips to achieve lo mein perfection every time.

• Cook noodles until slightly firm; overcooked noodles will absorb too much sauce.
• Stir-fry ingredients in batches to avoid steaming the chicken and vegetables.
• Always combine the sauce off heat to maintain its glossy texture.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for richer flavor.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for authentic taste and aroma.

With these steps, your Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli will look and taste like it came from a professional kitchen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Lo Mein

Even simple recipes can go wrong without attention to detail. Avoid these common pitfalls when cooking your sesame chicken lo mein.

• Over-salting the sauce: remember that soy sauce already contains salt.
• Skipping sesame oil: it adds essential flavor depth.
• Adding broccoli too early: cook it last to keep the crisp-tender texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: it prevents proper browning.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust: a small dash of vinegar or sugar can rebalance flavors instantly.

Mind these small details, and your noodle dish will turn out consistently perfect every time.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli is more than just another quick dinner, it’s a bowl of pure satisfaction. Each forkful brings together soft noodles, tender chicken, and the irresistible aroma of sesame and garlic. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor make it the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, pin it on Pinterest or share it with your friends who love easy weeknight dinners. It’s a meal worth celebrating and sharing around every table.

FAQs about Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli

What is sesame chicken lo mein with broccoli made of?

It’s made from lo mein noodles, thinly sliced chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a sesame-garlic sauce that combines soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and vinegar for a balanced, savory-sweet flavor.

Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles for this chicken pasta dish?

Yes, spaghetti works well as a substitute. Cook it al dente to maintain the chewy texture that’s key to authentic lo mein. Toss it in sesame oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking.

What vegetables go well with chicken lo mein and broccoli?

You can use snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for color and crunch. Adding extra vegetables makes this dish brighter and adds nutrients, turning it into a wholesome, family-friendly dinner.

How do I make the sesame sauce for chicken lo mein from scratch?

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a little cornstarch mixed with chicken broth. This blend creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

How do I keep my sesame chicken lo mein with broccoli from sticking together?

Drain noodles well and toss them in a tablespoon of sesame oil right after cooking. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help the sauce coat the noodles smoothly again.

Sesame Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli | Easy Takeout-Style Dinner

Author: Ellie Courses: Dinner