Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy | Cozy Stir-Fry Dinner Idea

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy is a quick, delicious meal that delivers restaurant-style flavor using fresh ingredients and everyday pantry staples. This noodle dish combines juicy chicken breast, savory mushrooms, and crisp bok choy in a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every bite.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights, offering a complete meal in under 30 minutes. The balance of lean protein, vegetables, and noodles makes it satisfying without being heavy. If you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners that don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this recipe checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy is the kind of meal that fits seamlessly into your weeknight routine without sacrificing flavor or freshness. It’s a go-to option when you need something fast, balanced, and nourishing.

• Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep
• Made with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients
• Easy to customize with different vegetables or protein
• Family-friendly and great for leftovers
• Balanced in taste with a savory and slightly sweet sauce

This recipe doesn’t rely on takeout shortcuts. Instead, it gives you full control over the ingredients, letting you adjust sodium levels, portion sizes, and flavor intensity. You’ll appreciate how the mushrooms add a satisfying bite, while bok choy brings a mild, peppery crunch that contrasts well with the soft noodles.

It also works for meal prepping. The leftovers reheat well, and the flavors deepen the next day. Whether you’re serving it right out of the skillet or packing it for lunch, this dish offers both comfort and convenience. It’s a reliable solution when you need something more exciting than another basic chicken breast dinner.

For another fast and flavorful meal, you might like the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy Ingredients

This easy pasta recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that deliver bold flavor. Each item plays an important role in balancing texture and taste. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces total), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
• 2 cups baby bok choy, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or cremini recommended)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional), for garnish

Use fresh bok choy with firm stalks and vibrant leaves for the best crunch. Mushrooms should be wiped clean and sliced evenly for consistent cooking. Lo mein noodles are traditional, but spaghetti or linguine makes an excellent substitute if needed. Make sure the chicken is sliced thin so it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavor.

The sauce ingredients create a perfect blend of salty, sweet, and savory. The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, helping it cling to the noodles. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for adding aromatic depth. For another warm and satisfying dish with familiar ingredients, check out the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

This quick dinner idea uses a few simple steps to build flavor and texture. Each component is cooked in sequence to ensure everything comes out perfectly cooked and well combined.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the bok choy and cook for another 2 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cooked noodles and toss to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until everything is heated through.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot.

Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear. Use tongs or a spatula to mix everything well so the sauce coats every strand of noodle. This technique helps the ingredients hold their texture without turning soggy. If you prefer more vegetables, stir in julienned carrots or snap peas. For another one-pan dinner that’s equally comforting, try the One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy Serving Suggestions

This chicken lo mein recipe is designed to be a full meal, but you can serve it with simple sides or add-ons to stretch it for more people or round out the plate. Here are a few ideas that complement the flavor and texture of the dish:

• Steamed or sautéed green beans with garlic and sesame oil
• Pickled cucumber salad with rice vinegar for a refreshing bite
• Roasted edamame sprinkled with coarse sea salt
• Miso soup or egg drop soup as a light appetizer
• Sliced oranges or fresh pineapple to add a sweet contrast

You can also turn this into a build-your-own bowl situation for a family dinner. Serve the noodles in a large dish and let everyone top their own bowl with extra soy sauce, chili oil, or crunchy toppings like peanuts or fried onions.

For drink pairings, unsweetened iced green tea or sparkling water with lemon works well to cleanse the palate. This dish also holds up beautifully in a lunchbox or thermos for next-day meals.

Whether you’re serving it straight from the skillet or dressing it up for guests, this lo mein delivers both comfort and flexibility. For another meal that balances savory flavor with flaky crust, try the Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust.

Easy Chicken Pasta Dishes: Variations and Customization

One of the best things about Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy is how easily it can be adjusted based on what you have or what you’re craving. These variations allow you to use the same technique with new flavors.

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a meatless version
• Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, shredded cabbage, or carrots for extra vegetables
• Use whole wheat spaghetti or brown rice noodles for a heartier option
• Increase heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic paste
• Replace oyster and hoisin sauce with teriyaki or sweet soy sauce for a sweeter profile

You can also double the sauce recipe and use it as a base for stir-frying other proteins or vegetables. This flexibility makes it a reliable recipe for clearing out the fridge or accommodating different diets in one meal.

If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, tamari is a good substitute for soy sauce, and rice noodles work great as a gluten-free alternative.

Try adding a scrambled egg at the end for extra richness or chopped cashews for crunch. The structure of the dish holds up no matter how you tweak it, which is why it’s great to keep in your rotation.

Ready for more ideas? Try a cozy classic like the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a buttery twist on pasta night.

Chicken Lo Mein Pasta Bake Storage and Reheating

This dish is ideal for making ahead or saving leftovers. The noodles and sauce hold up well in the fridge, and the flavors continue to deepen over time. Whether you’re meal prepping or just have extra servings from dinner, follow these storage and reheating tips to keep everything tasting fresh.

Let the lo mein cool completely before storing. Divide it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to store individual portions for lunch or dinner later in the week, flat, wide containers work best for even reheating.

To reheat on the stovetop, add the noodles to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. This method revives the sauce and keeps the noodles from drying out.

For a microwave option, place the lo mein in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30 to 45-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a small drizzle of sesame oil after reheating to refresh the flavor and gloss.

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The texture of the noodles and bok choy becomes mushy when thawed. However, you can prep the sauce separately and freeze it for up to one month.

Store garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds separately and add them fresh after reheating. This helps maintain their crispness and boosts presentation even when eating leftovers.

Chicken Breast Pasta Recipe Tips for Best Results

Mastering this dish is all about the small techniques that make the final result sing. These helpful tips will ensure your Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy turns out great every time.

Start with prepping all ingredients before cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, so having everything chopped, measured, and ready makes it easier to avoid burning or overcooking.

Slice the chicken thinly across the grain. This allows it to cook quickly and remain tender. If the chicken is too thick, it may dry out before the vegetables are done. You can even lightly tenderize the slices with a mallet or back of a knife before cooking.

Cook the noodles just until al dente. They’ll continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce. Overcooked noodles will absorb too much sauce and lose their chewy texture.

Use high heat when cooking the vegetables and sauce. This develops flavor quickly and helps achieve the slightly charred, wok-style taste common in great lo mein dishes.

When adding sauce, mix off the heat if you’re worried about burning. Tossing noodles too long over heat can cause sticking or clumping.

Finish with sesame oil at the end rather than during cooking. It’s a fragrant oil that adds flavor and shine when used as a final touch instead of a cooking base.

For an added pop, serve with lime wedges or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These optional touches help brighten the dish without requiring extra cooking steps.

Chicken Pasta Recipes for Dinner Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you get a consistently delicious result every time.

Using the wrong noodles
Traditional lo mein noodles are best, but spaghetti or linguine are good substitutes. Avoid using rice noodles or thin vermicelli unless you adjust the cooking method, as they cook faster and can break apart easily.

Overcrowding the pan
When too many ingredients are added to the skillet at once, they steam instead of sear. This results in a soggy texture and a lack of caramelization. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper stir-fry technique.

Skipping the cornstarch slurry
The sauce will be too thin without the cornstarch. It acts as a thickener that helps the sauce cling to the noodles and distributes flavor throughout the dish. If you skip it, the noodles may sit in a watery sauce.

Cooking chicken unevenly
Uneven slices lead to dry or undercooked chicken. Consistent slicing ensures the chicken cooks at the same rate and absorbs flavor uniformly. Use a sharp knife and chill the meat slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Not balancing the sauce
Taste the sauce before adding it to the dish. If it’s too salty, add a teaspoon of honey or more hoisin sauce. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar or more soy sauce to balance it out.

Cooking is about adapting as you go. Keep these notes in mind and adjust based on your ingredients, pan size, and taste preferences.

Chicken Pasta Recipe Conclusion

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy is a flavorful, flexible dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to share. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles coated in a savory sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe delivers every time. The next time you’re craving something satisfying and fast, this one-pan dish is a must-try.

Pin this recipe now or share it with a friend who needs a new weeknight dinner favorite.

FAQs About Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

What mushrooms are best for Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy?

Shiitake and cremini mushrooms work well because they hold their shape and add deep, umami flavor. Button mushrooms can be used as a more budget-friendly alternative. Avoid canned mushrooms, as they tend to be too soft and watery for stir-frying.

Can I make Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store cooked lo mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and noodles. Keep garnishes like green onions separate until serving.

What noodles work best in Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy?

Fresh lo mein noodles or Chinese egg noodles are the traditional choice. If those aren’t available, spaghetti or linguine make excellent substitutes. The goal is to use a medium-thickness noodle that can absorb sauce without falling apart.

Is Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy healthy for weeknight dinners?

Yes, this recipe is balanced with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a moderate amount of noodles. Using low-sodium soy sauce and minimal oil helps control fat and salt content. It’s a much healthier option than many restaurant takeout versions.

Chicken Lo Mein with Mushrooms and Bok Choy | Cozy Stir-Fry Dinner Idea

Author: Ellie Courses: Dinner