This Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein is a tasty stir-fry dish with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and soft noodles. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick to whip up!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! Just toss everything in the pan, and you’re set. I love adding extra veggies for a colorful twist—more crunch, more fun! 🥕🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles are the classic choice, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti works just as well! This way, you can still enjoy the dish even if you’re missing the specific noodle type.
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. You could also swap with thighs for more flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Vegetables: While this recipe calls for cabbage and peas, feel free to switch it up. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even zucchini can add great flavors. I love mixing in colorful veggies!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for that savory taste, but you can use tamari for a gluten-free option. If your diet restricts oyster sauce, try a mushroom sauce as a similar substitute.
Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have them, chives can be a good stand-in, or even just skip them if you’re in a pinch.
How do I stir-fry chicken and vegetables perfectly?
Mastering stir-frying is key to making a dish like Chicken Lo Mein delicious! Here are some simple steps for great results:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Cook the chicken in smaller pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Keep the heat high when adding vegetables. Stir them frequently to maintain texture and color. Tender-crisp veggies are the goal!
- Always drizzle the sauce mixture at the end and quickly toss it with the noodles and ingredients. This keeps everything coated without overcooking.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll achieve a tasty Chicken Lo Mein that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas, halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper or black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and prepping ingredients, followed by another 10-15 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. It’s a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, ground white pepper, and chicken broth or water. This sauce will bring all the flavors together—set it aside for now.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until they smell fragrant (but be careful not to burn them!). Now, add the sliced chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and is no longer pink, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, snow peas, and bean sprouts. Keep stirring and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. This adds a beautiful crunch and color to your dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and gently toss everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat all the ingredients and heat through nicely.
6. Final Touches:
Make sure to taste your Chicken Lo Mein! Adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions, and your dish is ready to serve!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make Chicken Lo Mein! It’s a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can easily use spaghetti, udon noodles, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose to keep them al dente.
Can I Make This Chicken Lo Mein Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and substitute it with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for added texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and ensure it stays moist.
Can I Prepare the Ingredients in Advance?
Definitely! You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken a day in advance. Just keep them in the refrigerator in airtight containers. This makes the cooking process much quicker on the day you plan to prepare the dish!