This Chicken Lo Mein is a simple yet tasty dish that mixes tender chicken, colorful veggies, and chewy noodles in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just stir-fry and toss! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies that sometimes get ignored. Who knew dinner could be this fun? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: Traditional lo mein noodles are best, but spaghetti works in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a lighter touch.
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken thighs add more flavor and juiciness. You can also use shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorites. Bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy can all fit well. Don’t shy away from using frozen mixed veggies if you’re short on fresh ones.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use more soy sauce or try a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness. For a vegan option, just skip the oyster sauce.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken properly ensures it’s tender and juicy. Here are some tips to avoid dryness:
- Slice the chicken thinly to help it cook evenly and quickly.
- Cook it over medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps maintain the sizzle and browning.
After cooking, let it rest for a minute before adding it back, helping keep those juices locked in!
Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup snap peas, halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Lo Mein takes about 15 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you should be ready to eat in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner during busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. It’s important not to overcook them, as they’ll continue cooking a bit with the other ingredients later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. If you’re adding ginger, include that too! Set the sauce mixture aside; you’ll be using it shortly.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic (and ginger if using) until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, snap peas, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Toss everything well, making sure everything is evenly coated and heated through for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, stir in most of the sliced green onions, saving some for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Chicken Lo Mein topped with the reserved green onions!
Enjoy this delightful dish any night of the week! It’s comforting, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or even rice noodles work well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, zucchini noodles or whole wheat noodles can also be a great substitute!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or a variety of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. You can still use the same sauce for delicious flavor!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the vegetables and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Just cook the noodles fresh on the day you plan to serve the dish to ensure they stay al dente.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You can add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if it seems dry when reheating.
