This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a tasty dish packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and chewy noodles all tossed in a zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Honestly, it’s so simple that even on a busy day, I can whip it up in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies—my kids don’t even notice! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: Traditional lo mein noodles are great, but you can easily use spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. They cook quickly and taste fantastic in this dish!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to, but chicken thighs add a bit more flavor. If you want a lighter option, try tofu or shrimp instead!
Vegetable Mix: The starred ingredients (cabbage, carrots, snow peas) can be swapped for any quick-cooking vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn work perfectly too.
Sauce Ingredients: If you’re avoiding oyster sauce, a bit more soy sauce mixed with a dash of Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch. For a vegan version, use mushroom sauce instead.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Noodles?
Cooking noodles may seem simple, but getting them just right makes all the difference! Here’s how to do it:
- Follow the package instructions for timing to ensure your noodles are perfectly al dente—firm yet cooked through.
- After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent sticking later on.
- Drizzle a little oil if you’re not using them right away to keep them from clumping.
Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Lo Mein takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making the total time about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking 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 give them a good rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground white pepper, and chicken broth (or water). This sauce will bring all the flavors together. Set it aside for now.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5-6 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender.
5. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once everything is hot and ready, remove it from the heat. Garnish your delicious Chicken Lo Mein with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are best, you can substitute them with spaghetti or any other Asian noodles like udon or rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Lo Mein?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn are great options and can be tossed in during the stir-fry step for added color and nutrients.
Is This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, this Easy Chicken Lo Mein is naturally dairy-free! Just double-check your sauces (especially hoisin) to ensure they don’t contain any hidden dairy ingredients, and you’re good to go!
