This Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and tasty meal! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and soft noodles, it’s a bowl of comfort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein is best with soft lo mein noodles, but feel free to use spaghetti or even rice noodles if they’re handy. Just cook them al dente so they hold up in the stir-fry!
Chicken: I like using boneless chicken thighs for added flavor, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer lean meat. You can also substitute with tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
Vegetables: This recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini can easily replace the snow peas or cabbage, adding more color and flavor.
Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce with a little extra brown sugar for sweetness. A splash of rice vinegar can also add a nice tang!
How Do I Get My Chicken to Cook Perfectly?
Getting your chicken just right is key to this dish. Start with slices that are uniform in thickness for even cooking. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear and lock in moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly.
- Stir often, but let it sit for a minute or two to get a nice golden color on the chicken.
- Use a food thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Vegetables?
Stir-frying keeps your veggies crisp and colorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil in your skillet until it shimmers, but not smoking.
- Add the garlic first, as it releases flavor quickly—just 30 seconds is enough.
- Add thicker vegetables like carrots first, as they take longer to cook. After a couple of minutes, add the cabbage and snow peas.
- Stir continuously to keep the vegetables from burning. Aim for about 3-4 minutes total for that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Easy and Delicious Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. When they’re done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, chicken broth, and grated ginger if you’re using it. Give it a good stir and set aside. This sauce is the star of your dish!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the sliced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the second tablespoon of oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Now add in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. You want to maintain some bite in them!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the bean sprouts and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Toss everything together to mix well.
7. Bring It All Together:
Add the cooked noodles into the pan and pour the sauce over them. Toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-coated and heated through. This should just take a couple of minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is heated, remove from heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken lo mein!
Dive in and savor every bite of this delightful dish! It’s the perfect way to satisfy those noodle cravings. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or rice noodles work just as well. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can use any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas are great options. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on how quickly they cook, keeping them tender-crisp for the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Just substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and make sure to use a vegetarian oyster sauce or simply add more soy sauce for flavor. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the noodles moist.
