This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for busy nights! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty noodles all tossed in a flavorful sauce, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Just picture this: a big bowl of noodles that you can whip up in a flash! I love how it combines everything in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Yum! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles are traditional, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti works just as well. You could also try rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts keep it lean, but you can use thighs for a juicier bite. Tofu or tempeh is great for a vegetarian twist!
Vegetables: This dish is versatile! If you don’t have snap peas, try broccoli or zucchini. You can mix and match vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential, but if you’re low on it, tamari is a gluten-free alternative. For oyster sauce, a mushroom-based sauce can work for a vegetarian option.
How Do You Cook Noodles Perfectly?
Cooking the noodles right is key for the best chicken lo mein. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. For lo mein, this is usually 3-4 minutes. For spaghetti, follow the instructions for al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Set aside and make sure they are loosely arranged for easy mixing later.
Following these steps will ensure that your noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Noodles: 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- Protein: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sauces:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Seasoning: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided, salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Sesame seeds (optional)
Estimated Time:
This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need 10 minutes to prep your ingredients, and about 15 minutes to cook everything to delicious perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s no longer pink in the center and has a nice golden color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, mix in the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still retain some crunch. This adds great flavor and texture to your dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Then, add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together gently to combine.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and chicken broth or water. This sauce is what brings everything to life!
7. Pour and Toss:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined. You want to make sure those noodles soak up all the delicious flavors!
8. Final Touches:
Stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh pop. Serve the chicken lo mein immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if you’d like to add some extra flair!
Enjoy your quick and tasty Chicken Lo Mein—perfect for a busy night!
FAQs for Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
How Can I Customize the Vegetables?
This recipe is very versatile! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bok choy. Just make sure to keep the cook time in mind so they don’t get overcooked.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can omit the oyster sauce or substitute it with a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms. A mix of soy sauce and a little extra hoisin sauce can also work as a tasty alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the noodles, if needed.
