This Easy Best Chicken Lo Mein is a fun noodle dish packed with tasty chicken, colorful veggies, and rich sauce. It’s quick to make, making it perfect for busy nights!
Certainly, just the thought of slurping those noodles makes me smile! I love serving it with extra soy sauce for a little more yum—who can resist that? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles are the traditional choice, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti works just as well. Personally, I love the texture of udon noodles too—they’re chewy and satisfying!
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For a healthier option, turkey is a great substitute. If you’re in a hurry, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Vegetables: Snap peas and cabbage create a lovely crunch. If you don’t have those, bell peppers, broccoli, or even frozen stir-fry vegetables can work. The more colorful, the better!
Sauces: Low sodium soy sauce is great for controlling saltiness. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos. I also love adding a dash of sriracha for some heat and flavor!
How Do I Get My Chicken Just Right in Stir-Frying?
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, follow these tips:
- Slice the chicken thinly and against the grain. This keeps it juicy and tender.
- Heat the skillet before adding the chicken. It should be nice and hot to get that quick sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Stir constantly for even cooking, taking it out when it’s no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
Easy Best Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate whites and greens)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set those noodles aside for later.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch. Make sure everything is well mixed and the sugar and cornstarch have dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry it for about 4-5 minutes until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Then add minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the bean sprouts and the cooked noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything in the skillet, and toss the mixture together well.
6. Finish the Dish:
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients evenly. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove it from heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your chicken lo mein with the green parts of the sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy this delicious, easy chicken lo mein immediately!
FAQ for Easy Best Chicken Lo Mein
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; seafood cooks quickly, while beef may need a little longer depending on the cut.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to be creative! Bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms are excellent additions. If you have other veggies to use up, like zucchini or baby corn, throw them in too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or warm them up in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this lo mein vegan, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure to choose a vegan oyster sauce or skip it altogether for a similar flavor using soy sauce.
