I bet you’ve wished for takeout on a busy weeknight without the wait. Imagine a vibrant, steaming bowl of noodles, packed with savory chicken and crisp veggies, made right in your kitchen. This ultimate Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken delivers all that authentic flavor faster than delivery. Designed for busy families, it’s incredibly quick, wholesome, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Our version combines fresh ingredients with clever shortcuts for maximum taste and minimum fuss. You’ll master this classic dish, learn easy swaps, and get tips for perfect meal prep.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Key Roles)
Crafting a delicious Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken starts with choosing quality ingredients. Here are the essentials for our hearty family dinner:
- Lo Mein Noodles (8 oz / 225g): The chewy base of your dish.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs (1 lb / 450g): Lean protein; opt for organic chicken for premium ingredients.
- Broccoli Florets (1 cup / 150g): Adds colorful crunch and essential vitamins.
- Carrots (1 cup / 120g, julienned or sliced): Provides natural sweetness.
- Bell Peppers (1 cup / 150g, any color, sliced): A burst of color and antioxidants. (Swap note: feel free to use snap peas or mushrooms if those are on hand!)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic foundation.
- Fresh Ginger (1 inch piece, grated): Adds a warming, zesty kick.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (¼ cup / 60ml): The savory umami base for the sauce. (Swap note: use tamari for a gluten-free option.)
- Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Imparts a nutty finish.
- Oyster Sauce (2 Tbsp / 30ml): Adds savory depth and gloss.
- Cornstarch (1 Tbsp / 8g): Thickens the sauce to coat everything beautifully.
- Neutral Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml, e.g., canola or vegetable): For stir-frying.
For smart swaps and optional upgrades, you can use any stir-fry friendly veggies like bok choy or snow peas. Try shrimp or tofu for a different protein, making this a high-protein snack option. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. For health-focused options, use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber. Fresh, seasonal veggies always taste best; look for crisp produce to ensure vibrant flavors in your easy dinner ideas.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
This Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken comes together surprisingly fast, perfect for a quick family meal. Each step includes a sensory cue and timing:
- Prep & Chop (10 mins): Slice your chicken into thin strips and chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Aim for thin strips of chicken and bite-sized veggie pieces; this ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly.
- Cook Noodles (5-7 mins): Boil the Lo Mein noodles according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent sticking. The noodles should be pliable but still have a slight bite when you taste them, taking about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir-Fry Chicken (3-5 mins): Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate. You’ll hear a sizzle as the chicken hits the hot pan, turning opaque and lightly golden in 3-5 minutes. I often use my 12-inch non-stick skillet for this, as it gives the chicken a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Sauté Veggies (3-4 mins): Add a little more oil if needed, then add harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli first. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add bell peppers. Cook until crisp-tender. The veggies should retain some crunch and vibrant color, typically taking 3-4 minutes to soften slightly.
- Combine & Sauce (2-3 mins): Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained noodles and pour in the Lo Mein sauce (whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl). Toss everything well to coat evenly and cook for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it heats, coating all ingredients in a glossy, aromatic finish. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water or broth to loosen it.
For optional shortcuts, use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store. You can even make it a one-pot dish by adding raw noodles directly to the pan with extra broth (ensure enough liquid for cooking the noodles). To avoid common mistakes, remember not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for a proper stir-fry, and don’t overcook your noodles initially, as they will continue to soften in the sauce.
Perfect Occasions and Pairings
This Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken is your go-to for many situations. It’s perfect for quick weekday dinners, a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings, or a tasty addition to family lunchboxes.
Serve this flavorful dish with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for a touch of heat. I find it pairs wonderfully with chilled green tea.
For easy meal prep, store leftover Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken in airtight containers. It keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; simply thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Wellness and Everyday Benefits of Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken
This hearty Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken offers a balanced meal. It combines lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and a rainbow of vitamins from fresh vegetables, providing sustained energy and satiety.
- A great protein boost for active lifestyles.
- An excellent way to include more veggies in family meals, making healthy eating easy.
- Supports healthy meal prep ideas for grab-and-go lunches.
- One of the best easy dinners for busy parents looking for quick meals.
Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs
For richer flavor, marinate the chicken briefly (15-20 minutes) in a little soy sauce and cornstarch; this ensures extra tenderness. Always use high heat when stir-frying to get that desirable slight char.
To adjust for dietary preferences: For a vegan Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken, swap chicken for mushrooms or firm tofu and use a vegan oyster sauce alternative. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are certified gluten-free. For a low-carb meal, use spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of traditional Lo Mein, ensuring the sauce is sugar-free. I often swap in zucchini noodles for myself when my family wants regular pasta.
Be aware of common allergies to soy and shellfish (in traditional oyster sauce). Always check noodle ingredients for egg or wheat.
Common Questions Answered
Is Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken a healthy option?
Yes, homemade Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken offers balanced nutrition with lean protein and fresh vegetables. It’s a much healthier alternative to many takeout options.
Can I freeze Lo Mein for later?
Absolutely, this Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken freezes well for meal prep. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.
What’s the best substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce are good substitutes for savory depth. I’ve even used a dash of fish sauce with a touch of sugar and soy when I’m out.
Can I use different types of noodles for this Lo Mein recipe?
Yes, while traditional Lo Mein noodles are best, spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) work in a pinch. This versatile recipe adapts well to different types.
How do I prevent my Lo Mein from getting soggy?
Ensure your wok is very hot and don’t overcrowd it. Cook noodles only until al dente, as they will soften further with the sauce just before serving.
Can I make this Lo Mein Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, easily! Omit chicken for extra vegetables, tofu, or plant-based protein. Remember to swap traditional oyster sauce for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This homemade Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy solution for delicious weeknight dinners. Pin this recipe now for your next speedy family dinner, or add it to your weekly meal plan for healthy eating and quick meals!
Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This ultimate Lo Mein Recipe with Vegetables and Chicken offers a vibrant, savory, and quick-to-make noodle dish packed with chicken and crisp veggies, providing authentic flavors faster than takeout.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Lo Mein Noodles
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Prep and Chop Ingredients: Slice chicken into thin strips and chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking and quick preparation.
- Cook Lo Mein Noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente (5-7 minutes); drain and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through (3-5 minutes). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add a little more neutral oil if needed. Add harder vegetables (carrots, broccoli) and sauté for 2 minutes, then add bell peppers. Cook until crisp-tender (3-4 minutes).
- Combine and Sauce: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add drained noodles and pour in the Lo Mein sauce (whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl). Toss everything well to coat evenly and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
For substitutions, use stir-fry friendly vegetables (e.g., bok choy, snow peas), shrimp or tofu for protein, and whole wheat noodles for fiber. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Use pre-chopped veggies for a shortcut. Avoid overcrowding the pan and don’t overcook noodles, as they will soften in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add hot water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250 g)
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Lo Mein, Chicken, Vegetables, Stir-fry, Noodles, Weeknight meal, Quick dinner, Family dinner, Asian cuisine, Easy