The Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender, marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles tossed in a savory homemade sauce. This dish offers a delightful twist on traditional lo mein by using spaghetti, making it a comforting yet quick meal any night of the week. It’s a feast of textures and tastes, with each bite bursting with a balanced mix of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken to the crunchy veggies and that unbeatable sauce that ties it all together.
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles: These act as the perfect substitute for traditional lo mein noodles, offering familiar texture and easy accessibility.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating): Adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the chicken, keeping it juicy during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying as it withstands high heat and keeps everything from sticking.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a crunchy texture contrast.
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas: These add crispness and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 2 green onions, chopped: For a mild oniony garnish that brightens each bite.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of savory aroma essential for stir-frying.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Gives a warm, zesty layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce): Forms the salty, umami base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and complexity with its slightly sweet and briny notes.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Ensures the sauce stays silky and coats every strand of spaghetti and piece of chicken perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
Start by cooking your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. This ensures they’re perfectly tender yet firm enough to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to be tossed later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While the noodles cook, mix the sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes—this little step adds great flavor depth and helps keep the chicken juicy and tender once cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Setting this sauce aside now means everything comes together quickly once you start stir-frying.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown, locking in flavor and texture. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for the next step.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and peas. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp, preserving that wonderful crunch and bright colors that make this dish so appealing.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles, then pour in the sauce you prepared earlier. Toss everything together over high heat, ensuring every noodle and piece of chicken is evenly coated and heated through. This final step brings all those amazing flavors together perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is beautifully combined, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of color and mild, crisp flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions are classic, but you can elevate your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a hint of heat. These simple garnishes add extra texture and flavor layers that make this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This flavorful noodle dish pairs beautifully with light side dishes like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. For something heartier, try serving it alongside crispy fried wontons or potstickers to complete your meal with an exciting variety of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this lo mein in individual bowls garnished with a wedge of lime and some fresh cilantro for an extra zesty touch. You can also add a soft-boiled egg on top or scatter some crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch that elevates the dish visually and in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 to 3 days. Keep the noodles and sauce together so the flavors meld even more, but if you prefer, store the sauce separately and mix before reheating to maintain texture.
Freezing
While this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe can be frozen, it’s best to do so within 24 hours of cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the noodles from becoming soggy and preserve that fresh stir-fry texture.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles besides spaghetti for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great and is easy to find, feel free to swap in egg noodles, udon, or even ramen noodles for different textures and experiences. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.
Is this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe spicy?
This version is mild and packed with savory, sweet, and umami flavors. If you love spice, you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and make sure your sauces don’t contain animal products for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weekday dinner when you want something quick but delicious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Reheating gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water will keep the chicken moist. Avoid overheating or using a microwave on high power as it tends to dry out the meat and toughen the noodles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and vibrant meal, the Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe is a total winner that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, flexible with ingredients, and packed with layers of flavor that feel both familiar and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and enjoy this fantastic dish with your loved ones!
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Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This 30-minute meal combines the classic charm of lo mein with the convenience of pasta, delivering a delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside for later use.
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Set this mixture aside; it will be used later to coat the dish.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it turns no longer pink and develops a slight browning. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Stir-fry the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snow peas for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Combine chicken, noodles, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the drained spaghetti noodles and pour in the prepared sauce mixture over everything.
- Toss and heat through: Stir and toss the mixture over high heat until the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients and the dish is heated through thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh touch and serve the Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein immediately while hot.
Notes
- To keep the vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking during stir-frying; the short cooking time preserves texture and color.
- You can substitute spaghetti noodles with traditional Chinese egg noodles or linguine for a more authentic lo mein texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or omitted.
- If you want extra heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil when tossing the noodles.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion