If you have been craving a dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced pasta, then this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish delivers a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a subtle kick of heat, all wrapped up in satisfying spaghetti noodles. It’s a simple yet extraordinary twist on classic lo mein that anyone can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein lies in its straightforward, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part, whether it’s the tender chicken adding protein, the colorful veggies lending crunch and freshness, or the blend of sauces that create that unforgettable, glossy coating on every strand of pasta.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The base that soaks up all the delicious sauce while providing a familiar noodle texture.
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly and offers a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and veggies.
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Pops with vibrant color and crispness to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed: Brings a fresh, crunchy snap that contrasts perfectly with the noodles.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the recipe with aromatic warmth and flavor intensity.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory umami boost that elevates the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a delicate tang that balances the richness of other sauces.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce for a luscious finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Sprinkled at the end for a fresh, oniony crunch.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and visual appeal on top.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start with cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the noodles maintain their bite and don’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly browned. This caramelization adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the chicken. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp—this contrast in texture is part of what makes the dish so delightful. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its intoxicating aroma without burning it.
Step 4: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. This sauce mixture is the star of the Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe—its blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami elements will make your taste buds dance.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, Chicken, and Veggies
Add the cooked spaghetti back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over everything, tossing to coat every strand of pasta and every piece of vegetable evenly. Then return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. The goal is to evenly distribute all flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Keep cooking everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the sauce to thicken slightly and deeply infuse the noodles and chicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the sauce reaches that perfect luscious consistency, your Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein is ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions immediately brightens and freshens the dish with mild crispness. If you want to take presentation and texture up a notch, add a few toasted sesame seeds on top. These tiny seeds add an irresistible nutty crunch that complements the sesame oil in the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a satisfying one-pan meal on its own, pairing it with some light sides can create a fuller spread. Steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad, or even a bowl of miso soup all make excellent companions. These sides add variety without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls for a family-style feel or garnish each plate with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or even a wedge of lime for customizable zest. For a fun twist, wrap the lo mein in lettuce leaves for finger food style bites — perfect for casual gatherings or lunch boxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from drying out or becoming too sticky.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too, which is great for meal prepping. Portion the cooled lo mein into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables. Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles moist. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, you can substitute with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even linguine. The key is to cook them al dente so they hold up well when tossed with the sauce and ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to keep the protein but make it vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to cook the tofu until crispy for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t in your pantry, you can substitute with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of mushroom sauce for a similar umami effect.
How spicy is the Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, but adding red pepper flakes provides a gentle, pleasant heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit entirely.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare most of it ahead. Cook the chicken and veggies, mix the sauce, and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, quickly toss everything together in a hot skillet to reheat and combine just before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how this Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with comforting homestyle ease. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this dish fits the bill perfectly. So get your skillet ready, and enjoy the beautiful medley of textures and flavors that make this recipe a keeper in your culinary rotation!
Print
Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein is a quick and delicious stir-fried noodle dish that combines tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and snap peas. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss all the ingredients together. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with other noodles like egg noodles or lo mein noodles based on preference.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes quantity or omit them to control the heat level.
- For extra crunch, you can add sliced carrots or water chestnuts with the vegetables.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce the saltiness, but taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet over medium heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian