Why this fits a family on a budget
The stir-fry rounds out the week with an Asian-American angle you haven't hit yet, and $16.80 still keeps your five-dinner total right around $63 — well inside your $140 budget.
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 package lo mein noodles
• 12 oz broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 bunch green onions
• 4 clove garlic
• 1 thumb fresh ginger
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp water
1. Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. While the water heats, cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel — dry chicken browns much better.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger (about 1 teaspoon grated). Slice the green onions, separating the white bottoms from the green tops.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
5. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside. Toss with a tiny splash of vegetable oil so they don't stick together.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until the oil just starts to smoke.
7. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes so they get a good golden sear, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
8. In the same skillet still over high heat, add the broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry, tossing frequently, for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is just barely tender.
9. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over everything and toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything in a glossy layer.
11. Remove from heat. Scatter the green tops of the onions and red pepper flakes over the top and serve immediately straight from the pan.
Contains: soy, gluten. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.