Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a classic dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine into your home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles all coated in a savory sauce is pure comfort food. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a beloved dish that’s quick to make and easy to customize. The noodles have a delightful chewiness, and the combination of sesame oil with savory soy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal which means less cleanup! With this recipe, you can whip up a wholesome dish that tastes just like takeout—without the extra calories and cost.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
## Ingredients:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions for garnish
## Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial as perfectly cooked noodles offer the desired texture that balances the dish.
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Step 2: Cooking Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This gives the chicken time to develop a nice golden crust while ensuring it’s juicy inside.
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Step 3: Sautéing Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This step enhances the flavors, allowing the garlic and ginger to infuse into the dish.
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Step 4: Mixing Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. This sauce will coat all the ingredients, bringing everything together.
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Step 5: Combining Noodles
Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce. This last step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
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Step 6: Serving
Serve hot, garnished with green onions for a fresh and colorful finish. The green onions not only add a pop of color but also a nice crunch.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal. Opt for a light dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick!
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Consider adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles moist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles; they should be al dente. They will cook a little more when you add them to the skillet with the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or keep it with just vegetables for a hearty meatless option.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood variation, cooking them until just pink for the best texture.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Incorporate some sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the mix for those who enjoy a fiery kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different noodles? Yes! Feel free to experiment with rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti as an alternative.
- Is this recipe gluten-free friendly? To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.
- What if I don’t have sesame oil? You can use vegetable oil, but the unique flavor of sesame oil can’t be fully replicated, so it’s best if you can find it.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauces ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the noodles fresh to maintain their texture.
- How can I enhance the flavor further? Consider marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking for added depth.
Conclusion
Chicken Lo Mein is a simple, satisfying dish that is perfect for any night of the week. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. So grab your ingredients and start cooking this delicious meal that will transport you right to your favorite Chinese restaurant. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic Chinese dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy lo mein noodles in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
Best served immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
