Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein: A Quick and Satisfying Dish

Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful recipe that brings the essence of Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. The moment the aroma of sizzling vegetables and garlic wafts through the air, you’ll be transported to a bustling restaurant with each savory bite. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is short but the craving for something delicious is strong. Trust me; once you taste this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Chicken Lo Mein offers a unique blend of flavor and convenience that makes it an instant favorite. It’s quick to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and can easily feed the whole family. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly, as you can effortlessly adjust the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply seeking comfort food after a long day, this is your go-to recipe.

"This Lo Mein recipe is a game changer! It’s so easy and tastes just like my favorite restaurant version. Definitely adding it to my regular rotation!" —A Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Overview

Preparing Chicken Lo Mein is not only straightforward but also quite rewarding. Here’s a brief look at the process, ensuring you’re set for success:

1. Prep your ingredients: Get your chicken and veggies ready.
2. Cook the noodles: Follow the package instructions.
3. Sear the chicken: Bring out those amazing flavors.
4. Stir-fry the veggies: Add crunch and color.
5. Combine everything: Toss it all together for a harmonious finish.

The cooking process isn’t complicated; you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes!

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to make your Chicken Lo Mein:

• Chicken: 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total) – thinly sliced against the grain.
• Noodles: Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried).
• Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper – sliced into strips.
  • 1 yellow bell pepper – sliced into strips.
  • 2 carrots – thinly sliced on the bias.
  • 2 green onions – chopped (white and green parts separated if possible).
• Sauces and Oils:
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
• Aromatics: 3 cloves fresh garlic – minced.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral cooking oil for stir-frying (like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable).

Feel free to swap in other vegetables or proteins based on your preference!

Directions to Follow

1. Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little oil to prevent sticking.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of your neutral oil.
4. Add the chicken slices in a single layer. Sear them without crowding for about 3–4 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
5. In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers and carrots for 3–4 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp. Add the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds. Stir well.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything vigorously for 1–2 minutes to ensure it’s all well-coated and heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately with extra soy sauce on the side.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

For the ultimate dining experience, try plating your Chicken Lo Mein in a large shallow bowl, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with a refreshing side salad or some crispy spring rolls to complement your meal.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply toss them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep things moist. For longer storage, you can freeze your Chicken Lo Mein for up to two months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.

Pro Chef Tips

• To enhance the flavor, marinade your chicken slices in a little soy sauce and sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a high heat to stir-fry your ingredients quickly. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch!

Creative Twists

Looking to customize your Chicken Lo Mein? Here are some ideas:

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein.
• Experiment with different sauces like hoisin or oyster sauce for a unique flavor profile.
• Add a kick of heat with red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Common Questions

1. How long does it take to make Chicken Lo Mein?
   The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

2. Can I use other noodles?
   Absolutely! While Lo Mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti or rice noodles if necessary.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes! It stores well and can be reheated for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

4. What about dietary restrictions?
   You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your noodles are GF.

5. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely! Feel free to include any vegetables you love, such as bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Chicken Lo Mein a try! It’s a versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Chicken Lo Mein

A quick and satisfying dish that brings the essence of Chinese takeout right into your kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5-2 lb 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Thinly sliced against the grain.
• Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried)
• 1 red bell pepper Sliced into strips.
• 1 yellow bell pepper Sliced into strips.
• 2 carrots Thinly sliced on the bias.
• 2 green onions Chopped, white and green parts separated if possible.

Sauces and Oils

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Neutral cooking oil For stir-frying (like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable).

Aromatics

• 3 cloves fresh garlic Minced.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Gather and prep all your ingredients by cutting the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.

Cooking

1. Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside, tossing with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of your neutral oil.
3. Add the chicken slices in a single layer. Sear them without crowding for about 3-4 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
4. In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers and carrots for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Add the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds. Stir well.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything vigorously for 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s all well-coated and heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately with extra soy sauce on the side.

Notes

For best presentation, plate your Chicken Lo Mein in a large shallow bowl, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months.