Chicken Lo Mein is one of those quintessential dishes that effortlessly balances flavor, color, and comfort. Having made it countless times, I can’t help but recall the moments of joy when slurping up those luscious noodles, each bite bursting with savory goodness. This delightful Chinese classic is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an easy weeknight meal perfect for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings. Trust me, once you try your hand at this recipe, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s something inherently satisfying about making Chicken Lo Mein at home. Firstly, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine without breaking the bank. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Additionally, this dish is customizable—perfect for picky eaters or households with diverse palates. Kids love it for its mild flavors and fun, slurp-worthy noodles, making it a hit at family meals.
"This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is my go-to for any quick dinner. It’s not only delicious but so simple to make. The chicken is tender and the vegetables maintain a perfect crispness. My entire family devoured it!" – Anna, satisfied home cook.
Step-by-step overview
Ready to indulge in your very own Chicken Lo Mein? This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. First, you’ll cook your noodles, then sauté the chicken and vegetables, and finally combine everything with a delectable sauce. It’s as quick as it is flavorful, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time.
What you’ll need
To create this amazing dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Feel free to swap in other vegetables, like snap peas or broccoli, based on what you have on hand!
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until tender but still crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and any additional spices you desire. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Serve hot, offering extra soy sauce on the side if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Chicken Lo Mein, the options are endless. For a beautiful presentation, twirl the noodles onto plates and arrange the chicken and vegetables on top. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with egg rolls or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. And, of course, some sliced chili for those who enjoy an extra kick!
How to store
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to believe!), you can store them safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to a month; just be sure to cool it fully before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container.
Helpful cooking tips
- When sautéing the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice sear. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables! A few minutes of stir-frying will keep them bright and crisp.
- You can adjust the level of saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce, which allows you to control the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Creative twists
Looking to mix things up? Try adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a fun variation. You can also experiment with adding fresh ginger for an extra layer of flavor or tossing in some roasted peanuts for crunch. Want a vegetarian option? Swap out the chicken for a medley of mushrooms and zucchini.
Common questions
1. How long does it take to make Chicken Lo Mein?
The dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option.
2. Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have lo mein noodles, feel free to use spaghetti or rice noodles. You can also switch up the vegetables based on your preferences.
3. Is Chicken Lo Mein healthy?
This recipe is easily adjustable to be healthier; simply use less oil, add more vegetables, or opt for whole grain noodles. It’s all about balance!
With this Chicken Lo Mein recipe, you’re set to create a delicious and satisfying meal right in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pack Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 piece red bell pepper chopped
- 1 piece yellow bell pepper chopped
- 2 pieces carrots thinly sliced
- 2 pieces green onions chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Noodles
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-frying Vegetables
- In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until tender but still crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and any additional spices you desire. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Serving
- Serve hot, offering extra soy sauce on the side if desired.
