Let’s Talk About Chicken Lo Mein
When I think of comfort food, Chicken Lo Mein always brings back fond memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. It’s a dish that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas, turning any ordinary weekday into an enjoyable culinary experience. Not only does Chicken Lo Mein satisfy your cravings with its savory flavors and al dente noodles, but it also brings the family together, making it perfect for gatherings or a casual weeknight meal. Plus, this recipe is so approachable that even beginners find success with it. Trust me—once you get the hang of this, it might just become your go-to meal!
Why make this recipe?
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. First, the delicious taste leaves everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and flavorful noodles make each bite a little piece of heaven.
On a practical note, the recipe is quick and easy to whip up. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly; the ingredients are readily available and affordable, plus it’s a perfect way to use up leftover veggies in the fridge.
Kids love it too! They’ll appreciate the colorful veggies and delicious flavors, plus they can even help chop ingredients. If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this dish can mask nutritious veggies in a fun way. Best of all, you can customize it based on your family’s tastes, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
How to make Chicken Lo Mein
Making Chicken Lo Mein is a straightforward, fun cooking experience that won’t eat up your whole day. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a breeze for busy folks. You only need a large skillet or wok to cook everything, keeping the cleaning minimal—always a win in my book!
You’ll quickly find that the key to success lies in preparation. Having your ingredients chopped and measured beforehand makes the cooking process flow smoothly. You’ll be surprised by how easy it becomes when everything is ready to go!
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
Step-by-step directions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain them and set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until they’re tender yet crisp, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Feel free to toss in any additional spices you like! Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Serve the dish hot with extra soy sauce on the side if desired.
How to serve Chicken Lo Mein?
This Chicken Lo Mein is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the experience by adding some delicious sides. Serve it alongside some crispy spring rolls for an appetizer or a light cucumber salad to refresh your palate. Garnish the dish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a touch of flair. You can also serve it with some chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little heat!
How to store Chicken Lo Mein?
If you end up with leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), storing Chicken Lo Mein is simple. Just transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it, where it will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, just pop it in a microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive that delicious texture!
Tips for perfect Chicken Lo Mein
- Cook Your Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy when stir-frying. Remember, the noodles will cook further when you add them back to the pan.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, making it hard to achieve a nice caramelized finish.
- Prep Ahead of Time: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and faster, ensuring nothing burns while you scramble to chop.
- Experiment with Spices: While the basics are delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like ginger or a splash of rice vinegar for a twist on flavor.
- Keep it Colorful: Use a variety of veggies for a more colorful presentation. Not only does it look more appetizing, but it also adds different textures and flavors.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are a few tasty variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or a medley of mushrooms. Both add delicious flavors and make it completely plant-based.
- Add More Protein: Feel free to combine different proteins, like shrimp or beef, with the chicken for a more robust dish.
- Try Different Veggies: Incorporate broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. The versatility of this dish allows you to include whatever veggies you have on hand!
FAQs about Chicken Lo Mein
Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
Absolutely! You can use tofu for a vegetarian option, shrimp if you want seafood, or even beef slices. Each will offer its unique flavor profile, so pick what you love.
Why did my noodles become mushy?
This usually happens if you overcook the noodles initially. Always check the cooking time on the package and pull them off the heat just as they reach al dente.
Can I make Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can! While it’s fresh off the stove, it tastes best, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge or freezer.
Get ready to indulge in some delightful, homemade Chicken Lo Mein! Once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick Chicken Lo Mein recipe filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and flavorful noodles.
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
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. 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 (6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and green onions until tender yet crisp (3-4 minutes).
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve hot with extra soy sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
For variations, consider swapping chicken for tofu or adding more veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Lo Mein, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, stir-fry