Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful and savory Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy egg noodles all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that will please the whole family. With its quick cooking time and fresh ingredients, Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic option for those seeking a delicious homemade alternative to takeout.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this Chicken Lo Mein recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The tender chicken is marinated to perfection, infusing every bite with savory goodness, while the colorful vegetables add a fresh crunch. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also fits perfectly into busy lifestyles, making it ideal for meal prepping or whipping up a weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable to suit any dietary preferences or ingredient availability, ensuring that you can enjoy this dish no matter your lifestyle.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the Chicken: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for seasonal vegetables for the best taste and texture. Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are fantastic options.
- Cook Noodles al Dente: Remember to cook your egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the wok when tossed with the other ingredients.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to get that coveted wok hei flavor, which adds depth to the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Avoid cooking the chicken until it’s dry. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
- Using Cold Noodles: If using leftover noodles, be sure to warm them up slightly before adding them to the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Skipping the Sauce: Don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients. They are essential for bringing the dish together.
- Neglecting to Prep: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly!
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Additionally, pre-chop your vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The egg noodles can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as well, simply tossing them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lo Mein: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Feel free to use shrimp, beef, or pork in place of chicken.
- Noodle Choices: Experiment with different types of noodles like rice noodles or soba for a unique twist.
How to Serve
Serve your Chicken Lo Mein piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch. Pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad to balance the meal. For presentation, serve in a large bowl or on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the noodles and vegetables to shine through.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Lo Mein with a refreshing iced jasmine tea or a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For a more indulgent option, a classic Mai Tai cocktail complements the dish beautifully. If you’re in the mood for dessert, consider a light mango pudding or fortune cookies to finish off the meal.
How to Store
Leftover Chicken Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers, and it should last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet: For efficient stir-frying.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Mixing bowls: To marinate the chicken and mix the sauce.
- Ladle or spatula: For tossing ingredients in the wok.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free noodles and soy sauce alternatives. For nut-free adaptations, ensure that any sauces or oils used do not contain nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring, consider adding asparagus and snap peas for a fresh crunch. In the fall, swap out bell peppers for roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a heartier dish. Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in the summer for a burst of flavor.
Cost Breakdown
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe can be made for around $2-$3 per serving, depending on ingredient prices and local availability. To save on costs, buy vegetables in bulk or use frozen varieties. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker and more budget-friendly option.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Ginger: Use the edge of a spoon to quickly peel ginger without wasting any.
- Chopping Vegetables: Use a food processor to chop vegetables quickly and uniformly.
- Cooking Noodles: If you forget to soak your noodles, boil them for just a minute longer than the package suggests for perfectly cooked noodles.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different noodles? Yes! You can swap egg noodles for rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- What can I substitute for soy sauce? You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- How long does it take to cook the chicken? It typically takes about 5-7 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful and savory Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy egg noodles all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Add sliced chicken, toss well, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok over high heat and add a splash of oil. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same wok, add a bit more oil and toss in bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Add the chicken back into the wok along with the cooked noodles. Pour in the cornstarch mixture, tossing everything together for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 351Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 113mgSodium 750mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 41g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s a wonderful recipe to have in your repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into this delicious homemade version, and you might just find yourself skipping takeout from now on! Enjoy every bite!
