Chicken Lo Mein
This Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect dish for anyone craving a delicious, homemade meal that mirrors the flavors of takeout. Juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and saucy noodles come together in a quick and easy recipe that’s customizable for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this Chicken Lo Mein will surely impress your family and friends while satisfying your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins—this recipe is all about making it your own!
- Tastes Just Like Takeout: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of takeout but made fresh at home, ensuring better quality and taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this Chicken Lo Mein is a healthier choice compared to traditional takeout.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; this dish reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll need some essential tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok: A wok heats evenly and allows for quick cooking while stirring, perfect for stir-frying your chicken and veggies.
- Mixing Bowls: These are essential for marinating the chicken and mixing sauces without creating a mess.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, cut into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Chinese cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
For the Noodles
- 16 ounce lo mein noodles (or any other Asian style noodles)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk all the sauce ingredients together until well combined. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In another medium-sized bowl, toss together the chicken with soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic until evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large wok over high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes or until browned and no longer pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Avoid overcrowding; you might need to cook in two batches.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the wok. Add shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for about one minute while tossing continuously.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken back into the wok. Add drained noodles along with prepared sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Turn off heat once everything is heated through.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Lo Mein!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serving Chicken Lo Mein is as easy as it is delicious. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.
Family Style
- Large Platter: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein on a large platter for a communal dining experience, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Individual Bowls: For a more personal touch, serve in individual bowls with chopsticks for each guest.
Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Add freshly chopped cilantro or basil on top for an aromatic finish.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top to enhance flavor and texture.
Pairing Options
- Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls as an appetizer to complement the meal.
- Dumplings: Offer steamed or fried dumplings on the side for extra enjoyment.
Beverage Suggestions
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea pairs well with the savory flavors of Chicken Lo Mein.
- Asian Beer: Consider serving an Asian beer, like Sapporo or Asahi, to enhance the dining experience.
How to Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
To make your Chicken Lo Mein even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken enhances flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the noodles just until al dente; they will continue cooking when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Preheat Your Wok: Ensure your wok is hot before adding ingredients for better searing and flavor development.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
- Adjust Sauce Levels: Taste and adjust the sauce according to your preference; add more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Lo Mein
Enhance your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with Chicken Lo Mein.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside and filled with veggies and meat, egg rolls make a classic pairing.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice complements lo mein beautifully, bringing additional textures and tastes.
- Hot & Sour Soup: This warm soup offers a nice contrast to the noodles, packing a spicy kick.
- Chinese Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of lo mein.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a crisp, refreshing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Lo Mein can be quick and enjoyable, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.
- Using too much sauce: Many people think more sauce equals more flavor. In reality, too much can make your dish soggy. Start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Aim for just 5 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink to ensure juicy pieces.
- Not preparing ingredients beforehand: Chopping veggies and measuring sauces in advance makes cooking easier. Have everything ready before you start cooking to avoid delays.
- Skipping the noodle rinse: Not rinsing noodles after cooking can lead to clumping. Rinse them under cold water to keep them separate and ensure a better texture.
- Overcrowding the wok: Adding too much chicken or vegetables at once prevents even cooking. Cook in batches to allow proper searing and flavor development.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Lo Mein
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- It will stay good for about 2 months.
Reheating Chicken Lo Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place Chicken Lo Mein in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Lo Mein.
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a popular Asian dish made with stir-fried noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables all tossed together in a savory sauce.
Can I customize Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
How do I make Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of traditional lo mein noodles to enjoy a gluten-free version.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe takes about 30 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Lo Mein is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors that rival any takeout option!
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Chicken Lo Mein, a quick and satisfying dish that brings the essence of takeout right to your kitchen. With juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all enveloped in a savory sauce, this recipe is not only easy to whip up in just 30 minutes but also highly customizable to suit your taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy it as-is or pair it with your favorite sides for an even more fulfilling experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts (skinless & boneless)
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Chinese cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 16 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Marinate chicken pieces with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a medium bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a wok over high heat; cook marinated chicken until browned and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate.
- Stir-fry mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and onion in the wok for about one minute.
- Add cooked chicken back into the wok along with drained noodles and prepared sauce; toss until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
