Description
Chicken Lo Mein is a vibrant dish featuring tender noodles, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the bold flavors makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners. Prepared in just one pan, this dish captures the essence of homemade comfort food, offering a healthier and more customizable alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (sliced thinly)
- Noodles:
- 8 oz Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine as a substitute)
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- Sauces and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for marinating chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (minced)
Optional Ingredients:
- For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- To Add Heat:
- 1 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Optional Substitutions:
- Hoisin sauce for added sweetness
- Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice 1 lb of chicken breast or thighs into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Add the chicken slices and marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 8 oz of Lo Mein noodles (or substitute spaghetti/linguine) according to the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the harder vegetables first (e.g., 1 cup broccoli florets and 1 cup julienned carrots) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add softer vegetables (e.g., 1 cup sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup snow peas, and 1/2 cup mushrooms) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- In the same wok, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and the marinated chicken slices.
- Stir-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the chicken.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce mixture:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with sauce and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Chicken Lo Mein to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, flavorful Chicken Lo Mein.
Notes
- Prep Everything First: Stir-frying is a fast process, so chop all vegetables, prepare the sauce, and cook the noodles before you start cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and locks in flavor.
- Use High Heat: Cooking over high heat ensures the vegetables stay crisp, the chicken browns nicely, and the noodles don’t turn soggy.
- Balance the Sauce: Start with the recommended sauce amounts and adjust based on your taste. For more saltiness, add soy sauce; for sweetness, add hoisin; for heat, add Sriracha.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook them while boiling, as they will finish cooking in the wok when tossed with the sauce.
- Substitutions: If Lo Mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti or linguine are great alternatives. Gluten-free noodles or rice noodles work for dietary adaptations.
- Leftover Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Customizations: Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef, and experiment with your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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