When it comes to comforting yet flavorful meals, Chicken Lo Mein stands out as one of the beloved choices in Chinese cuisine. This dish harmoniously combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and soft noodles, all tossed together in a savory sauce that teases your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or impressing guests, this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a surefire way to please everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
There are numerous reasons why Chicken Lo Mein earns a special place in our hearts. For starters, it brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl. The tender chicken pieces contrast beautifully with the crunch of fresh vegetables, while the noodles deliver a delightful chewiness that complements the other ingredients.
Accessibility is another reason this dish shines. You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge, making it easy to prepare without a last-minute grocery run. Plus, Chicken Lo Mein is incredibly customizable. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or experiment with different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for an added twist.
Finally, it’s hard to beat the nostalgic comfort food factor that comes with a steaming plate of Chicken Lo Mein. It has that magical combination of familiarity and excitement, reminding you of cozy family dinners or exciting takeout nights.
Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein
To make your vibrant Chicken Lo Mein, gather the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 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
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients you’ll use. The colorful bell peppers and sweet carrots not only amplify the flavor but also add a beautiful visual appeal to your dish.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Creating your Chicken Lo Mein is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by neatly trimming the chicken breasts and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to cook quickly and evenly. Next, chop your vegetables—slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips and thinly slice the carrots. Finally, chop the green onions and set everything aside.
- Cook the Noodles: If you are using dried Lo Mein noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain them and set aside. If you’re using fresh noodles, they will require a shorter cooking time.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken. Be sure to spread it out in an even layer for even cooking. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch more sesame oil if needed and toss in your vegetables. Sauté the red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced carrots for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crunchy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the Lo Mein noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are coated evenly in the soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well mixed and hot, take it off the heat. Your Chicken Lo Mein is now ready to serve! Feel free to sprinkle some extra green onions on top for garnish and serve it with a side of additional soy sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serving Chicken Lo Mein is as delightful as making it. Begin by spooning generous portions onto warm plates or bowls. When serving, consider pairing it with some crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad for an authentic touch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, set up a mini Asian-themed meal at your dining table. Use beautiful chopsticks and dim sum platters to serve, making the experience feel more special and inviting. Remember, presentation matters; garnishing with fresh green onions or sesame seeds can elevate your dish from home-cooked to restaurant-worthy.
Chicken Lo Mein is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. That way, you get to relish the harmony of flavors and the delightful textures. For a complete dining experience, why not play some traditional Chinese music in the background to set the mood?
Expert Tips: Chicken Lo Mein
To ensure that your Chicken Lo Mein comes out perfectly every single time, here are some expert tips:
- Choose the Right Noodles: If you can find fresh Lo Mein noodles, grab those. They tend to be more flavorful and have a better texture than dried noodles.
- Prep in Advance: To make cooking even quicker, chop all your vegetables and chicken ahead of time. You can keep everything in the fridge until you’re ready to whip up the dish.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the chicken or vegetables. You want a tender chicken and vibrant vegetables that maintain their crunch for a satisfying bite.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add additional proteins or vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Mushrooms, bok choy, or broccoli can all be wonderful additions.
- Use High Heat: When stir-frying, it’s important to use high heat to quickly cook the ingredients without making them soggy.
By following these tips, you can master Chicken Lo Mein and impress anyone who has the pleasure of enjoying it with you.
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though that’s rare with a dish this delicious), storing your Chicken Lo Mein is easy. Let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or a bit of soy sauce to help revitalize the noodles and keep everything from drying out.
Variations of Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a wonderfully versatile dish. If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to specific dietary preferences, consider these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables to make it filling.
- Seafood Twist: Swap in shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood version that stays true to the spirit of Lo Mein.
- Spicy Kick: Add some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes if you crave a bit of spice.
- Different Sauces: While soy sauce is traditional, you can experiment with oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce for unique flavor notes.
- Add More Vegetables: Broccoli, snow peas, and baby corn are great additions for more nutritional value and texture.
These variations allow you to personalize your Chicken Lo Mein experience, ensuring that it can cater to various palates and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Lo Mein
What can I serve with Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein pairs beautifully with spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it with a light soup for a complete meal.
Can I use any type of noodles for Lo Mein?
Traditionally, Lo Mein is made with wheat noodles; however, you can use other types of pasta like spaghetti in a pinch, although the texture may differ slightly.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Lo Mein?
The entire process for making Chicken Lo Mein takes about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy weeknights.
Is Chicken Lo Mein healthy?
Chicken Lo Mein can be a balanced meal if made with fresh vegetables and lean protein. For a healthier twist, reduce the amount of oil and soy sauce, and load up on vegetables.
Chicken Lo Mein
Equipment
- Skillet or Wok
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz Lo Mein Noodles Fresh or dried
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper Sliced
- 1 piece Yellow Bell Pepper Sliced
- 2 pieces Carrots Thinly sliced
- 2 pieces Green Onions Chopped
- 0.25 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the vegetables and set aside.
- Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained noodles, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!