Chicken Lo Mein
This Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of takeout right into your kitchen. With juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and saucy noodles, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Not only is it customizable to suit your taste, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Lo Mein can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Flavorful: Each bite bursts with savory goodness from the combination of sauces and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: With its delicious taste and fun noodles, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults.
- Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and lean protein, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. A few essential items will help you create this Chicken Lo Mein effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok: A wok allows for even heating and provides ample space for tossing ingredients without spilling.
- Mixing bowls: Great for marinating chicken and mixing sauces; they keep your workspace organized.
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 and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk all the sauce ingredients together, then set aside.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In another medium-sized bowl, toss together the chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil well in a large wok. Ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken.
Add seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and no longer pink inside.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the wok.
Add shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and onion.
Cook for about one minute while tossing.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the wok.
Add cooked noodles along with prepared sauce.
Toss everything together until well combined. Turn off heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Lo Mein!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as a main course or alongside other dishes, it offers delicious flavors and satisfying textures.
With Additional Proteins
- Shrimp: Add sautéed shrimp for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with crispy tofu cubes.
As Part of a Feast
- Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls for a delightful crunch.
- Dumplings: Pair with steamed dumplings for a filling meal.
Garnished for Extra Flavor
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness.
- Chili Oil: Drizzle chili oil for those who enjoy some heat.
With Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Thai Basil: Use Thai basil for an aromatic twist.
How to Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
Perfecting your Chicken Lo Mein is easy with these simple tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your dish to restaurant-quality.
- Choose Quality Noodles: Use fresh lo mein noodles or high-quality dried ones for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook chicken until just done to keep it juicy and tender.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry over high heat for quick cooking and vibrant veggies.
- Season Well: Make sure to season each component, from the chicken to the veggies, for balanced flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or swap veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Use a Wok or Large Pan: A wok allows for even cooking and better heat distribution.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Lo Mein
Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Lo Mein can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make a perfect starter.
- Szechuan Green Beans: Spicy green beans add a kick and complement the noodles well.
- Fried Rice: A serving of fried rice is always a popular choice alongside lo mein.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunch and brightness.
- Miso Soup: Warm miso soup can balance the richness of the lo mein perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables offer contrast and cleanse the palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Lo Mein, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong noodles: Not all noodles are created equal. Use lo mein or any Asian-style noodles for the best texture and flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Cook until just browned and no longer pink inside for juicy chicken.
- Skipping the sauce whisking: If you don’t mix your sauce well, the flavors won’t distribute evenly. Always whisk it together before adding it to the dish.
- Overcrowding the wok: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the temperature, leading to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for better results.
- Not prepping ingredients beforehand: Cooking goes quickly. Prepare all ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Chicken Lo Mein
- Freeze Chicken Lo Mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Reheating Chicken Lo Mein
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Lo Mein.
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce.
Can I customize Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
How do I make Chicken Lo Mein healthier?
To create a healthier version of Chicken Lo Mein, use more vegetables and reduce the amount of soy sauce or oil.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes! You can replace regular lo mein noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
What can I serve with Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein pairs well with side dishes like spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers an incredible balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s quick and versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Try this comforting dish today!
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Lo Mein is a mouthwatering dish that brings the beloved flavors of Chinese takeout right into your home kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this customizable stir-fry is sure to impress your family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded Chinese cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sauces: brown sugar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Marinate chicken pieces with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a wok over high heat; cook chicken until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir-fry shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and onions briefly in the same wok.
- Return the chicken to the wok along with the cooked noodles and prepared sauce; toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
