Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the streets of China right to your dinner table. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles all tossed in savory sauces, this quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together. In just a short amount of time, you can enjoy a warm bowl of chicken lo mein that satisfies your cravings and makes your taste buds dance.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also allows for lots of customization. You can use your favorite vegetables, and adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes. This dish delivers a balanced meal full of protein, veggies, and carbohydrates, making it great for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge!
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Preparation
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set them aside. This ensures the noodles don’t overcook later in the process.
Step 2: Heating the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. A well-heated pan is essential for getting that nice sear on the chicken that adds flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken to the hot oil, and sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Adding Flavor
Mix in the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. This adds a lovely aroma and fresh flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Now, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet, blending them with the chicken and vegetables seamlessly.
Step 6: Flavoring the Dish
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything well to combine, ensuring that the noodles soak up all the delicious flavors, and heat through.
Step 7: Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust these seasonings based on your preference; feel free to add a bit more soy sauce for extra umami!
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Garnish with the sliced green onions and serve immediately. The green onions add a nice crunch and a pop of color.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serve Chicken Lo Mein hot, either in individual bowls or family-style from a large platter. This dish pairs wonderfully with crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, you could serve it alongside a hot and sour soup.
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat the lo mein in a microwave or on the stovetop; just add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the noodles.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
- Choose the Right Noodles: Lo mein noodles are best, but you can substitute with spaghetti or udon if you’re in a pinch.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Snow peas, bok choy, and snap peas work perfectly too!
- Adjust Sauces: If you’re not a fan of oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce instead for an added sweetness.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute chicken for shrimp. Just be mindful that shrimp cooks much faster!
- Beef Lo Mein: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced steak if you want a heartier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of noodles? Yes! While lo mein noodles are traditional, other types like spaghetti or rice noodles work well too.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
- What can I substitute for oyster sauce? Soy sauce mixed with a little sugar or hoisin sauce can be a good alternative.
- Can I freeze Chicken Lo Mein? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Just know the texture may change slightly.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat, or in the microwave with a dash of water to help steam the noodles.
Conclusion
Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile and comforting dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it for the hundredth, it’s bound to please everyone’s palate. With its savory flavors, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is a keeper. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this delicious meal at home!
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Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles in savory sauces, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, stirring for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and combine with chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything to ensure the noodles soak up the flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish allows for customization with your favorite vegetables and sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
