Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Craving a takeout favorite but want to skip the delivery fees and mystery ingredients? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of classic Lo Mein, but it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen. Imagine twirling perfectly coated noodles around your fork, savoring tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all bathed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in under 30 minutes!

Lo Mein, meaning “stirred noodles,” has deep roots in Chinese cuisine, evolving from simple street food to a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. While regional variations abound, the core elements remain the same: perfectly cooked noodles, protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. What makes Lo Mein so universally appealing? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the soft noodles, the crunchy vegetables, and the tender chicken – all harmonizing in a symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein sources.

I think you’ll find that this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a casual gathering, and satisfying enough to curb any takeout craving. The best part? You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and healthy meal that the whole family will love. So, grab your wok (or a large skillet) and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Lo Mein Noodles:
• 1 pound fresh lo mein noodles (or dried egg noodles)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• For the Lo Mein Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garnish (optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is a crucial step because marinating the chicken makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. Trust me, don’t skip this!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, and white pepper.
2. Mix everything well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated evenly with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate it, the better the flavor will be! I often let it sit for an hour or even two if I have the time.

Cooking the Noodles:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the noodles ready. The key here is to avoid overcooking them, as nobody likes mushy lo mein!

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the lo mein noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Fresh noodles usually take only 2-3 minutes, while dried noodles may take a bit longer. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness.
3. Once the noodles are cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain them immediately in a colander.
4. Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
5. Toss the drained noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This will keep them from clumping and add a lovely nutty flavor. Set aside.

Preparing the Lo Mein Sauce:

The sauce is what brings everything together, so let’s make sure it’s perfect. This sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice wine vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
3. Set the sauce aside for later.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables:

Now for the fun part – the stir-fry! This is where all the delicious aromas start to fill your kitchen.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion, julienned carrots, and sliced celery to the wok. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the sliced red bell pepper and mushrooms to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for just a minute, until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted.

Bringing It All Together:

Almost there! Now it’s time to combine everything and create the magic that is chicken lo mein.

1. Pour the prepared lo mein sauce into the wok with the vegetables.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the wok with the sauce and vegetables.
4. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
5. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok.
6. Gently toss the noodles with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce until everything is well combined and the noodles are evenly coated.
7. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or two, until everything is heated through.

Serving:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving up this delicious chicken lo mein!

1. Divide the chicken lo mein among serving bowls.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of chili oil to the finished dish for an extra kick.
• Protein Variations: Feel free to use shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Noodle Options: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti or linguine as a substitute. Just make sure to cook them al dente.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken marinade and the lo mein sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover chicken lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 550-650

Protein: 30-40g

Fat: 20-30g

Carbohydrates: 60-70g

Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Lo Mein! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and that savory, slightly sweet sauce is simply irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s the versatility that really sets it apart. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it a budget-friendly option. Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking. Don’t have chicken? Shrimp, pork, or even tofu work beautifully. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas – the possibilities are endless.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

For a complete meal, I love serving this Easy Chicken Lo Mein with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil add a touch of elegance and a little extra kick.

Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing:

* Spicy Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery twist.
* Vegetarian Lo Mein: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp. Add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
* Deluxe Lo Mein: Add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and water chestnuts for a more complex flavor and texture.
* Peanut Lo Mein: Stir in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty and creamy variation. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

This recipe is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version of Easy Chicken Lo Mein.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Seriously, give it a try this week. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying.

Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any substitutions? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve personalized the recipe. Your feedback helps me improve and inspires other readers to try it too. So, get cooking, and let’s create some delicious memories together! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and tag me on social media – I’d love to see your culinary masterpieces! Happy cooking!