Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein is a beloved dish that brings comforting flavors and textures straight from the bustling streets of China to your American kitchen. A harmonious blend of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a savory sauce, this classic stir-fry captures the essence of homemade takeout. I remember my mother’s kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and soy sauce as she expertly tossed ingredients in a sizzling wok, demonstrating that even the simplest meals can offer a depth of flavor and warmth. This recipe promises to not only deliver a satisfying meal but also recreate those cherished memories of home cooking. Let’s dive into this delightful journey of flavors and aromas, where every bite is a reminder of the comforting taste of Chicken Lo Mein.
Quick Recipe Overview Box
Prep Time
Twenty minutes
Cook Time
Fifteen minutes
Total Time
Thirty-five minutes
Servings
Four
Difficulty
Easy
Key Ingredients
Chicken breast, lo mein noodles, bell peppers, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil
Dietary Tags
Nut-free, Soy sauce can be gluten-free
Quick Answer
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers a deliciously versatile dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect example of how comfort food transcends boundaries. This dish embodies the spirit of home and family, evoking memories of joyous gatherings around the dining table, filled with laughter and delightful conversation. With hearty chicken and colorful vegetables, it’s not only delicious but also a vibrant way to introduce nutrition into a busy weeknight meal.
Creating this dish at home allows you to customize every aspect, from the choice of protein to the vegetables, ensuring each bite is packed with your favorite flavors. As the noodles soak in the rich sauce, you’ll find that it offers the satisfaction of a restaurant meal, minus the wait time and expense. You can indulge in the soothing aroma wafting through your kitchen, knowing that a health-conscious meal is just moments away. So gather your loved ones, as this delightful Chicken Lo Mein is guaranteed to bring everyone together.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is both rewarding and straightforward. From marinating the chicken to the final toss of the noodles in savory sauce, the process is satisfying at every step. Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s look at what you will need.
Ingredients
One pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
Eight ounces of lo mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
One cup of bell peppers, sliced thinly
One cup of carrots, julienned
Two cloves of garlic, minced
One tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
Three tablespoons of soy sauce, or tamari for a gluten-free option
One tablespoon of oyster sauce
One tablespoon of sesame oil
One tablespoon of vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Choosing fresh ingredients is crucial, especially with the vegetables, as their vibrant colors and crisp textures enhance the dish significantly. The balance of flavors will elevate your Chicken Lo Mein to new heights.
Directions
One. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for about one minute.
Two. Add the chicken slices, cooking for three to four minutes until they’re browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Three. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for an additional one minute until fragrant.
Four. Add the bell peppers and carrots into the skillet, and stir-fry for about three minutes until they begin to soften.
Five. Incorporate the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything together for two minutes and ensuring the sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
Six. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference, and continue to stir-fry for another minute until everything is combined and heated through.
Seven. Remove from the heat and let the dish rest for one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Eight. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nine. For extra flavor, prepare with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Ten. Enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas, and flavors right at your dinner table.
When it comes to troubleshooting, if your chicken seems tough, ensure it is sliced thinly against the grain and marinated, as this will help tenderize the meat.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of ingredients is key to making this Chicken Lo Mein a standout dish. The chicken adds protein, while the colorful vegetables not only contribute crucial vitamins and minerals but also create visual appeal. The noodles act as a neutral base, soaking up the rich flavors of the soy and oyster sauces.
One Science Tip worth noting is that the cooking process of stir-frying retains much of the nutrients within your vegetables, as they cook quickly over high heat. Expert Insight reveals that marinating the chicken prior to cooking not only infuses flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a succulent dish. A serving of Chicken Lo Mein provides vital nutrients like protein for muscle strength and Vitamin A from carrots, contributing to your overall health.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serving Chicken Lo Mein can be as simple or creative as you like. To truly enjoy this dish, a garnish of fresh green onions or sesame seeds can elevate both the presentation and taste. If you’re entertaining guests, consider arranging a stunning platter with a colorful array of vegetables, showcasing the vibrant colors within the dish. The warmth of the noodles and tender chicken makes it an inviting centerpiece for any dining table.
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein can be stored safely for two to three days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheating it allows for a delightful flashback to the meal’s original warmth, although be careful not to overheat, which can make the noodles mushy. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months, keeping in mind that the texture may alter slightly once thawed. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the flavors and moisture.
Tips to Make Chicken Lo Mein
To truly excel in creating Chicken Lo Mein, here are seven tips:
One, use fresh vegetables to enhance color and crunch.
Two, slice the chicken thinly for consistent cooking.
Three, marinate the protein for improved taste and tenderness.
Four, feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Five, for a gluten-free alternative, choose rice noodles instead of lo mein.
Six, adjust the sauces for desired seasoning levels, whether you prefer a lighter or more robust flavor.
Seven, save this recipe for your next cozy weekend dinner where you’ll impress with a homemade favorite.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to personalize your Chicken Lo Mein, consider these variations:
One, swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a protein-free option.
Two, add different vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts for added crunch.
Three, use zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative, providing a delightful twist.
Four, experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique taste while keeping the essence of Chicken Lo Mein intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for Chicken Lo Mein?
Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with rice noodles or even whole grain pasta, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to keep Chicken Lo Mein fresh?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring flavor retention and texture maintenance.
Can I make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian?
Absolutely, simply skip the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or add tofu to maintain protein content.
How spicy can I make Chicken Lo Mein?
You can elevate the heat levels by adding chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, adjusting it to your desired taste.
What is the primary keyword for this dish?
The primary keyword is Chicken Lo Mein, which captures the essence of this beloved recipe.
People Also Ask
What is Chicken Lo Mein made of?
Chicken Lo Mein is primarily made with lo mein noodles, chicken, vegetables, and a blend of flavorful sauces.
How long does it take to make Chicken Lo Mein?
Typically, Chicken Lo Mein can be prepared in about thirty-five minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Nutritional Information
Calories
Six hundred
Protein
Twenty-five grams
Carbs
Seventy grams
Fat
Fifteen grams
Fiber
Three grams
Vitamin A
Thirty percent of the daily value
This Chicken Lo Mein is not only filling but also provides a balanced meal option with nutritious ingredients in every bite.
Conclusion
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe brings a restaurant-quality experience right to your dining table, crafted from simple yet flavorful ingredients. The combination of savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables makes each bite a delightful journey in itself. As you savor the warmth and satisfying textures, may this dish become a part of your cherished recipe repertoire, creating new memories that will last a lifetime.
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly Ensure the chicken is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced thinly Use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust to your preference.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for about one minute.
- Add the chicken slices, cooking for three to four minutes until they're browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for an additional one minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and carrots into the skillet, and stir-fry for about three minutes until they begin to soften.
- Incorporate the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything together for two minutes and ensuring the sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference, and continue to stir-fry for another minute until everything is combined and heated through.
- Remove from the heat and let the dish rest for one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- For extra flavor, prepare with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
- Enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas, and flavors right at your dinner table.