Chicken Lo Mein: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Chicken Lo Mein, that glorious tangle of noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables bathed in a savory sauce, is a weeknight dinner hero for a reason. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters? Then look no further! This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your new go-to for busy evenings and effortless deliciousness.

While often associated with takeout menus, the origins of Lo Mein are deeply rooted in Chinese culinary tradition. “Lo Mein” simply translates to “stirred noodles,” highlighting the dish’s fundamental technique. Over time, regional variations and adaptations have led to the Chicken Lo Mein we know and love today, a testament to the dish’s versatility and enduring appeal.

What makes Chicken Lo Mein so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft noodles, the juicy chicken, the crunchy vegetables – all coated in a flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s also incredibly convenient. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein, making it a healthy and budget-friendly option. Plus, who can resist the allure of a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup? Get ready to experience the joy of homemade Chicken Lo Mein – it’s easier than you think, and infinitely more rewarding than ordering takeout!

Ingredients:

• 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 (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Lo Mein Noodles:
• 1 pound fresh or dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (napa or green)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
• For the Lo Mein Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Red pepper flakes

Marinating the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to marinate the chicken. This is a crucial step because it infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to tenderize it. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix everything together really well, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually aim for at least an hour, but even 30 minutes will make a difference. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum flavor!

Preparing the Noodles:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the noodles ready. The type of noodles you use will affect the cooking time, so pay attention to the package instructions.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the lo mein noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Fresh noodles usually cook faster than dried noodles. If you’re using spaghetti, cook it al dente.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander.
4. Rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This is a really important step!
5. Toss the noodles with a little bit of sesame oil (about 1 teaspoon) to keep them from sticking. Set aside.

Making the Lo Mein Sauce:

Now, let’s whip up the sauce. This is where all the magic happens! The sauce is what brings all the flavors together and makes this dish so incredibly delicious.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce), brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), chicken broth (or vegetable broth), ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables:

Time to get cooking! This is where the stir-fry action begins. Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go because things move quickly in a stir-fry.

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. You want it to be nice and hot!
2. Add the vegetable oil to the wok or skillet.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok or skillet and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through – no pink inside!
4. Remove the chicken from the wok or skillet and set aside.
5. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and onion to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
6. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are tender.
7. Add the shredded cabbage, green onions, snow peas, and water chestnuts (if using) to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the cabbage is slightly wilted and the snow peas are bright green.

Bringing It All Together:

Almost there! Now we’re going to combine everything and let the flavors meld together. This is the final step before you get to enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Lo Mein!

1. Pour the lo mein sauce over the vegetables in the wok or skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken up nicely.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the wok or skillet.
4. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok or skillet.
5. Toss everything together really well, making sure the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Serving and Garnishing:

Congratulations, you’ve made Chicken Lo Mein! Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
3. Enjoy! This dish is best served hot and fresh.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your Chicken Lo Mein:

• Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like in your Lo Mein. Broccoli, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and bok choy are all great additions.
• Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with sriracha.
• Noodles: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even udon noodles as a substitute.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and vegetarian oyster sauce instead of regular oyster sauce. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
• Leftovers: Leftover Chicken Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

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

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Lo Mein recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner option; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances ease of preparation with incredible taste. Forget takeout – you can whip up a batch of this deliciousness faster and with healthier ingredients, all while controlling the sodium and oil content. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something so tasty from scratch is simply unbeatable.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Add some sliced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness, or throw in some snow peas for a satisfying crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil will take it to the next level. For a vegetarian option, simply swap out the chicken for tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli. You can even use shrimp or beef instead of chicken for a different protein profile. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving suggestions? I love to serve this Chicken Lo Mein hot, straight from the wok, garnished with some chopped green onions. It’s fantastic as a main course, but it also works beautifully as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. If you’re planning a potluck or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group, and it travels well, making it perfect for picnics or outdoor events. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list!

I know it might seem a little long at first glance, but most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. And even if you need to make a quick trip to the grocery store, it’ll be well worth it. Trust me, the end result is so rewarding.

Ready to embark on your Lo Mein adventure?

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying and delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Once you’ve tried this Chicken Lo Mein recipe, please, please, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your experiences helps other readers and inspires me to create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

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