Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This meal is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to please everyone. With its colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful noodles, Chicken Lo Mein is a one-pan wonder that can be made in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how to create it step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Chicken Lo Mein. First, it is a simple and satisfying meal that can be ready in a flash. Most people have busy lives, and finding time to cook can be challenging. This recipe needs minimal ingredients and doesn’t take long to prepare.
Second, Chicken Lo Mein is a balanced dish. It includes protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the Lo Mein noodles, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the colorful vegetables. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and make it healthier. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to fit your health needs.
Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it based on what you have in your kitchen. If you don’t have specific vegetables on hand, feel free to swap them out for your favorites. You can add broccoli, snow peas, or even crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
Lastly, this recipe is delicious! The combination of sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce makes the dish rich in flavor. Once you’ve made it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. Now, let’s get started on how to make Chicken Lo Mein.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Making Chicken Lo Mein is straightforward. Follow these simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lo Mei noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Directions:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping the vegetables. Cut the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the carrots. Chop the green onions. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.
Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: If you are using dried Lo Mein noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This will help bring out their colors and flavors.
Combine Everything: Once the vegetables are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked Lo Mein noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix everything well so that the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve Hot: Transfer the Chicken Lo Mein onto bowls or plates. For an extra touch, you can garnish your dish with more chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serving Chicken Lo Mein is easy, and it looks beautiful on a plate! You can serve it in large bowls for a cozy family meal or divide it into smaller portions for a dinner party.
Pair it with a side of spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Some people like to serve it with extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for added flavor. If you have leftovers, don’t worry; they can be just as tasty the next day!
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you have any leftovers, storing Chicken Lo Mein is simple. Place any leftover dish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the noodles have absorbed too much sauce, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back some moisture.
For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Lo Mein. Place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
Tips to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Pick the Right Noodles: If you can, use fresh Lo Mein noodles. They have a better texture and flavor than dried ones. However, if you only have dried noodles, they work just fine.
Cutting Chicken: Make sure your chicken is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking. This helps ensure all pieces cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken and vegetables, ensure you do not overcrowd the skillet. This allows the food to cook properly and get that nice stir-fry flavor.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to get that perfect crispy texture. Make sure your skillet or wok is well-heated before adding the ingredients.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms are excellent options to include.
Variation
If you want to spice things up, consider these variations:
Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add some chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños while stir-frying the vegetables.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use tofu instead. Tofu absorbs flavors well, so it will still taste great with the sauce. You can also add more veggies to enhance the flavors.
Add More Protein: Include shrimp or beef along with the chicken if you’re feeling adventurous and want more protein in your meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it before serving.
2. Is Chicken Lo Mein healthy?
It can be healthy! By controlling the ingredients and using low-sodium soy sauce, you can make a nutritious meal packed with protein and vegetables.
3. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other noodles like spaghetti or rice noodles in place of Lo Mein noodles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
With these easy steps, tips, and variations, you can make a delightful Chicken Lo Mein right at home! Enjoy the taste of this classic dish anytime you crave it. Happy cooking!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and chop the vegetables: cut the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the carrots, and chop the green onions.
- Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and green onions for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked Lo Mein noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix everything well and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer Chicken Lo Mein onto bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.