Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious and satisfying dish that many people love. It is tasty, quick to prepare, and full of fresh vegetables and tender chicken. When you make this dish at home, you also have control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize it to your tastes. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to make it healthier and choose fresh vegetables that you enjoy.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in just about 30 minutes. It is also great for meal prep. Making extra portions means you can have leftovers for lunch or dinner during the week. Plus, homemade Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic way to spend time with family while cooking together in the kitchen.
Eating at home can also save you money compared to dining out. By making Chicken Lo Mein, you can enjoy a restaurant-style meal without breaking the bank. It is also suitable for various dietary needs, as you can easily mix in other veggies, adjust the sauces, or even use different proteins.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Making Chicken Lo Mein is simple and fun. Follow the directions below step by step, and you will have a delicious dish ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lo Mein 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
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or snap peas for more variety.
Directions
Gather All Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Place them on your kitchen counter for easy access. Then, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to cook and eat later.
Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the Lo Mein noodles until they are al dente. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes for fresh noodles or 6-8 minutes for dried. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of sesame oil. Then, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sauté them for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. You should not see any pink inside. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more sesame oil if necessary. Then, add the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and chopped green onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
Combine Everything: Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked Lo Mein noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and any additional spices you may want. Toss everything together in the skillet until all ingredients are well mixed. This should take just a minute or two.
Serve Hot: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot on plates or in bowls. You may want to add extra soy sauce on top for more flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein can be served in various ways. You can dish it out immediately after cooking for everyone to enjoy. Place the Lo Mein in bowls or on plates, and garnish with extra green onions for color. It is also nice to offer soy sauce on the side, so everyone can customize their dish to their liking.
If you are serving guests, consider making some appetizers, such as spring rolls or dumplings, to go along with your meal. This will create a full dining experience.
If you wish to make it more festive, you can serve your Lo Mein in a large platter for everyone to help themselves. This is a great way for family and friends to come together and enjoy a meal.
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep them fresh. First, allow the Chicken Lo Mein to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you want to reheat it, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the Chicken Lo Mein in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. In a skillet, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
You can also freeze Chicken Lo Mein for up to three months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients always make a difference in how your dish turns out.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on what you like. Mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas are great additions.
Watch the Cook Time: Avoid overcooking your vegetables. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Stir-frying them at medium-high heat will help you achieve this.
Add Spice: If you like heat, consider adding some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Make it Vegetarian: You can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables. Swap the soy sauce for a vegetarian option if necessary.
Variations
There are many ways to change up your Chicken Lo Mein recipe. Here are a few variations to consider:
Beef or Shrimp Lo Mein: Instead of chicken, you can use thinly sliced beef or shrimp. Prepare them in the same way as the chicken.
Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the chicken entirely and add more vegetables or tofu instead. You could use egg or wheat noodles, but make sure they are vegetarian-friendly.
Spicy Lo Mein: Add in some sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste to spice things up.
Coconut Curry Lo Mein: Add coconut milk and curry powder for a completely different flavor. This creates a creamy fusion of Thai and Chinese cuisine.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other noodles like spaghetti or rice noodles if Lo Mein noodles are not available. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. How can I make Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (also known as tamari) and ensure that you use gluten-free noodles. Rice noodles are often a good choice.
3. Can I prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-chop your vegetables and even cook the chicken in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, just combine and heat as directed.
By following this Chicken Lo Mein recipe, you can create a meal that is both amazing and satisfying. Enjoy cooking and eating this delightful dish!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all the ingredients listed above. Place them on your kitchen counter for easy access.
- Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Follow the package instructions to cook the Lo Mein noodles until they are al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes for fresh noodles or 6-8 minutes for dried.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Add the chicken breasts and sauté them for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add more sesame oil if necessary and sauté the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and chopped green onions for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked Lo Mein noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and any additional spices you may want.
- Toss everything together until well mixed, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot on plates or in bowls. Optionally add extra soy sauce on top.