Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys a quick and tasty meal. Whether you’re busy with work, school, or family obligations, Chicken Lo Mein can be on your table in less than 30 minutes. It is not only easy to make but also allows you to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy chicken and noodles in one satisfying meal.
Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is also a healthier option than ordering from a restaurant. You can control the ingredients, making it lighter by using less oil or sodium. This recipe relies on fresh, colorful vegetables, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. With its balance of protein from chicken, carbohydrates from noodles, and vitamins from veggies, Chicken Lo Mein is a well-rounded meal.
Moreover, this recipe is budget-friendly. Ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, and you can make a hearty portion that is likely to feed your entire family. Plus, it’s an excellent dish for meal prep. You can easily store leftovers and enjoy them the next day.
So, if you are looking for a simple, satisfying, and nutritious meal, Chicken Lo Mein is the way to go.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Making Chicken Lo Mein is simple and fun. With just a few steps, you can create a wonderful dish that everyone will love. Below, you’ll find all the details you need to make this meal a success.
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
Directions
Gather your ingredients: Before starting, make sure you have everything you need. This allows the cooking process to go smoothly.
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots thinly and chop the green onions. Set these aside.
Cook the lo mein noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook your Lo Mein noodles until they are al dente. This means they should still be firm when you bite them. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Heat your skillet or wok: Place a large skillet or wok on the stove over medium-high heat. Wait until it gets hot.
Cook the chicken: Add a little sesame oil to the skillet. Once it is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more sesame oil if needed. Add the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Combine everything: After the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained lo mein noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and any other spices you desire. Toss everything together well to ensure it is mixed evenly.
Serve and enjoy: Once everything is well mixed, serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot. You can add extra soy sauce on the side if you like more flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Serving Chicken Lo Mein is easy and can be done in various ways. You can plate it in individual portions or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Traditional bowls: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein in deep bowls. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.
- Toppings: Consider adding toppings such as sesame seeds, crushed red pepper, or fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors.
- Beverages: Pair your meal with a warm green tea or a chilled iced tea. These beverages complement the flavors nicely.
Remember, Chicken Lo Mein is fun to customize, so feel free to get creative with how you serve it.
How to Store Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers, storing Chicken Lo Mein is simple. Follow these steps:
Cool it down: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Use airtight containers: Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Make sure to divide the meal into individual portions if you want to eat them over several days.
Refrigerate or freeze: Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the Chicken Lo Mein for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly: When you are ready to eat your leftovers, make sure to reheat them thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or soy sauce while reheating to keep the noodles moist.
Tips to Make Chicken Lo Mein
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh vegetables. This not only adds taste but also nutrition.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Make sure to monitor the cooking time for the chicken. Overcooking can make it tough.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for added flavors and textures.
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a stronger taste, adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to your liking.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can elevate your Chicken Lo Mein experience.
Variation
While this recipe provides a classic Chicken Lo Mein, there are other variations to explore:
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit the chicken and add tofu instead. This makes a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add Sriracha or chili paste when you toss the ingredients together for some heat.
- Noodle Swap: Use rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles as an alternative to Lo Mein noodles.
These variations allow you to enjoy the essence of Lo Mein in different ways.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to make Chicken Lo Mein?
Typically, Chicken Lo Mein takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparing the ingredients and cooking the dish.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Using frozen vegetables is an excellent shortcut. They are pre-washed and cut, making meal prep quicker.
3. Is Chicken Lo Mein a healthy option?
Yes, Chicken Lo Mein can be a healthy meal choice. You can control the amount of soy sauce and oil used, and it contains protein and plenty of vegetables.
Now you are all set to create your Chicken Lo Mein! Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family. It is sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Method
- Gather your ingredients: Before starting, make sure you have everything you need. This allows the cooking process to go smoothly.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots thinly and chop the green onions. Set these aside.
- Cook the lo mein noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook your Lo Mein noodles until they are al dente, then drain and set them aside.
- Heat your skillet or wok: Place a large skillet or wok on the stove over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the chicken: Add a little sesame oil, then sauté the chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more sesame oil if needed. Stir-fry the chopped bell peppers, sliced carrots, and green onions for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained noodles, soy sauce, minced garlic, and any additional spices. Toss well to combine.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot, with extra soy sauce on the side if desired.