Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful noodles, all coated in a savory sauce. This recipe brings the tastes of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen, making it easy to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a dish to impress guests, Chicken Lo Mein is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you prefer.
Shopping List
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into small strips)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Green onion (sliced, for garnish)
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large skillet or wok: Perfect for stir-frying all ingredients together.
- Pot: To boil the lo mein noodles.
- Cutting board and knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring spoons: To measure out sauces and oils accurately.
Chicken Lo Mein in Steps
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once boiling, add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set this flavorful sauce aside to use later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, snow peas, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Lo Mein!
Better Choices & Swaps
- For a healthier option, use whole grain or vegetable lo mein noodles.
- Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Add in more vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or baby corn for added nutrients.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to reduce sodium intake.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente to maintain texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sautéing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- Do not skip the sesame oil; it adds a distinct flavor that enhances the dish.
- Don’t forget to toss the noodles well with the sauce to ensure even flavor distribution.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Leftover Chicken Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Popular Questions
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Is Chicken Lo Mein spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you prefer a bit of heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or tempeh, and ensure that your sauces are vegetarian.
What can I serve with Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein pairs wonderfully with spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you’ve mastered Chicken Lo Mein, it’s time to share it with others! Gather your friends and family around the table and celebrate the flavors of this incredible dish. With its bright colors and delicious taste, Chicken Lo Mein will be the star of your dinner table. Enjoy the compliments as everyone digs in!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by boiling a pot of water. Once boiling, add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set this flavorful sauce aside to use later.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, snow peas, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Lo Mein!
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole grain or vegetable lo mein noodles.
- Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Add in more vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or baby corn for added nutrients.
