Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe is a family favorite in my home. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress friends at gatherings. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish truly hits the spot.

The best part? You can whip it up in just about 55 minutes! So whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Get dinner on the table in just 55 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves noodles! This dish is perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s great for cleaning out the fridge!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sauces and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the ingredients in advance so you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience during busy evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful dish! You’ll find these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully.

For the Noodles:

• 1 pound fresh lo mein noodles (or dried egg noodles)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

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 apple vinegar vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For Stir-Frying:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon rice apple vinegar vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• (Pinch of red pepper flakes – optional)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Variations

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is its versatility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Try tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Sneak in some broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in some sriracha for those who enjoy heat.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

How to Make Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine your chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice apple vinegar vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure each piece is coated evenly. This step is crucial as marinating infuses flavor into the chicken and helps tenderize it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add your lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain them immediately in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from clumping together. This step ensures your noodles remain light and fluffy!

Step 3: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice apple vinegar vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch dissolves completely so that your sauce thickens perfectly later on. Set this flavorful concoction aside; it’s going to bring everything together!

Step 4: Stir-Fry Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add in your marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned—about 5-7 minutes. Removing it from the wok will keep it juicy while you cook your vegetables.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Now it’s time to add some color! In the same wok, toss in sliced onion, julienned carrots, and sliced celery. Stir-fry these beauties for 3-4 minutes until they start softening up. Then add red bell pepper and mushrooms; continue for another 2-3 minutes until everything is tender-crisp. Finally, throw in bean sprouts and chopped green onions; stir-fry just until they wilt slightly—this keeps their crunch intact!

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour your prepared lo mein sauce into the wok with those vibrant veggies. Bring it all to a simmer while stirring constantly until it thickens—this should take just about 1-2 minutes. Watching it thicken is like magic!

Step 7: Add Chicken and Noodles

Return that deliciously cooked chicken back into the wok along with those beautiful vegetables—give everything a gentle toss so that every bite gets coated with that luscious sauce! Now add those cooked lo mein noodles; continue tossing gently until everything is well combined.

Step 8: Heat Through

Continue stir-frying for another minute or two until everything is heated through. This final step melds all those wonderful flavors together—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 9: Serve

Divide your scrumptious chicken lo mein among serving bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired! Serve immediately while it’s hot—everyone will be eager to dig in!

Enjoy every delicious bite of this Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

Making chicken lo mein at home is not only simple but can be easily perfected with a few handy tips!

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all your vegetables and marinate the chicken beforehand. This will save you time during cooking and ensure everything comes together smoothly.

• Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly, locking in flavors and maintaining their crispness.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches to avoid steaming your ingredients. This keeps everything nice and crisp instead of soggy.

• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of vinegar for extra zing.

• Serve Immediately: Lo mein tastes best when served fresh. As it sits, the noodles can absorb the sauce and become less flavorful, so enjoy it right away!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

Serving chicken lo mein can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can present this dish beautifully at your dining table.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a pop of color and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make a delightful appetizer that complements the lo mein perfectly.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious side that balances out the meal while adding vibrant color.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil adds crunch and brightness to your dinner plate.
• Egg Drop Soup: This warm soup is simple yet comforting, making it an excellent starter that pairs well with lo mein.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also visually appealing! Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Lo Mein!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can store or freeze leftovers to savor later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Chicken Lo Mein to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Stir until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until warm.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some answers!

Can I customize the vegetables in Easy Chicken Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.

How do I make Easy Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your noodles are also gluten-free. There are many great options available that work perfectly!

What can I serve with Easy Chicken Lo Mein?

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs nicely with spring rolls or a light salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Definitely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Chicken Lo Mein as much as I do! It’s not just quick and delicious; it’s also a wonderful way to bring a taste of comfort into your home. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or sharing it with family and friends, I’m sure it’ll be a hit. Happy cooking!