Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Your Quick & Delicious Recipe is one of my go-to favorites. It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a mouthwatering sauce all in one dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe shines bright as a comforting classic that everyone will love.

Not only is it simple to whip up, but it also allows you to enjoy delicious homemade flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love the delightful mix of textures and tastes in a good lo mein? Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular feature on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can get dinner on the table fast.
• Family-friendly: Everyone can enjoy this dish, from picky eaters to adventurous food lovers.
• Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an even quicker cooking experience.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of savory sauce and fresh veggies makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You might already have many of them in your pantry or fridge!

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
• 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 (use mushroom oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon rice apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• (Optional) Pinch of red pepper flakes

To Finish

• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what’s in season.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a fun twist!
• Change up the veggies: Add broccoli florets or snap peas for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Incorporate chili paste or sriracha if you love some heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.

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, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, and white pepper. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it! Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this step is key for building flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to boil and add your lo mein noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain them immediately in a colander and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents sticking. Toss with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil before setting aside; this adds flavor and keeps them from clumping together.

Step 3: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (or mushroom oyster sauce), sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), rice apple vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved for a smooth sauce later on. Set aside—this will bring everything together beautifully!

Step 4: Stir-Fry Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken into the hot pan and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). The goal here is juicy chicken with great color. Once cooked perfectly, remove it from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In that same wok (don’t clean it!), toss in sliced onion along with julienned carrots and sliced celery. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add red bell pepper slices and mushrooms; continue stirring for another couple of minutes until they are tender-crisp. Finally, toss in bean sprouts and chopped green onions just long enough to wilt them slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour your prepared lo mein sauce into the wok with those beautiful vegetables. Bring it all to a simmer while stirring constantly until it thickens slightly—this should take about 1-2 minutes. This step is vital as it creates that luscious coating we all crave.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Noodles

Now it’s time to reunite everything! Return your cooked chicken back into the wok along with those flavorful veggies. Gently toss everything together so that each piece gets coated nicely with that delicious sauce. Finally, add those cooked lo mein noodles; give everything another gentle toss until well combined.

Step 8: Heat Through

Stir-fry everything together for another minute or two until all ingredients are heated through—a quick final touch ensures everyone enjoys warm bites!

Step 9: Serve

Divide your glorious Easy Chicken Lo Mein among serving bowls! Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you’d like an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately—enjoy every delicious bite!

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

Making a delicious Chicken Lo Mein is easy with a few helpful tips to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture!

• Marinate the Chicken Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours enhances its flavor and tenderness, making each piece more succulent when cooked.

• Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, opt for fresh lo mein noodles instead of dried ones. Fresh noodles absorb the sauce better and provide a delightful chewiness that elevates your dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-frying vegetables for just a few minutes keeps them tender-crisp, preserving their vibrant colors and nutrients while adding a satisfying crunch.

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you love! Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work beautifully in this dish and can make it even more nutritious.

• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: The sauce is key to perfecting your lo mein. Taste it before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust with additional soy sauce or sugar as needed to match your preference.

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

Serving Chicken Lo Mein can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present your dish beautifully and enjoyably.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the flavors.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds not only enhance the visual appeal but also bring a lovely nutty flavor that complements the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty kick, balancing the savory elements of the lo mein.

Side Dishes

• Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with vegetables create a perfect contrast in texture and make for an excellent starter alongside your lo mein.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a protein-packed side that’s simple yet satisfying.
• Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly stir-fried bok choy retains its crispness and adds an extra layer of greens to your meal, making it both colorful and nutritious.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a cooling effect that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of chicken lo mein.

Enjoy creating this quick and delicious recipe for Easy Chicken Lo Mein! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have both an impressive meal and delightful dining experience. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves you time in the kitchen but also allows you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your lo mein.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Consider separating noodles from sauce if possible to keep them from getting too soggy.

Freezing

• Allow the lo mein to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking.
• Microwave in a covered bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Always check that it’s heated thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Easy Chicken Lo Mein without soy sauce?

Absolutely! You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. Both work wonderfully to give your dish that umami flavor.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Chicken Lo Mein?

The total time for this recipe is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal.

Can I add more vegetables to my Easy Chicken Lo Mein?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. The more colorful, the better!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Easy Chicken Lo Mein is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Just make sure to marinate them similarly for great flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy Chicken Lo Mein! It’s not just a quick meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that will surely become a family favorite. Remember that cooking should be fun and creative—so feel free to experiment with different veggies or sauces. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!