The delightful aroma of chicken lo mein wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to your favorite Chinese restaurant. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a savory sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant vegetables all coming together in a colorful bowl. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds.
Every time I whip up a batch of chicken lo mein, I’m reminded of family gatherings around our kitchen table. The laughter, chatter, and endless bowls of noodles created memories that linger long after the last bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends, this dish brings people together in the best way possible.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken lo mein recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its rich flavor profile will satisfy even the pickiest eaters
- The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create an eye-catching dish for any table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist
I remember the first time I made chicken lo mein for my friends; their reactions were priceless as they gobbled it up like there was no tomorrow.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust depending on your guests’ appetites.
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Fresh Garlic: For that aromatic punch, choose firm cloves that will infuse flavor beautifully.
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Lo Mein Noodles: These thick wheat noodles are perfect for soaking up all that savory sauce.
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Bell Peppers: Use red and green for a pop of color and sweetness; slice them thinly for even cooking.
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Carrots: Julienne them to add crunch and sweetness; they’ll brighten up your dish visually and taste-wise.
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Broccoli Florets: These little green trees add texture and nutrition; steam lightly before adding to the stir-fry.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still delivering deep umami flavor.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end gives your lo mein a nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
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Green Onions: Slice these thinly for garnish; they add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to roll up your sleeves because we are about to create some magic in the kitchen!
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter—this ensures you won’t be frantically searching for garlic when you’re halfway through cooking. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces to streamline cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Add Garlic & Veggies: Toss in minced garlic and sliced bell peppers along with julienned carrots. Stir-fry everything until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes until veggies soften slightly yet retain some crunch.
Noodles Go In: Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain them. Add these noodles to your skillet along with cooked chicken and vegetables.
Create the Sauce: Pour soy sauce over the mixture along with sesame oil, tossing everything together until evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly until heated through.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top right before serving for that fresh zing! Serve hot in bowls and watch as everyone dives in eagerly.
Enjoy this flavorful journey into homemade chicken lo mein! With each bite, you’ll savor how satisfying it is to create something so delicious from scratch while bringing back those cherished memories around the dinner table.
You Must Know
- Chicken lo mein is a delightful dish that balances savory flavors with a satisfying texture
- The best part?
- It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests
- Don’t forget to experiment with veggies for added color and crunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then cook your noodles while stir-frying the veggies. This efficient sequence ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to customize the dish to your liking.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results, adding a splash of soy sauce if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high heat while cooking to get that delicious char on your chicken and veggies
- Always cook your noodles just until al dente; they’ll continue cooking when mixed with the hot ingredients
- Keeping everything prepped ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother
Memories of hosting friends and serving chicken lo mein flood back, especially when they ask for seconds! Their smiles were worth every stir and sizzle.
FAQ
What type of noodles work best for chicken lo mein?
Fresh egg noodles provide the best texture and flavor but dry lo mein noodles are also great.
Can I make chicken lo mein in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.
What vegetables can I add to my chicken lo mein?
You can add bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch and nutrition.
Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting taste of homemade chicken lo mein, where tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles unite in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings people together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With customizable ingredients, you can create a meal that suits every palate.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes) and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Garlic & Veggies: Mix in minced garlic and sliced bell peppers along with julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Noodles Go In: Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with chicken and veggies.
- Create the Sauce: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture; toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
