If you are craving a vibrant, delicious dish that combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly sauced noodles, this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It is a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, all tossed together with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your wok skills, this recipe delivers satisfying comfort with each flavorful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe plays a crucial role in building the layers of taste and texture that make the dish stand out. From the fresh garlic and ginger that wake up your senses to the colorful vegetables that add crunch and nutrients, each element is simple but essential.
- Canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for stir-frying at high heat without overpowering flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender, juicy bites.
- Garlic: Minced fresh cloves give a fragrant punch that complements the soy-based sauce.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds a bright, warming spice to balance the dish.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Offers rich umami flavor with less salt, ideal for the sauce and marinade.
- Mushrooms: Thinly sliced baby bellas or shiitake add earthiness and meaty texture.
- Onion: Finely chopped to infuse sweetness and depth.
- Napa cabbage: Shredded for a mild crunch and vibrant green color.
- Matchstick carrots: Add a touch of natural sweetness and vivid orange hue.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Helps create the savory sauce base while keeping things light.
- Cornstarch: Thicken the sauce perfectly to coat noodles and veggies.
- Sesame oil: Just a tablespoon brings that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a gentle sweetness.
- Pasta: Cooked al dente to soak up the sauce, making the lo mein irresistibly satisfying.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Start by warming a large pan or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of canola oil. This sets the stage for crisp stir-frying and ensures the chicken develops a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add your thin strips of chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through. The key here is to avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears nicely. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting base that will carry the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time for the mushrooms, finely chopped onions, shredded Napa cabbage, and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp, providing a lively contrast to the softer noodles and meat.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a small bowl. This blend will give your Chicken Lo Mein its signature savory-sweet glaze.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta. This is where all those wonderful textures come together, so be gentle when tossing to keep everything perfectly combined.
Step 7: Pour and Thicken the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture over your chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Stir well to coat each ingredient evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and clings lovingly to every bite.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Once the sauce is luscious and glossy, your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is ready to be served hot. The delightful aromas and vibrant colors make it nearly irresistible at this point.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Chicken Lo Mein Recipe with extra bursts of flavor and visual appeal. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for a nutty crunch and a pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some lightly sautéed bok choy. These sides keep the meal balanced and full of bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve Chicken Lo Mein in individual shallow bowls, topped with a handful of crispy fried wonton strips or crushed peanuts. Alternatively, transform leftovers into a fun lettuce wrap for a fresh handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Lo Mein cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days ahead.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze your lo mein in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind the texture of the vegetables may soften upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, you can also use spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well in the stir-fry.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite vegetables to keep it hearty and delicious. You can also substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can chop vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time to streamline your cooking. Even the sauce mixture can be whisked together in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
What can I substitute for low sodium soy sauce?
If low sodium soy sauce isn’t available, regular soy sauce works fine. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust other seasonings to taste to keep the flavors balanced.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of chili garlic sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes during the stir-fry. You can customize the heat level to suit your preference easily.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a burst of flavor, color, and warmth to your dinner table with surprisingly minimal effort. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a satisfying, home-cooked stir-fry that feels special every time. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it quickly becomes one of your favorites too!
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Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken strips, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This stir-fried dish is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
Vegetables
- 1 (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Other Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Heat the oil. Heat the canola oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook until browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their full aroma.
- Cook the vegetables. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, shredded Napa cabbage, and matchstick carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but maintain a crisp texture.
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Combine chicken and pasta. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables, then add the cooked pasta to the mixture.
- Add the sauce and finish cooking. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, vegetables, and pasta. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the dish is heated through.
- Serve and enjoy. Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to keep the sodium content moderate.
- Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles when stir-fried later.
