Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is one of those magical dishes that can instantly transport you to your favorite Chinese takeout spot. It’s vibrant, colorful, and loaded with flavor, making it a go-to choice when comfort food cravings strike. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve leaned on this recipe after a long day, whipping it up in the kitchen with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction. It’s a dish that speaks to both convenience and deliciousness, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to try your hand at making Chicken Lo Mein at home. For starters, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours at the stove. It’s also budget-friendly, utilizing simple ingredients you probably have on hand, which cuts down on grocery costs. Kids love it, too—who can resist chewy noodles and tender chicken tossed in a savory sauce?

"I made this Chicken Lo Mein for my family last night, and it was a hit! Even my picky eater came back for seconds!"

Step-by-step overview

Making Chicken Lo Mein is a straightforward affair, even for beginner home cooks. The process involves a few key steps, which will take you from prepping your ingredients to dining on this delightful dish in no time. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Whisk together your flavorful sauce.
2. Prepare your vegetables and chicken, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.
3. Sauté the chicken until golden, then set it aside.
4. Cook the veggies in the same pan to absorb those delicious drippings.
5. Combine everything, pour in the sauce, and toss with the noodles before serving.

What you’ll need

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 8 oz noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or sesame oil)
• 1 lb chicken, sliced into strips
• 2 large carrots, sliced into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Tip: Feel free to substitute the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach would work wonderfully!

Step-by-step instructions

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, whisk the brown sugar into the chicken broth until dissolved. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, and set aside.
2. Slice the carrots, onion, and broccoli into 2-inch pieces. Cut the chicken into similar-sized strips.
3. Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add your choice of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions in the chicken drippings until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
5. Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the broccoli and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Press the minced garlic into the wok and stir well.
7. Return the cooked chicken and onions to the skillet along with the sautéed veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Finally, add the cooked noodles, gently tossing everything together to combine. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Lo Mein!

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving Chicken Lo Mein can be as creative or simple as you wish. For a vibrant presentation, serve in a large bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair it with spring rolls or a side of crispy egg rolls for an authentic touch. It also goes nicely with steamed dumplings, making for a delightful spread!

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but could happen!), storing Chicken Lo Mein is easy. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure your Chicken Lo Mein turns out perfectly every time, don’t be afraid to customize it! Add more veggies for extra nutrition or adjust the soy sauce to your taste if you prefer it saltier or sweeter. Marinating the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes prior can also enhance its flavor.

Creative twists

Want to shake things up? Try adding protein variety; shrimp or tofu can be a great substitute for chicken. To add a kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For a twist on the classic recipe, consider using whole wheat noodles or gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles.

FAQ

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp, beef, or even firm tofu work well in place of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein choice.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian, simply omit chicken and opt for tofu or a medley of vegetables. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for added depth.

What if I don’t have a wok?

No worries! A large skillet or non-stick pan will do just fine. The wok is traditional for stir-frying, but a skillet can achieve similar results.

With its ease and delicious flavor, Chicken Lo Mein ultimately invites you to savor a beloved dish from the comfort of your home. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Chicken Lo Mein

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A quick and delicious homemade version of the classic Chinese takeout dish, Chicken Lo Mein features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory noodles tossed together in a flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the sauce

• 1/3 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 4 tbsp soy sauce Adjust for saltiness preference.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar Add more for sweetness if desired.
• 2 tsp sesame oil Adds a nutty flavor.

Main ingredients

• 8 oz noodles Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 tbsp oil Use olive, avocado, or sesame oil.
• 1 lb chicken Sliced into strips.
• 2 large carrots Sliced into 2-inch pieces.
• 1 large onion Sliced into 2-inch pieces.
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic Minced.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, whisk the brown sugar into the chicken broth until dissolved. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, and set aside.
2. Slice the carrots, onion, and broccoli into 2-inch pieces. Cut the chicken into similar-sized strips.

Cooking

1. Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add your choice of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions in the chicken drippings until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the broccoli and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Press the minced garlic into the wok and stir well.
5. Return the cooked chicken and onions to the skillet along with the sautéed veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Finally, add the cooked noodles, gently tossing everything together to combine. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Lo Mein!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g

Notes

Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use tofu or more vegetables.

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