Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a perfect way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout dish straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory sauces, all tossed together with soft lo mein noodles. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Making chicken lo mein in your own kitchen not only allows you to control the ingredients but also brings the comforting taste of Chinese cuisine into your home. This recipe is incredibly versatile, accommodating a variety of vegetables and protein options, so you can tailor it to suit your tastes. Plus, the whole dish takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside for later use. This will ensure that your noodles are perfectly tender and ready to absorb all the flavorful sauces.
Step 2: Heating the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it will allow the chicken to cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken into the hot skillet. Sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Adding Flavor with Vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and assorted mixed vegetables. Continue to stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. The fragrant garlic will infuse the oil, enhancing the dish’s overall aroma.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Toss the cooked lo mein noodles into the skillet along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the noodles are coated evenly with the sauces.
Step 6: Final Cooking
Continue to toss everything in the skillet for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through.
Step 7: Seasoning to Taste
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to add a little more soy sauce if you like a stronger flavor profile!
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
Garnish your lo mein with sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the delicious medley of flavors!
How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is versatile enough to serve as a main dish or as a flavorful side. You can accompany it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light soup for a complete meal. For gatherings, it can also be served family-style in a large bowl, inviting everyone to dig in.
How to Store Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the noodles.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
- Choose a mix of colorful vegetables for both nutrition and aesthetic appeal.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding bean sprouts as a topping just before serving.
- Experiment with different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a variation.
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor before cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a variety of your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mix for heat.
- Seafood Delight: Use shrimp and add a splash of white wine for a delightful seafood lo mein.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any noodles such as soba or rice noodles if you prefer. -
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Soy sauce is a suitable substitute if you’re looking for a similar flavor. -
Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. -
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook it just before serving. -
How can I make it more filling?
Add cooked chicken or extra vegetables to increase the dish’s volume and nutrients.
Conclusion
Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious, time-saving recipe that allows you to enjoy the taste of homemade Chinese food in a flash. Its flavorful ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a perfect choice for any night of the week. We encourage you to try this dish and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Happy cooking!
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Bring the flavors of your favorite takeout dish straight to your kitchen with this Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauces tossed with lo mein noodles.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
- Toss in cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; mix everything together.
- Continue to toss in the skillet for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Can be served as a main dish or a side. For variations, consider adding bean sprouts, shrimp, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
