🤤 Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe – Quick & Tasty Dinner

Picture a hectic weeknight. You want something tasty and easy to make. Your fridge has vegetables, a chicken breast, and noodles—the perfect mix for lo mein. Add a few pantry items, and you’re set to make a mouth-watering lo mein in 30 minutes.

Chicken Lo Mein is a top pick in Chinese cooking. It’s all about simple ingredients, great tastes, and fast cooking. This dish is ideal for using those leftover veggies or for a big meal. For the best flavor, use Twin Marquis Lo Mein noodles. They give your homemade lo mein the perfect chewiness.

Key Takeaways

• This easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe brings authentic Chinese flavors to your kitchen.
• Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
• Great for clearing out vegetables from your fridge.
• Twin Marquis Lo Mein noodles are recommended for their texture.
• Prepare the entire meal in just 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.

Introduction to Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish. It includes stir-fried chicken, noodles, and a mix of vegetables. What makes it stand out is its tasty sauce. This dish works well for celebrations or a speedy dinner at home.

What is Chicken Lo Mein?

Chicken Lo Mein hails from Chinese kitchens. It’s a mix of egg noodles, chicken, and veggies, all in a great sauce. This lo mein recipe is easy to change to what you like. It’s perfect for family dinners or big parties.

The key to its great taste are ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil. With these, anyone can make a yummy lo mein at home.

History and Origins

Lo Mein first came from China. The noodles were originally softer and not as oily as they are in the West. But its recipe soon changed to what many love today.

Now, it’s a go-to choice in the U.S. and other countries for takeout. During events like the Chinese New Year, Chicken Lo Mein is a must. This shows how it went from a simple recipe to a global favorite, available to everyone.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Creating a tasty chicken lo mein needs specific ingredients. These bring out the true flavors. Let’s look at what you need.

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

The chicken part requires a few things:

• 1/2 lb of chicken breast, sliced into 1/4″ strips
• Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and white pepper for marinating
• 3 tbsp of avocado oil for searing

Vegetables for the Recipe

Vegetables add a crunch and lots of nutrition:

• 1 medium carrot, sliced into matchsticks
• 3 cups of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/4 white onion, thinly sliced
• 5 scallions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, finely chopped
• 1 large red pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 20 sugarsnap peas

Best Lo Mein Sauce Ingredients

The sauce balances savory and sweet:

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes

You can make the noodles from scratch or use store-bought ones. Either 16 oz fresh or 12 oz dried noodles work. This blend guarantees great taste and texture for your best lo mein sauce.

The key ingredients and the perfect lo mein sauce make every bite full of flavor. Have fun making your chicken lo mein recipe with these top-notch ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Lo Mein at Home

Making chicken lo mein at home is all about these three steps. First, you need to marinate the chicken. Then, prepare the veggies. Finally, mix and cook the sauce. This way, you get a meal that’s seasoned just right, balanced, and tasty.

Marinating the Chicken

Start by cutting 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin pieces. Make a marinade with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tender, a must for real Chinese lo mein.

Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes. This boosts the chicken’s flavor, making every bite juicy and full of taste.

Preparing the Vegetables

Choose your favorite veggies like onions, snow peas, carrots, and more. Slice them uniformly, so they cook evenly. These veggies not only up the nutrition but also bring color and crunch to your noodles.

Mixing and Cooking the Sauce

A great lo mein sauce mixes soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and more. Add cornstarch to make it thick and shiny. Cook the marinated chicken first, then add the vegetables. Stir-fry it all, then mix in the sauce and noodles. Toss until everything is hot and well-coated.

Nutritional information approximately per serving (1/6 of the recipe):

• Calories: 306kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 58mg
• Sodium: 502mg
• Potassium: 343mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 3510IU
• Vitamin C: 23.8mg
• Calcium: 45mg
• Iron: 1.6mg

Cooking the Lo Mein Noodles

When you make homemade lo mein noodles for your Chicken Lo Mein, it’s key not to overcook them. Boil the Lo Mein noodles for less time than the package says. This keeps them from getting too soft, especially since they’ll cook more with the sauce and other ingredients later.

Here’s a guide to get your noodles just right:

1. Start by boiling a big pot of water.
2. Put the Lo Mein noodles in and boil them for about 4 minutes.
3. When they’re ready, drain and rinse them with cold water. This stops them from cooking more and sticking.
4. Mix in some sesame oil to keep the noodles perfect until it’s stir-fry time.

Using this method, your noodles will blend perfectly with the stir-fried chicken and noodles later on.

Combining the Chicken, Vegetables, and Noodles

Creating a tasty traditional lo mein recipe involves mixing marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles just right. Begin by heating a wok on high. This is key for the perfect char.

Add avocado oil and marinated chicken to your hot wok. Stir the chicken until it’s seared and fully cooked.

Now, mix in a variety of veggies like carrots, cabbage, and scallions. Cook them quickly so they’re tender but crunchy. This step keeps the veggies bright and fresh.

Next, add the semi-cooked lo mein noodles. Cook them a touch less than directed so they don’t get too soft. Mix the noodles with the chicken and veggies well. Let them soak up all the flavors and get a nice char.

Then, pour in a sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and more. This sauce will make the dish flavorful. Mix until the noodles and everything else is coated and the sauce thickens. Your quick lo mein at home is ready to enjoy!

This dish is more than delicious – it’s a balance of tastes and textures. The traditional lo mein recipe is always a hit.

Tips for the Best Chicken Lo Mein

For perfect Chicken Lo Mein, pay close attention to each step. This includes selecting, prepping, and cooking the noodles. By using these tips, you can make a true Chinese lo mein. It will have the perfect texture and taste.

Choosing the Right Noodles

Choosing the right noodles is key for genuine lo mein. Twin Marquis noodles, for example, have a great texture. They are both bouncy and chewy, which is what you want in a good lo mein. They soak up flavors, giving your dish an authentic taste.

Undercooking the Noodles

Slightly undercooking the noodles is important in Chicken Lo Mein. Boil them for a minute less than what the package says. They will finish cooking while stir-frying. This keeps them from becoming mushy and keeps them firm.

Rinsing and Tossing Noodles in Sesame Oil

Once boiled, drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking. Toss them with 1/2 tsp of sesame oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. It prepares the noodles for the stir-fry, making it easier to mix with other ingredients.

To make perfect lo mein noodles, follow these steps carefully. This ensures the noodles in your lo mein dish have the best texture. It makes your homemade lo mein taste truly authentic.

Substitutes and Variations

The chicken lo mein recipe is really flexible. You can change it to match what you like to eat. There are lots of protein and vegetable options to keep the dish fresh every time you cook it.

Alternative Proteins

Want to mix up the proteins in your meal? The easy chicken lo mein recipe can easily change. Here are some options:

• Shrimp: Gives a seafood spin and cooks fast.
• Beef: Use it thinly sliced for a big meal.
• Pork: Brings a deep, savory taste that goes well with noodles.
• Tofu: Great for vegetarians or those wanting a plant-based choice.

Vegetable Variations

To make restaurant-style lo mein, load up on veggies. It boosts flavor and adds nutrition. Try these favorites:

• Broccoli: Brings a satisfying crunch and is full of fiber.
• Bell Peppers: Gives a bright look and sweet taste.
• Snow Peas: Stay crunchy, even when cooked.
• Mushrooms: Gives a rich, earthy taste.

Different Sauces to Try

Switching up the sauce can completely change your chicken lo mein recipe. While the usual sauce is tasty, try something new:

• Hoisin Sauce: Makes it sweet and tangy.
• Spicy Szechuan Sauce: Adds heat for spice lovers.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Peanut Sauce: Creamy and nut-flavored.

With all these options, your easy chicken lo mein can turn into a fun cooking journey. Make it yours with what you like, and every meal will be special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Cooking up Chicken Lo Mein can spark lots of questions. We aim to cover the top queries so you find cooking this dish enjoyable and successful.

Can I Make Lo Mein Gluten-Free?

Definitely, making gluten-free chicken lo mein is easy. Just use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. There are brands like Tamari that make excellent gluten-free soy sauce. Also, many Asian markets now stock gluten-free noodles. This means you can savor traditional lo mein recipes even if you have special dietary needs.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

To whip up perfect easy chicken lo mein, beware of overcooking the noodles. Start with them a bit undercooked as they’ll soften more when stir-fried. Also key is mixing the sauce well before adding it. This ensures all parts get flavoured evenly.

Plus, avoid overcrowding your pan. Too many ingredients can lead to steaming. This makes your dish mushy instead of the desired crispy and tasty traditional lo mein recipe.

Nutrition Information and Serving Size

The chicken lo mein recipe is a healthy stir-fry dish. It uses many good-for-you items. Knowing its nutrition and serving size can guide your diet well.

A regular 200g serving of authentic Chinese lo mein with chicken includes:

• 260 calories
• 6.3g of total fat, with 1.4g being saturated fat
• 44mg of cholesterol
• 826mg of sodium
• 32g of total carbohydrates, including 2g of dietary fiber and 4.2g of sugar
• 18g of protein

This meal also gives you key vitamins and minerals:

• 18mcg of Vitamin A
• 2.8mg of Vitamin C
• 0.20mcg of Vitamin D
• 2mg of iron
• 40mg of calcium
• 280mg of potassium

The chicken lo mein recipe has 6 servings of 1 ½ cups each. Each serving is about 311 calories. For Weight Watchers, it counts as:

• Green: 7 SmartPoints
• Blue: 6 SmartPoints
• Purple: 6 SmartPoints

Here’s the nutrition info for each serving:

Our chicken lo mein offers more than a tasty meal. It’s full of what your body needs. Change the serving to fit your diet and enjoy this nutritious stir-fry guilt-free.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make great restaurant-style lo mein at home, you need some special tools. A carbon steel wok or a large skillet is perfect. They spread heat well so your food cooks evenly. This is key for stir-frying at high heat.

A sharp knife is vital for slicing. It helps you cut chicken, carrots, and onions precisely. You also need mixing bowls for marinating the chicken and making the sauce. The sauce and well-marinated chicken make the dish taste authentic.

When cooking, use a skimmer or slotted spoon. It’s great for moving food around in the wok. Plus, it helps drain extra oil, keeping your dish tasty but not too greasy.

Making Chicken Lo Mein in Advance

Preparing chicken lo mein ahead makes dinner quick and easy. Whether for a busy night or a gathering, it stays delicious. Follow these steps to store and reheat it well.

Storing Leftovers

To keep your quick lo mein at home fresh, use an airtight container. This keeps it tasty and safe from outside flavors. You can save chicken lo mein in the fridge for three days or freeze it for up to three months. Always label the containers with the date to know when it was made.

Reheating Tips

Getting it just right when reheating is key. Here’s how to make your easy chicken lo mein taste great again:

• Stove Method: Warm up the lo mein by stir-frying it lightly. It keeps its yummy texture this way.
• Microwave Method: Use a microwave-safe dish for this method. Cover it loosely and warm on medium in one-minute steps, stirring each time.

Whether you’re making quick lo mein at home ahead or enjoying leftovers, these tips will keep it delicious. It’ll taste as good as new!

Authentic Chinese Lo Mein vs. Restaurant-Style Lo Mein

Authentic Chinese lo mein and restaurant-style lo mein have some big differences. Authentic Chinese lo mein focuses on softer, less greasy noodles. The noodles are cooked just right, making the dish light and not too oily.

On the flip side, restaurant-style lo mein has a heavier sauce. This sauce is often oilier and more flavorful for Western taste buds. It also has a wider variety of veggies and meats. While both are tasty, authentic Chinese lo mein is more about simple, healthy ingredients and subtle tastes like what you’d find at home in China.

The different ways lo mein is made show its wide range and cultural roots. Whether you like authentic Chinese lo mein or prefer restaurant-style lo mein, you’re in for a tasty adventure.

User Reviews and Comments

Many home cooks have shared their thoughts on the chicken lo mein recipe. They love how simple it is and its authentic taste. User-reviewed recipes signal that its quick prep and cooking are great for busy nights. One person noted the marination step improves the chicken’s flavor, making it tender and tasty.

Some folks find the lo mein dish very versatile. They’ve changed the veggies or even swapped chicken for tofu to fit personal taste or need. Also, adding sriracha for heat is a tip some users have liked.

The dish’s nutrition is also appreciated. Users highlight its good protein and vitamins from the veggies. Someone said, “This chicken lo mein feels like a wholesome meal.” They capture the feelings of many others who like its nutritious value. This recipe earns a great 4.75 rating from 12 votes, showing its quality.