Introduction
Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and chewy lo mein noodles coated in a savory sauce, this recipe offers a delicious meal for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a quick dinner. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken and Marinade:
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tenderness)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional but recommended for color)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For the Lo Mein:
– 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
– 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, julienned
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a balanced meal that tastes just as good as your go-to Chinese takeout, but with the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth or water. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes). Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in an even layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onions, bell pepper, carrots, peas, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated. Add the cooked noodles and toss well to combine. Heat through for about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve immediately, topped with sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Preparation Tips:
The recipe moves quickly, so have all the ingredients prepped and measured beforehand. Cut everything uniformly for even cooking.
Mixing the Sauce:
Mix the sauce well to prevent lumps.
Batch Cooking:
Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
Protein Variations:
If desired, swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken helps to infuse flavor and tenderness. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that involves cooking food over high heat while stirring continuously. This method helps to retain the crunchiness of vegetables and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Cooking Noodles
Cook lo mein noodles or spaghetti in boiling salted water until tender. Toss with a little oil after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
Combining Ingredients
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, combine them in the pan, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss with the cooked noodles. This ensures that the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork depending on your preference.
What can I use if I don’t have lo mein noodles?
You can use spaghetti or any other type of noodle you prefer, such as udon or rice noodles.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies to the stir-fry for extra heat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What vegetables can I use?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms are all excellent choices.
Conclusion
Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful noodles all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. Customize the recipe with your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
Vegetable Lo Mein
Skip the chicken and load up on your favorite vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, and broccoli for a delicious vegetarian option.
Beef Lo Mein
Swap out the chicken for thinly sliced beef, such as flank or sirloin, and marinate as directed for a hearty alternative.
Shrimp Lo Mein
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick-cooking seafood version. Add the shrimp later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Tofu Lo Mein
For a plant-based option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then sauté until golden before adding it to the vegetables.
Spicy Chicken Lo Mein
Add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade or sauce for a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Hong Kong Style Lo Mein
Try using fresh egg noodles for a more authentic texture and flavor reminiscent of classic Hong Kong-style lo mein.
Gluten-Free Lo Mein
Use gluten-free noodles made from rice or buckwheat, and ensure all sauces are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
