Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This homemade version of lo mein is quick, easy to prepare, and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger infuses the dish with rich, aromatic flavors, while the vegetables like Napa cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms provide a satisfying crunch and freshness. The thin strips of chicken absorb the savory sauce, creating a juicy, flavorful bite in every forkful. Best of all, this recipe allows you to customize the vegetables and seasoning to your taste. If you’re craving a satisfying, flavorful noodle dish that’s full of vibrant textures and tastes, Chicken Lo Mein is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Lo Mein offers a satisfying combination of flavors, textures, and colors. The dish features tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and noodles coated in a savory sauce that’s just the right balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic. The crunchy Napa cabbage, earthy mushrooms, and sweet matchstick carrots add depth to each bite, making the dish both delicious and nutritious. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that’s both quick and flavorful. It’s also customizable—feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. Plus, with its rich umami flavor and comforting nature, Chicken Lo Mein is bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Lo Mein:

• Canola oil
• Chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Low sodium soy sauce
• Mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Napa cabbage, finely shredded
• Matchstick carrots
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Light brown sugar
• Pasta (lo mein noodles or any noodle of your choice)

Variations

• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and bok choy for extra flavor and texture.
• Beef or Shrimp Lo Mein: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef or shrimp for a different protein option. Both will complement the noodles and sauce beautifully.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add some chili paste or chili flakes to the sauce to spice up the dish. For an extra kick, try adding fresh sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry.
• Peanut Butter Lo Mein: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter into the sauce for a creamy, nutty twist that pairs well with the savory flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set it aside. Prepare all the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, shredding the Napa cabbage, and slicing the mushrooms and carrots into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped onion, mushrooms, and shredded Napa cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar until smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Vegetables, and Noodles

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to coat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately, garnishing with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ginger, garlic, and vegetables. This will bring vibrant, aromatic qualities to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they’re tender, but still crisp to retain their color and texture.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like your lo mein more savory, add extra soy sauce. For more sweetness, increase the amount of brown sugar.
• Noodle Substitutes: You can use other types of noodles such as spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon noodles if you don’t have lo mein noodles.

How to Serve

Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own but can be served alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider pairing it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light Asian salad for a more substantial meal. For extra flavor, garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze Chicken Lo Mein, the noodles might become slightly soft when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables in Chicken Lo Mein?

Yes, you can use bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, or even snow peas to add variety and color to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.

3. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can, but the dish will be saltier. If using regular soy sauce, reduce the amount to avoid overwhelming the flavor.

4. What kind of noodles should I use for lo mein?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but you can substitute them with spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles.

5. Can I add spice to this dish?

Absolutely! Add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Fresh vegetables are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

7. How can I make the dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to make Chicken Lo Mein suitable for a gluten-free diet.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time (such as cooking the chicken, noodles, and chopping vegetables) and combine them when ready to serve.

9. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Make sure to toss the cooked noodles with a small amount of sesame oil or vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking. This also adds a bit of extra flavor.

10. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding chili paste, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles in a delicious, homemade sauce. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or something to serve at a gathering, Chicken Lo Mein is sure to please everyone at the table. With the right balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

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