Oh, chicken lo mein—what a delightful dish! It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how it brings together tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and those slurp-worthy noodles in a symphony of flavors. The best part? It’s super beginner-friendly! Seriously, if you can boil water and stir, you can whip this up in no time. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen smelled like a little corner of China! Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s dive right in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Chicken Lo Mein
Now, let’s get into the fun part—cooking! This chicken lo mein is all about speed and flavor, so let’s keep things moving and delicious!
Cooking the Noodles
First up, we need to cook the lo mein noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and then add those beautiful noodles. Follow the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You want them al dente—tender but still with a little bite. Trust me, overcooked noodles can turn mushy and that’s a bummer. Once they’re ready, drain them well and set them aside. A little tip: drizzling a splash of oil on them can help prevent them from sticking together later!
Stir-Frying the Chicken
Next, it’s time for the chicken! Heat that tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking!), toss in the sliced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s no longer pink and beautifully golden. You want that tender texture, so be careful not to overcook it—dry chicken is a no-go!
Adding Vegetables and Sauces
Once your chicken is cooked, it’s time to bring in the veggies! Add your mixed vegetables to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want them to be vibrant and crisp, not soggy. Then, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together, letting those flavors meld and dance in the pan—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
Final Mixing and Serving
Now, for the grand finale! Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the chicken and veggies. Toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well coated in that delicious sauce. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped green onions for that fresh crunch. And remember, if you’re worried about sticking, just keep tossing! The more you mix, the better it tastes. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or protein.
- Packed with flavor from savory sauces and fresh ingredients.
- A healthy option that’s low in fat and high in protein.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for busy days.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your chicken lo mein is a hit? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy with the sauces—taste as you go and adjust to your liking! If you love a bit more saltiness, add a splash of soy sauce; if you prefer a rich flavor, a touch more oyster sauce works wonders.
When it comes to veggies, choose ones that stir-fry well and hold their crunch, like snap peas or bell peppers. And remember, keep an eye on your chicken while cooking; tender is the goal, so as soon as it’s no longer pink, it’s time to take it off the heat. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For a serving of this chicken lo mein, you can expect around 350 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. It’s a balanced meal that’s not only delicious but also good for you!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can swap them for spaghetti or rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to mix it up! Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers are all great options. Just ensure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool down first!
Can I freeze chicken lo mein?
Yes, you can! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the chicken and use tofu or additional vegetables instead. You can still enjoy all the flavors with a vegetarian soy sauce for that savory kick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your chicken lo mein later! Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It should keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you think you won’t finish it in that time, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, the best method is to warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to keep things moist and flavorful. Stir occasionally until it’s nice and heated through. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Print
Chicken Lo Mein: 5 Easy Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious chicken lo mein recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- Add cooked noodles and toss everything together until well mixed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender.
- You can substitute vegetables based on your preference.
- Adjust the sauce to taste, adding more if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken lo mein, easy chicken lo mein, stir fry
