Chicken Lo Mein, a quick and satisfying dish with tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly saucy noodles, this recipe is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors for go-to for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.
What Is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish featuring soft egg noodles tossed with succulent pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables, and a richly flavored sauce. The dish’s name, “Lo Mein,” translates to “tossed noodles” in Cantonese, reflecting the cooking method where the noodles are mixed with the sauce and ingredients at the end. This dish strikes a harmonious balance between the umami-rich sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
To make your Chicken Lo Mein truly restaurant-quality, here are some essential tips:
- Choose the Right Noodles: Use fresh egg noodles or spaghetti as a substitute. Boil them just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
- Marinate the Chicken: A quick marinade with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil ensures juicy and flavorful chicken.
- High Heat Is Key: Cook everything on high heat to achieve the signature smoky flavor (known as “wok hei”).
- Prep Everything Before Cooking: Stir-frying happens fast! Chop your veggies, measure your sauces, and have all ingredients ready to go.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to your taste by tweaking the soy sauce, oyster sauce, or adding a dash of chili paste.
Variations of Chicken Lo Mein
One of the best things about Chicken Lo Mein is its versatility. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the chicken and load up on tofu or additional veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or shiitake mushrooms.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Swap out chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Beef Lo Mein: Use thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak) marinated in soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
- Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes to bring the heat.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls complement the soft noodles perfectly.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light and comforting soup balances the richness of Lo Mein.
- Steamed Dumplings: These bite-sized delights make a great side dish.
- Asian-Inspired Salads: A fresh cucumber or sesame salad adds a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Lo Mein
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigeration: Store Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.
Recipe FAQs for Chicken Lo Mein
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, spaghetti, udon, or even soba noodles work as substitutes.
Is Chicken Lo Mein the same as Chow Mein?
No, they differ in preparation and texture. Lo Mein uses soft noodles tossed in sauce, while Chow Mein features crispy fried noodles.
What vegetables can I use?
Common vegetables include bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, broccoli, and mushrooms. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Cooked Lo Mein reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.
What’s the best way to get authentic flavor?
Using ingredients like oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil adds depth and authenticity to your Lo Mein.
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein, a quick and satisfying dish with tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly saucy noodles, this recipe is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors for go-to for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz noodles (cooked as per package instructions)
- 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or sesame)
- 1 lb chicken (sliced into strips)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli (cut into florets)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Slice the veggies and chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat oil in a wok, sauté chicken until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, cook onions until golden, remove, then sauté carrots until tender. Add broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Toss in minced garlic.
- Add chicken and onions back to the wok. Pour the sauce over and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked noodles, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 316Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 723mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 23g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Lo Mein is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of culinary adventure to your table. With its adaptable recipe and rich flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a family favorite. By following this guide, you’ll be able to whip up a homemade version that rivals your favorite takeout spot—maybe even surpasses it!
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