Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Let me tell you, Chicken Lo Mein is like a warm hug in a bowl. If you’re craving something delicious that’s not only easy to whip up but also one of those comfort foods that give you instant gratification, you’ve come to the right place. So gather around, friend, because we’re about to have some fun with noodles!

Why Lo Mein?

Ever wondered why Lo Mein is basically everyone’s go-to order when they hit up that Chinese joint? It’s simple—scrumptious noodles, tender chicken, and a medley of veggies tossed in a savory sauce. Plus, it’s quick to make at home, and you can customize it however you want (hello, fridge leftovers!). Want to sneak in some extra veggies or throw in some shrimp instead? Go for it! No ones stopping you—well, except maybe your diet, but who cares, right? 😉

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on your Lo Mein journey is all about the right mix of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces of Lo Mein noodles (or any thin spaghetti if you can’t find Lo Mein)
• 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or sesame works great)

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound of chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (for marinating)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (to thicken it up)

For the Veggies:

• 1 cup of bell peppers, sliced (any color you fancy)
• 1 cup of carrots, julienned or sliced thin
• 1 cup of broccoli (because, you know, it’s good for you)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for that fresh crunch!)

Extras:

• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, don’t just sit there—let’s make some magic happen! Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles

• Boil a large pot of water and cook your Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, it’s about 3-5 minutes for perfection.
• Drain ’em and toss them in a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside and try not to munch on them all (I know, they’re so tempting!).

Step 2: Marinade Your Chicken

• While the noodles are cooking, toss your sliced chicken into a bowl, add the tablespoon of soy sauce, and let it sit for, oh I don’t know, about 10 minutes. This gets all that flavor locked in.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

• In another bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch.
• Give it a good whisk! This sauce is gonna add life to your chicken and noodles, trust me!

Step 4: Sauté the Chicken

• Heat another tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Toss in the marinated chicken, giving it a nice sear. Cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through—typically about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Veggie Time!

• Add the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to the chicken. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until everything’s tender-crisp. Pro tip: You don’t want those veggies turning mushy; keep that crispness!

Step 6: Bring It All Together

• Toss in the cooked noodles into the skillet with the chicken and veggies.
• Drizzle your sauce over the entire concoction and then mix, mix, mix! You want every noodle coated in that glorious sauce. This is where the magic happens, my friend.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Give it a taste—add more soy sauce or even a sprinkle of salt, depending on your liking. Now, plate it up and garnish with some green onions and sesame seeds.
• Want to spice things up? 🥵 Toss on some crushed red pepper flakes. BOOM! You just made a signature dinner!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Lo Mein

Let’s chat about a few golden rules to kick your Lo Mein up a notch:

Use Fresh Ingredients

• Whenever possible, opt for fresh veggies. This dish isn’t just about noodles and chicken; it’s a veggie medley, too!

Don’t Overcook the Noodles

• Nobody wants mushy noodles. Trust the timing on the package, drain them promptly, and treat them like royalty.

Experiment with Ingredients

• This is one of those dishes you can absolutely freestyle. Got some bell peppers lying around? Toss ‘em in! Some mushrooms nearing their expiration? Use ‘em!

Watch the Sauce

• Always keep an eye on the sauce—too much can drown your noodles, too little makes them sad and dry. It’s all about that balance!

FAQ About Chicken Lo Mein

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Lo Mein can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss in the pan when you’re ready to eat. It might even taste better the next day!

Is This Dish Healthy?

It all depends on what you pack in there. Load it with veggies and use less sauce, and you’re golden. Just don’t count the takeout versions as health food (I mean, we know they’re delicious but…).

Can I Use Other Proteins?

Heck yes! Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!

Wrapping It Up Burger Style!

If you made it this far, congrats! You’re now equipped with a mouthwatering Chicken Lo Mein recipe that’ll impress anyone who crosses your doorstep. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few ingredients and some love, you’ve just created something special.

So, next time you think about calling for takeout, remember you’ve got this tasty recipe at your fingertips (and it’s way cheaper!). Get in that kitchen and rock it out—after all, dinner’s waiting and it’s not going to cook itself. 😉

Now go ahead, make some Chicken Lo Mein, and don’t forget to snap a pic for the ‘Gram. 🍜