Chicken Lo Mein

by

Looking for a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Chicken Lo Mein recipe! With tender chicken strips, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a delicious sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings with loved ones. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful meal in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
  • 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes until chicken is browned. Remove chicken from the pan, leaving any liquid or oil in the skillet.
  2. Add mushrooms and onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and mushrooms start to brown. Stir in the shredded cabbage and matchstick carrots, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar to make the sauce. Pour the sauce over the vegetable mixture in the skillet and bring to a boil for 1 minute, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce and heated through.
  5. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
  6. Serve the Chicken Lo Mein hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 5 min | Cooking Time: 15 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4
  • Calories: 425 kcal per serving

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Chicken Lo Mein hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
  3. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to create a well-balanced meal.
  4. For added heat and flavor, serve with a side of chili sauce or Sriracha on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
  5. Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day – simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
  3. You can also freeze leftover Chicken Lo Mein for up to 2 months. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
  4. To thaw frozen Chicken Lo Mein, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting.
  5. Reheat thawed Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  6. Avoid refreezing previously frozen leftovers to maintain the best quality and flavor of the dish.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
  2. Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque before removing them from the skillet, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
  3. Beef Lo Mein: Swap out the chicken for thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or sirloin. Stir-fry the beef until browned before setting it aside and continuing with the recipe.
  4. Tofu Lo Mein: For a vegetarian protein option, replace the chicken with cubed tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then stir-fry until golden brown before adding it back to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce.
  5. Spicy Lo Mein: Add sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat. You can also drizzle with chili oil before serving for even more spice.
  6. Soy-Ginger Lo Mein: Increase the amount of ginger in the recipe for a more pronounced ginger flavor. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
  7. Peanut Lo Mein: Incorporate a tablespoon of peanut butter into the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving for extra crunch and freshness.
  8. Egg Lo Mein: Scramble a few eggs in the skillet before adding the chicken back in for added protein and richness. Cook the eggs until set before mixing them with the noodles and vegetables.
  9. Sesame Lo Mein: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant, then sprinkle them over the finished dish for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  10. Hoisin Lo Mein: Replace the soy sauce in the sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter, more complex flavor profile. You can also add a tablespoon of oyster sauce for extra umami richness.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe? Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles are commonly used, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
  2. Is there a substitute for chicken broth in the sauce? If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water instead. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
  3. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
  4. How can I make this dish spicier? You can adjust the heat level by adding more chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

With its flavorful combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those times when you need a quick and easy dinner option. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Asian-inspired comfort food right in your own kitchen!