Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken strips, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles in a savory sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 Tablespoon canola oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
• 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

For the Veggies:

• 1 (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

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat canola oil over high heat. Add the chicken strips, minced garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving any liquid or oil in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add the shredded Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and light brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the vegetable medley and bring to a boil for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir until everything is well coated with the sauce and heated through.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until evenly mixed with the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

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 Hot: Chicken Lo Mein is best enjoyed hot. Serve it immediately after cooking to ensure the noodles and vegetables are at their freshest and most flavorful.
2. Garnishes: Add a garnish of sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. A drizzle of additional soy sauce or a splash of sriracha can add a touch of extra flavor if desired.
3. Portion Control: Serve individual portions to keep the meal fresh. Use tongs to toss the noodles and ingredients together thoroughly before serving to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4. Side Dishes: Complement the dish with a side of steamed rice or a light salad for added variety and to make the meal more substantial.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
2. Freezing: To freeze, portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers. This Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy reference.
3. Reheating:
   • In the Microwave: Transfer the portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed until heated through.
   • On the Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
4. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking as this can cause the noodles to become mushy. Heat until just warmed through for the best texture.

Variations :

1. Vegetable Lo Mein: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the quantity of vegetables. Add ingredients such as bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn. You can also use tofu as a protein substitute.

2. Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add them to the dish in place of the chicken.

3. Beef Lo Mein: Substitute thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin) for the chicken. Cook the beef until it’s browned and tender before adding it to the vegetable mixture.

4. Spicy Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.

5. Mushroom Lo Mein: Increase the amount of mushrooms or use a mix of different mushrooms (such as shiitake, portobello, and cremini) for an umami-rich flavor. You can also use a mushroom sauce instead of soy sauce for a deeper mushroom flavor.

6. Low-Carb Lo Mein: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the noodles are tender.

7. Peanut Lo Mein: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the sauce mixture for a creamy, nutty flavor. This variation adds richness and pairs well with the chicken and vegetables.

8. Garlic Lo Mein: Increase the garlic to 5-6 cloves for a more pronounced garlic flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce mixture for extra garlic intensity.

9. Sesame Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to the finished dish for a nutty crunch. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

10. Coconut Lo Mein: Incorporate 1/4 cup of coconut milk into the sauce mixture for a subtle coconut flavor. This adds a creamy, slightly sweet twist to the traditional lo mein.

These variations allow you to customize your Chicken Lo Mein to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe for any occasion.

FAQs :

1. Can I use instant noodles instead of pasta?

Yes, you can use instant noodles as a substitute. Cook them according to the package instructions, then add them to the dish in place of the pasta. Instant noodles may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Lo Mein?

Yes, Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How can I make Chicken Lo Mein spicier?

Add more heat by incorporating ingredients like sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.

5. Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

6. What can I substitute for Napa cabbage?

If you can’t find Napa cabbage, you can use regular green cabbage or bok choy as a substitute. Shred or chop them into small pieces to match the texture of Napa cabbage.

7. Can I add more protein to the dish?

Yes, you can add more protein such as tofu, shrimp, or beef. Cook the protein separately before adding it to the vegetable mixture to ensure it is properly cooked and integrated into the dish.

8. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

To prevent noodles from sticking, toss them with a bit of oil after cooking, or ensure they are well-coated with the sauce when added to the dish. Stir the noodles frequently during cooking.

9. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked pasta. Just add it to the pan towards the end of cooking to ensure it’s heated through and coated with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook it.

10. How can I make Chicken Lo Mein less salty?

To reduce the saltiness, use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce used in the sauce mixture according to your taste preference.

This Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal with a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful noodles. Ideal for busy weeknights or informal gatherings, it provides a delicious and balanced dinner option that everyone will enjoy. Try this recipe tonight and experience the savory delight of homemade Chicken Lo Mein!