If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect choice! This dish is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and delicious noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s an easy, homemade version of a takeout classic that will have your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this simple yet mouthwatering recipe!
Method
Cooking the Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, but be sure to remove them from the heat one minute before they are fully cooked. This ensures they remain firm and do not become mushy during the stir-frying process. Once drained, immediately toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set them aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Preparing the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl or a measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and white pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This flavorful sauce will coat the noodles and ingredients evenly, giving the dish its signature savory taste. Set the sauce aside until it is needed later in the cooking process.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, ensuring each piece is lightly browned. At this stage, the chicken does not need to be fully cooked, as it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Using the same wok, add another 2 teaspoons of oil and increase the heat. Begin by stir-frying the sliced bell pepper and onion for approximately 2 minutes. These vegetables require a head start as they take longer to soften. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Next, incorporate the sliced zucchini and carrots, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes before adding the broccoli florets. Since broccoli cooks quickly but retains a slight crunch, stir-fry it for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring all vegetables are evenly cooked but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
Bringing Everything Together
Now that the vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken to the wok and combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Thickening the Sauce
Before pouring the sauce into the wok, mix in the cornstarch to help thicken it. Once mixed, pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken and coat the ingredients.
Adding the Noodles
Finally, add the cooked noodles into the wok and toss them thoroughly with the sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Use tongs or a spatula to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and blend with the other ingredients.
Final Touch and Serving
Once the noodles are fully coated and heated through, remove the wok from the heat. Your delicious homemade Chicken Lo Mein is now ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately while it’s hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a spatula
Chicken Lo Mein: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight
Cuisine: American, ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Lo Mein
10 oz spaghetti pasta (or Lo Mein noodles)
1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1 medium bell pepper, sliced
1 medium zucchini, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
For the Lo Mein Sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Extras
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for cooking
Sesame oil
Directions
- Cook the noodles one minute shy of the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and white pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tsp oil in a wok over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the wok (it will finish cooking later).
- Sauté the vegetables: Add another 2 tsp oil to the wok. Stir-fry the bell pepper, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper for 2 minutes. Add zucchini and carrots with another pinch of salt and pepper, sauté for 2 minutes. Finally, add broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper, stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the chicken back to the wok with the vegetables.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch into the prepared sauce and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Let the sauce thicken while everything cooks together for about 2 minutes.
- Add the noodles: Toss the noodles in the sauce until evenly coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring well.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the noodles: Slightly undercook them before stir-frying so they don’t turn mushy.
- Don’t crowd the wok: Cooking in small batches ensures even heat distribution.
- Stir constantly: High heat cooking means things move fast, so keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Pair it with an egg roll or dumplings for a complete meal.
- Add some heat by drizzling sriracha or adding red pepper flakes.
- Make it a feast by serving with hot and sour soup or miso soup on the side.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Lo Mein means “tossed noodles” in Chinese? Unlike Chow Mein, where the noodles are fried, Lo Mein is all about soft noodles coated in a rich, flavorful sauce!
Conclusion
Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic dish that’s easy to make and better than takeout! With fresh ingredients and a simple method, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal in just 30 minutes. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out!
