EASY CHICKEN LO MEIN RECIPE

Craving that satisfying noodle dish you always order for takeout? Skip the delivery fees and make incredible Chicken Lo Mein right in your own kitchen, bursting with savory flavors and tender chicken. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a dish that’s even better than what you’re used to, tailored exactly to your taste. Get ready to discover how surprisingly simple it is to whip up this classic, and I promise, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Lo Mein Noodles:

• 1 pound lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced cabbage
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup snow peas, or other favorite vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator). This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be slightly firm.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
3. Set the noodles aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
2. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
4. Add the carrots, cabbage, and celery to the wok and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they are slightly tender. If using other vegetables like mushrooms or snow peas, add them now and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Combining Everything:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
4. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok.
5. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the chicken and vegetables are well distributed.

Serving:

1. Garnish with sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chicken Lo Mein!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Lo Mein

Noodle Know-How:

Choosing the right noodles is key! Lo mein noodles are typically made with wheat flour and eggs, giving them a slightly chewy texture. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Also, remember that rinsing the noodles after cooking is crucial to preventing them from becoming a sticky mess.

Mastering the Marinade:

Don’t skip the marinade! Even a short marinade makes a huge difference in the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. The cornstarch in the marinade also helps to create a silky texture when the chicken is cooked.

Wok Wisdom:

A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its sloped sides allow for even cooking and easy tossing. However, a large skillet will also work. The key is to use high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while maintaining their crispness.

Sauce Secrets:

The sauce is where the magic happens! Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Also, make sure to whisk the sauce well before adding it to the wok to prevent clumps of cornstarch.

Customize Your Lo Mein

Veggie Variety:

One of the best things about Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is how easily it can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Try adding broccoli florets, bell peppers, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Protein Power:

While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute with other proteins like shrimp, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For shrimp, cook until pink and opaque. For pork, make sure it’s cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. For tofu, press out excess water before marinating and stir-frying.

Spice It Up:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to your Chicken Lo Mein. You can also add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Lo Mein is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other Chinese dishes. Serve it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers for a complete meal. It’s also great with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad.

More Fast Dinner Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious Fast Dinner Recipes, here are a few of my favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine: A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• Chinese Pepper Steak: Another classic Chinese takeout dish that you can easily make at home.
• Kielbasa Pasta: A quick and easy pasta dish with savory kielbasa sausage and your favorite vegetables.
• Chicken Chow Mein: Similar to lo mein but features crispy noodles and a slightly different sauce.
• Chicken & Green Bean Stir-fry: A healthy and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles: A great variant to our featured recipe!

The Joy of Chinese Cooking Recipes at Home

Exploring Chinese Cooking Recipes at home opens up a world of flavor and creativity. Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient lists or unfamiliar techniques. Start with simple recipes like this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe and gradually work your way up to more complex dishes. With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at what you can create in your own kitchen. Plus, making your own Chinese food allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a fun and rewarding way to expand your culinary skills and impress your family and friends!

Conclusion

Making your own Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the hassle of takeout. With this easy recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home, customized to your exact preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this amazing noodle dish. You’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to make your own Easy Chinese Recipes. Happy cooking!