Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with stir-fried vegetables and chewy egg noodles. The chicken is typically sliced thinly and marinated in a flavorful sauce before being wok-tossed with crisp vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
The noodles are cooked until they are perfectly al dente and then tossed with the chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce made from a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is both comforting and full of umami flavors.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
Stir Fry
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (just over 1 lb.)
- Salt/Pepper
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 ½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables
- 10 oz. lo mein noodles
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions to Make Chicken Lo Mein
- Prep Work: Combine sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and stir well. Transfer ¼ cup to a medium bowl. Optionally tenderize chicken, season with salt and pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces, and coat with the ¼ cup of sauce. Prepare vegetables and start boiling salted water for the lo mein.
- Make the Stir Fry: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for about 3 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Deglaze the skillet with wine, let it reduce by half. Add lo mein noodles to boiling water, cook for 1 minute less than al dente, then drain. In the skillet, cook vegetables for about 3 minutes, add sauce and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add cooked lo mein and chicken, toss to coat, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings (e.g., green onions, peanuts, cashews, crunchy chow mein noodles).
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The key to a great Chicken Lo Mein lies in the quality and preparation of your ingredients. Fresh vegetables should be crisp and vibrant, while the chicken should be properly trimmed and cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Understanding the role of each ingredient in the dish will help you make adjustments based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
Noodle Preparation: Lo Mein noodles are the backbone of this dish, and their preparation can make or break the final result. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions but aim to keep them al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when mixed with the sauce and stir-fried. If you can’t find Lo Mein noodles, remember that spaghetti or linguine can serve as a decent substitute, though the texture and taste will vary slightly.
Sauce Balance: The sauce is what gives Chicken Lo Mein its distinctive flavor. It’s important to strike the right balance between the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, don’t hesitate to add a little more brown sugar or hoisin sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of chili sauce or flakes can elevate the dish.
High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying is a quick process that requires high heat to properly sear the ingredients without overcooking them. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the oil and ingredients. This will help to achieve a slight char on the veggies and chicken, adding depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
Ingredient Prep: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go (a technique known as mise en place) can significantly streamline the cooking process. Stir-frying moves quickly, and there won’t be time to chop vegetables or measure out sauce components mid-cook.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Sides: Chicken Lo Mein is a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad for added freshness and texture contrast. Egg rolls or spring rolls also make for a delightful appetizer or side.
Garnishes for Extra Flair: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a few dashes of chili oil, or some freshly chopped cilantro can add both flavor and visual appeal to your Chicken Lo Mein. These small touches can elevate the dish from a simple weeknight dinner to something special.
Pairing with Beverages: The savory richness of Chicken Lo Mein goes well with a range of beverages. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a chilled green tea, which can help cleanse the palate between bites. If you’re looking to pair it with alcohol, a light beer or a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the dish’s flavors without overwhelming them.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers: Chicken Lo Mein keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors can even improve after a day, as the noodles absorb more of the sauce.
Freezing for Later: If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for later, Chicken Lo Mein freezes quite well. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat Chicken Lo Mein, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the noodles mushy and the vegetables too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Lo Mein vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a variety of additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms. Use a vegetarian oyster sauce to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
What if I don’t have Lo Mein noodles? While Lo Mein noodles are ideal for this dish due to their texture and ability to hold sauce, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles in a pinch. The key is to cook the noodles until just al dente so they don’t become too soft when mixed with the other ingredients.
Can I add other proteins to Chicken Lo Mein? Yes, Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can easily accommodate different proteins. Shrimp, beef, or pork can be used in place of chicken, or you can use a combination of proteins for a more luxurious dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
How can I make my Lo Mein sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add this slurry to the sauce before combining it with the noodles and vegetables. Heat the mixture until it thickens to your liking.
Is Chicken Lo Mein healthy? Chicken Lo Mein can be a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. To make it healthier, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, increase the proportion of vegetables, and use lean chicken breast. You can also use whole wheat noodles or spaghetti to increase the dish’s fiber content.
Chicken Lo Mein
INGREDIENTS
Stir Fry
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts just over 1 lb.
- Salt/Pepper
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 ½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables
- 10 oz. lo mein noodles
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep Work: Combine sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and stir well. Transfer ¼ cup to a medium bowl. Optionally tenderize chicken, season with salt and pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces, and coat with the ¼ cup of sauce. Prepare vegetables and start boiling salted water for the lo mein.
- Make the Stir Fry: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for about 3 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Deglaze the skillet with wine, let it reduce by half. Add lo mein noodles to boiling water, cook for 1 minute less than al dente, then drain. In the skillet, cook vegetables for about 3 minutes, add sauce and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add cooked lo mein and chicken, toss to coat, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings (e.g., green onions, peanuts, cashews, crunchy chow mein noodles).
