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CHICKEN LO MEIN

Better Than Takeout Chicken Lo Mein

Better than takeout, this Chicken Lo Mein features tender bites of chicken, fresh veggies, and Chinese noodles, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce with hints of garlic and ginger. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of an Asian favorite right into your kitchen, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Course: Main Meal

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, How to Make Chicken Lo Mein, What is Chicken Lo Mein, What is in Chicken Lo Mein

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 391 kcal

Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

For the Lo Mein Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chicken Stir Fry

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 8 ounces white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 ounces Chinese noodles or lo mein noodles
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage or Napa cabbage
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Skillet: Add a little olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until lightly browned. Flip and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Mushrooms: Add a little more olive oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
  2. Onion and Carrots: Add more olive oil if needed. Add the onion and carrots, stir-frying for 2 minutes.
  3. Bell Pepper: Add the bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are crisp-tender. Remove and set aside with the other veggies.
  4. Cabbage: Add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the cabbage for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to wilt. Remove and set aside with the other vegetables.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

  1. Boil Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles al dente according to package instructions. Rinse and drain well.
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Step 5: Finish the Dish

  1. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Whisk the sauce mixture again and add to the skillet. Cook until thickened, whisking frequently.
  2. Combine Everything: Add the chicken, veggies, and noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  3. Serve: Top with thinly sliced green onions and serve promptly.

Variations & Tips

  • Chicken Preparation: Cut your chicken into small, thin bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Honey Substitute: Honey can be substituted for brown sugar in the sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce Alternatives: If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
  • Mushroom Options: White button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or cremini mushrooms (baby bella mushrooms) can be used in this recipe.
  • Quick Cooking: This recipe moves very quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and within reach.
  • Sauce Preference: If you like a lot of sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients, but note this will increase the sodium content.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet or in the microwave at reduced power.
  • Thickening Sauce: The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is properly cooked.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

What noodles can I use?

Chinese lo mein noodles are traditional, but you can also use spaghetti or other long noodles if you don’t have lo mein noodles available.

How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?

Cook the noodles until al dente as per the package instructions, then rinse and drain them well to stop the cooking process.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn.

Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy the flavors of this Asian classic, and make it your own with your favorite ingredients and variations.