Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers a deliciously satisfying stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, it’s an ideal weekday meal that pairs the classic comfort of Asian takeout with the freshness of home cooking.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Chicken and Noodles
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 8 ounces dry lo mein noodles
Vegetables
- ½ onion, finely sliced
- 2 bell peppers, finely sliced
- 2 carrots, cut into thin matchsticks
- 4 cups broccoli (about 2 medium crowns)
Oils and Aromatics
- 3 Tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Lo Mein Sauce
- 6 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Make the lo mein sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, honey, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Marinate the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1 inch long. Place them in a shallow bowl and add 3 tablespoons of the prepared lo mein sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling until tender but firm. Drain the noodles thoroughly without rinsing to retain their starch, which helps the sauce stick later.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, placing them in a colander to strain off excess sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and stir constantly, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is nicely browned on the outside, about 10 minutes.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large fry pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over high heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and carrot matchsticks, cooking until the onion is softened, about 2 to 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and broccoli along with an additional tablespoon of sesame oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and finish cooking: Add the cooked noodles, browned chicken, and the remaining lo mein sauce to the vegetable mixture. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the noodles begin to brown slightly and absorb the sauce, ensuring the entire dish is hot and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier texture or swap vegetables for any favorites like snap peas or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.
Keywords: Chicken Lo Mein, stir-fry, Chinese noodles, easy dinner, quick meal, chicken recipe