Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish loved for its savory sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed with fresh vegetables. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken lo mein at home, you’re in the right place! This easy-to-follow recipe will help you whip up a restaurant-quality meal in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lo Mein Sauce:
– 1/3 cup chicken broth
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
For the Chicken and Veggies:
– 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
– 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
– 1 tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, or sesame oil)
– 2 large carrots, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking the brown sugar into the chicken broth until it dissolves. Then add the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Set this flavorful sauce aside-it’s what makes your lo mein so tasty!
2. Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. This ensures they don’t get mushy when you stir-fry later.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Sauté the chicken strips until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions until they’re golden, then add the carrots and cook until they start to soften. Toss in the broccoli and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until everything is tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken and onions to the pan with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Toss in the Noodles
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together so the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the chicken and vegetables. Heat through for another minute, then serve hot!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
– Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate your chicken strips in soy sauce, a little cornstarch, and sesame oil for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
– Use fresh noodles if possible: Fresh lo mein noodles cook faster and have a better texture than dried ones.
– Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep them crisp to add a nice crunch to your dish.
– Customize your veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety.
– Use a hot wok or skillet: High heat helps to sear the chicken and veggies quickly, locking in flavor.
Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile, satisfying dish that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps. It’s a perfect balance of savory sauce, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft noodles that everyone will love.
Ready to try it out? Enjoy your homemade chicken lo mein!