Simple Chicken Lo Mein Dinner: Your Go-To Weeknight Recipe

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When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal to save the day. Simple Chicken Lo Mein Dinner offers everything you need for a balanced, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles, making it a favorite for families and food lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Lo Mein

  1. Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes!
  2. Versatile Ingredients: Swap out veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
  3. Delicious Flavors: The rich, savory sauce pairs perfectly with the soft noodles and juicy chicken.
  4. One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single wok or pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein

To get started, gather these simple and affordable ingredients:

Chicken Marinade

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Chicken breast/thighs1 lb, thinly slicedMain protein
Soy sauce2 tbspFlavor enhancer
White pepper½ tspMild spice
Cornstarch1 tbspTenderizes chicken
Oil2 tsp (+ more)For marinating and cooking

Noodles

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Lo mein noodles13 oz (dried)Base of the dish
Sesame oil1 tspAdds nutty flavor

Sauce

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Soy sauce2 tbspBase for the sauce
Dark soy sauce2 tbspRich color and deeper flavor
Oyster sauce1 tbspUmami and sweetness
Sugar1 tspBalances the flavors
White pepper¼ tspAdds subtle heat

Vegetables

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Garlic (minced)4 clovesAromatic base
Ginger (minced)1 inchWarm, spicy flavor
Onion (sliced)¼Adds sweetness
Green onions4, cut into 2″Adds freshness
Carrots (julienned)2Sweet crunch
Napa cabbage (sliced)2 cupsEarthy flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine sliced chicken, soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil.
  2. Mix well and let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
  2. Set aside for later.

3. Cook the Noodles

  1. Boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
  3. Remove from the wok and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Add more oil to the wok if needed.
  2. Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and the white part of green onions until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the carrots and napa cabbage. Cook until softened.

6. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and sauce to the wok.
  2. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.

7. Finish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the top.
  2. Give it one last toss and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein

  1. Slice Chicken Thinly: This ensures even cooking and tender pieces.
  2. Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercook them since they’ll finish cooking in the wok.
  3. Customize Veggies: Use bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for variety.
  4. Control the Heat: Adjust white pepper and ginger for spiciness.
  5. Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and marinate chicken ahead of time for a faster meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories320
Protein25 g
Carbohydrates35 g
Fiber4 g
Fat10 g
Sodium740 mg

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
  • Add a side of spicy chili oil or soy sauce for dipping.
  • Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or miso soup.

FAQs About Chicken Lo Mein

1. Can I use different noodles?

Yes! You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, egg noodles, or even rice noodles.

2. How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

3. Is dark soy sauce necessary?

Dark soy sauce adds color and depth, but you can skip it if unavailable. Regular soy sauce will work too.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best flavor, cook the noodles fresh and toss with sauce just before serving.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

6. What’s the best way to reheat?

Reheat on the stove over medium heat for a fresher taste compared to microwaving.

Variations to Try

  1. Spicy Lo Mein: Add chili oil or sriracha for heat.
  2. Seafood Lo Mein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops.
  3. Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

Conclusion: Make Chicken Lo Mein Tonight!

This Simple Chicken Lo Mein Dinner is your ticket to a quick and satisfying meal bursting with flavor. It’s easy to customize, perfect for any night, and guaranteed to leave your family asking for seconds.

Get Cooking!

Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy the ultimate homemade comfort food. Share this recipe with friends or save it for busy weeknights—you won’t regret it!

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Simple Chicken Lo Mein Dinner: Your Go-To Weeknight Recipe


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  • Author: Melany
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, Simple Chicken Lo Mein combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles in a rich sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp oil

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp white pepper

For the Lo Mein:

  • 13 oz dried lo mein noodles
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced
  • ¼ onion, sliced
  • 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 2 cups napa cabbage, sliced

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil in a bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly and set aside to marinate while preparing other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
  2. Set aside for later.

3. Cook the Noodles

  1. Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1-2 tsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes or until fully cooked.
  3. Remove from the wok and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Add a drizzle of oil to the wok if needed.
  2. Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and the white part of green onions until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots and napa cabbage. Stir-fry until softened.

6. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and prepared sauce to the wok.
  2. Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce and heated through.

7. Finish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the top.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

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