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
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap out veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
- Delicious Flavors: The rich, savory sauce pairs perfectly with the soft noodles and juicy chicken.
- 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
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Chicken breast/thighs | 1 lb, thinly sliced | Main protein |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Flavor enhancer |
White pepper | ½ tsp | Mild spice |
Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | Tenderizes chicken |
Oil | 2 tsp (+ more) | For marinating and cooking |
Noodles
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Lo mein noodles | 13 oz (dried) | Base of the dish |
Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Adds nutty flavor |
Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Base for the sauce |
Dark soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Rich color and deeper flavor |
Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp | Umami and sweetness |
Sugar | 1 tsp | Balances the flavors |
White pepper | ¼ tsp | Adds subtle heat |
Vegetables
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Aromatic base |
Ginger (minced) | 1 inch | Warm, spicy flavor |
Onion (sliced) | ¼ | Adds sweetness |
Green onions | 4, cut into 2″ | Adds freshness |
Carrots (julienned) | 2 | Sweet crunch |
Napa cabbage (sliced) | 2 cups | Earthy flavor and texture |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine sliced chicken, soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil.
- Mix well and let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
- Set aside for later.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and sear for 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add more oil to the wok if needed.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and the white part of green onions until fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots and napa cabbage. Cook until softened.
6. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and sauce to the wok.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
7. Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the top.
- Give it one last toss and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
- Slice Chicken Thinly: This ensures even cooking and tender pieces.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercook them since they’ll finish cooking in the wok.
- Customize Veggies: Use bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for variety.
- Control the Heat: Adjust white pepper and ginger for spiciness.
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and marinate chicken ahead of time for a faster meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Sodium | 740 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
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add chili oil or sriracha for heat.
- Seafood Lo Mein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops.
- 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!
PrintSimple Chicken Lo Mein Dinner: Your Go-To Weeknight Recipe
- 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
- Combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and oil in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and set aside to marinate while preparing other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
- Set aside for later.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1-2 tsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add a drizzle of oil to the wok if needed.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and the white part of green onions until fragrant.
- Add carrots and napa cabbage. Stir-fry until softened.
6. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and prepared sauce to the wok.
- Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce and heated through.
7. Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian