Finding the perfect easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight solution can feel like a daunting task when you are staring at a bare fridge after a long day at work. I remember one specific Tuesday where the rain was pouring down, and the thought of waiting forty-five minutes for a delivery driver felt like an eternity. I wanted that salty, savory, noodle-filled comfort immediately, but I didn't want the heavy grease that often comes with the local plastic containers. That was the night I perfected this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, turning a few humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast. Since then, it has become a staple in my household, proving that you don't need a wok or a professional kitchen to master the art of the stir-fry. If you love fast pasta dishes like our Marry Me Tortellini, this Lo Mein will be your next favorite addition to the rotation.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Lightning Fast: This easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight takes less time to cook than it does to order and receive delivery.
- Customizable: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu and use whatever vegetables are lingering in your crisper drawer.
- Healthier Alternative: By making this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight at home, you control the sodium and oil levels, ensuring a fresh meal.
- Family Approved: The mild, sweet, and savory sauce profile is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredient Notes
To make the best easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, you need to focus on the foundation: the noodles and the sauce. While many people think they need specialized equipment, the secret lies in the quality of your components.
The Noodles: Traditional Lo Mein uses egg noodles. If you can find fresh Lo Mein noodles in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, use them! If not, dried egg noodles or even linguine can work in a pinch for this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight. Just be sure not to overcook them; you want them "al dente" so they can finish cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.
The Sauce: A mix of light and dark soy sauce is what gives this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight its depth of color and flavor. Dark soy sauce is thicker and less salty, providing that iconic mahogany hue, while light soy sauce brings the salt. Topped with a splash of toasted sesame oil, the aroma will fill your kitchen instantly. Pair it with a side salad using our copycat Benihana ginger salad dressing for a full restaurant experience.
The Protein: Using chicken breast or thighs works perfectly. For the most tender results in your easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, slice the chicken against the grain. This ensures the fibers are short, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
Preparation is the most critical part of any easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight. Because stir-frying happens at high heat and high speed, you won't have time to chop while the stove is on. Follow these steps for a seamless cooking experience.
Pro Tip: Ensure your pan is screaming hot before adding the chicken. This creates a sear rather than steaming the meat. If you find yourself with leftovers of this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, store them in these Basics Glass Food Storage containers to keep the noodles from drying out.
The Preparation Phase
Begin by whisking together your soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Having this ready ensures your easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight doesn't burn while you hunt for the ingredients. Slice your vegetables into thin strips (julienne) so they cook at the same rate as the noodles.
The Cooking Process
Once your noodles are boiled and drained, the real magic happens. Searing the chicken first allows the juices to caramelize, providing a base layer of flavor for the easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight. When the vegetables hit the pan, you only want to cook them for 2-3 minutes. They should remain vibrant and crunchy to provide a texture contrast against the soft noodles in your easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
One of the reasons I love this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight is how adaptable it is. If you want a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the liquid mix. For a vegetarian version of the easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, omit the chicken and oyster sauce, substituting with extra mushrooms and a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
For serving, I recommend a heavy garnish of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight also pairs beautifully with steamed bok choy or a side of crispy spring rolls. If you are meal prepping, this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight holds up incredibly well for 3-4 days, making it a great office lunch option.
Nutrition Information
When looking at the nutritional profile of an easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight, you'll find a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Here is a breakdown per serving for this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
This easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight is significantly lower in fat than the deep-fried alternatives found in takeout menus. By choosing lean chicken and lots of vegetables, your easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight becomes a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving any day of the week.
Conclusion
Bringing a bit of international flair to your kitchen doesn't have to be complicated. This easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight proves that with the right preparation and a few pantry staples, you can create a masterpiece in minutes. I hope this easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight brings as much joy to your dinner table as it does to mine. Don't forget to share your results and tell us how you customized your easy chicken lo mein recipe weeknight!
FAQs
Can I use spaghetti instead of Lo Mein noodles?
Yes, you can use spaghetti or linguine if you cannot find egg noodles. Just be sure to cook them slightly under the package directions so they don't get mushy when stir-fried.
Is dark soy sauce necessary for this recipe?
While you can use regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce provides the rich, dark color and a slightly sweet depth of flavor characteristic of restaurant-style lo mein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fast and flavorful 20-minute weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory egg noodles in a rich soy-based sauce.
Ingredients
8 oz Lo Mein noodles (or egg noodles)
1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned
1 cup snap peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the garlic, cabbage, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture.
Step 6: Toss everything together over high heat for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are well coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use tamari and rice noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta & Noodles
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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