Introduction
Tired of takeout? Craving delicious Chinese food but don’t want the hassle (or the hefty price tag)? This Homemade Chicken Lo Mein recipe is your answer! We’re going to transform simple, everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that’ll have your whole family begging for seconds. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both easy on the wallet and easy to make!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance of ease and deliciousness. We keep things simple with pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward instructions, but the result is a truly mouthwatering Lo Mein that rivals your favorite takeout place. The secret? A homemade sauce that’s bursting with umami flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🍜 1 lb dried lo mein noodles
- 🧅 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 🥕 2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥦 1 cup broccoli florets
- 🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 🌿 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 🍯 2 tablespoons honey
- 🍶 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 🥄 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 🌱 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies: In the same wok, add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and broccoli and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
6️⃣ Add the Noodles and Eggs: Add the cooked lo mein noodles and the beaten eggs to the wok. Toss gently to combine and coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the eggs are cooked through.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is key for this recipe. It allows you to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables without overcooking them, while also giving the sauce enough time to thicken properly. Lower heat might result in soggy noodles and a thinner sauce.
Crunch Factor
We achieve a great balance of textures in this recipe. The noodles offer a satisfying chewiness, the vegetables provide a gentle crispness, and the chicken adds a juicy tenderness.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-cut vegetables to save time.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This Lo Mein makes a fantastic gift! Package it in a festive takeout container or a beautiful reusable bowl, tied with a ribbon. Include a small note with the recipe so your friends and family can recreate the magic.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
🌟 Lemon Chicken Lo Mein: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
🌟 Garlic Lover’s Lo Mein: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
🌟 Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
Troubleshooting
- Sticky Noodles: If your noodles are too sticky, rinse them under cold water for longer before adding them to the wok.
- Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking. Add a little more cornstarch if needed.
- Chicken Too Dry: If your chicken is too dry, reduce the heat and cook for a shorter time.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, but the traditional lo mein noodles give the dish its authentic texture.
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Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to cook this dish fresh, but you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.
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What if I don’t have rice vinegar? You can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
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Can I freeze this? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a winner! With its ease, deliciousness, and adaptability, it has quickly become a family favorite in our kitchen. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipesChickenLoMein. Happy cooking!