Imagine a bowl of Chicken Lo Mein, with tender chicken and glossy noodles tangled together, all bathed in a savory sauce that whispers secrets of soy and sesame. As you dig in, the satisfying crunch of colorful bell peppers and carrots adds a delightful pop to each bite. This dish is not just delicious; it’s comforting in a way that makes you feel at home—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying rich flavors. Ready for a delicious adventure that won’t keep you in the kitchen forever? Let’s dive into this creamy, totally crave-worthy Chicken Lo Mein recipe that checks all the boxes!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Chicken Lo Mein is everything you could want in a meal: quick to make, easy to customize, and full of flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome, comforting dish served straight from your kitchen. The soft noodles, vibrant veggies, and tender chicken come together in a way that feels special without being complicated.
Benefits:
- Speedy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Creamy without cream: Rich flavor with no heavy dairy.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Meal prep hero: Great for making ahead and storing.
- Customizable: Switch up the veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Can be made one pan: Less cleanup means more time enjoying.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Chicken Breasts – Tender protein source; can be substituted with tofu or shrimp.
- Lo Mein Noodles – Choose fresh for a chewier texture, or dried for convenience.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers – Sweet crunch; substitute with any color for variation.
- Carrots – Provides sweetness and color; easily swapped for zucchini.
- Green Onions – A burst of fresh flavor; regular onions can work in a pinch.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Savory depth; soy sauce alternatives include tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sesame Oil – A hint of nuttiness; olive oil can be used as an alternative.
- Fresh Garlic – Adds aromatic richness; powdered garlic is an option but less potent.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
Phase 1 – Prep
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools.
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and carrots, and chop the green onions.
- If using dried Lo Mein noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Toss in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until just softened.
- Stir in the cooked Lo Mein noodles and soy sauce, mixing well to coat.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the warm embrace of flavors!
- Feel free to drizzle on extra soy sauce to taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Swap Noodles: If you can’t find Lo Mein noodles, use spaghetti or even rice noodles as tasty alternatives.
- Vegetable Variety: Toss in any leftover veggies you have, like broccoli or snap peas, for added nutrition.
- Storage Savvy: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for meal prep!
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut the chicken into uniform sizes to ensure it cooks through evenly.
- Extra Creaminess: For a creamier sauce without cream, try adding a touch of peanut butter or cashew cream at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake many make is overcooking the noodles, which can lead to mushy pasta. To prevent this, be sure to cook them just until al dente, as they’ll continue to soften when mixed with the warm chicken and sauce.
Another common issue is under-seasoning the dish. Remember, soy sauce is key, so don’t skimp on adding enough to really enhance the flavors.
Lastly, cooking at too low a temperature can result in a lack of color and texture. Make sure your pan is hot enough to get that beautiful sear on the chicken and veggies for a great taste experience.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice.
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free; stay clear of creamy sauces.
- Spicy: Add chili sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herbal: Throw in fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh spin.
- Stovetop/Instant Pot: Both methods work well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How to Serve Chicken Lo Mein
- Best Pairings: Serve with crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad.
- Toppings: Top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs or lime wedges can elevate your meal.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This Chicken Lo Mein keeps well when made ahead, perfect for your weekly meal prep.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days to keep them fresh.
Freezing
Freeze cooked Chicken Lo Mein in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. The texture might change slightly.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add them directly to the pan, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini for a rich, creamy texture.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
If your sauce turns out too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
For a delightful chicken lo mein that warms your heart and fills your belly, try this recipe today! It’s cozy, creamy, and so easy to whip up anytime. Don’t forget to rate or comment on your experience and explore our other delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Tender protein source; can be substituted with tofu or shrimp.
- 8 ounces Lo Mein Noodles Choose fresh for a chewier texture, or dried for convenience.
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Sweet crunch; substitute with any color for variation.
- 1 cup Yellow Bell Pepper Sweet crunch; substitute with any color for variation.
- 1 cup Carrots Provides sweetness and color; easily swapped for zucchini.
- 4 stalks Green Onions A burst of fresh flavor; regular onions can work in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Savory depth; soy sauce alternatives include tamari or coconut aminos.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil A hint of nuttiness; olive oil can be used as an alternative.
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic Adds aromatic richness; powdered garlic is an option but less potent.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and carrots, and chop the green onions.
- If using dried Lo Mein noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente.
Cooking
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Toss in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until just softened.
- Stir in the cooked Lo Mein noodles and soy sauce, mixing well to coat.
Serving
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the warm embrace of flavors!
- Feel free to drizzle on extra soy sauce to taste.