Quick Benefits
Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate weeknight meal: quick, satisfying, and packed with savory Asian-inspired flavors. This one-pan wonder is brimming with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles—all coated in a deliciously glossy soy-garlic-ginger sauce. It’s healthier than takeout, easy to customize, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Essential Ingredients
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
- 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1½ cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 12 oz pasta, cooked (Lo Mein noodles, spaghetti, or ramen work well)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
Preparation Steps
- Cook the chicken:
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken, garlic, ginger, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and mushrooms are golden. Add Napa cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes. - Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar. - Combine:
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a boil for 1 minute until thickened. - Finish the dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked noodles. Stir everything until well coated in the sauce. Serve warm.
Health Benefits
- Lean protein: Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat.
- Vegetable-rich: Loaded with nutrient-dense veggies like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Lighter than takeout: Less sodium and oil than typical restaurant Lo Mein.
- Whole food ingredients: You control the quality—no mystery sauces or additives.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve in large bowls with chopsticks for a fun, interactive experience.
- Pair it with: Spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a cucumber salad.
- For a dinner spread: Offer with jasmine rice, egg drop soup, or a fruit-based dessert like mango sticky rice.
- Beverage pairing: Iced green tea, jasmine tea, or light lager beer.
Creative Variations
- Swap the protein: Try shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh.
- Change the noodles: Use ramen, rice noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles.
- Add heat: Mix in chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.
- Extra veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, baby corn, or snap peas make excellent additions.
- Nutty twist: Top with chopped peanuts or a drizzle of peanut sauce for fusion flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: While not ideal (noodles can get mushy), you can freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips
- Slice chicken thinly: For even cooking and authentic texture.
- High heat is key: Stir-frying quickly preserves the crunch of veggies.
- Cook pasta slightly al dente: It will absorb the sauce better when tossed in.
- Prep ahead: Cut veggies and mix sauce before cooking to streamline the process.
- Use sesame oil sparingly: It adds flavor but is potent—don’t overdo it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or GF spaghetti.
Q: What noodles are best for Lo Mein?
A: Traditional Lo Mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti, ramen, or yakisoba noodles work just as well.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
A: Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge.
Q: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I double the sauce?
A: Yes! If you like it saucier, just double the sauce ingredients and simmer slightly longer to thicken.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving, approximate – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious, quick, and satisfying noodle dish loaded with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tossed in a savory homemade sauce. It’s a better-than-takeout meal that brings bold Asian flavors to your kitchen with just one skillet and simple ingredients. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or a cozy night in!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons ginger, grated
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bellas or shiitake)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 1⁄2 cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup matchstick carrots
1⁄4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1⁄4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
12 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
Begin by heating the canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir. Cook this delightful mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is browned. Then, remove it from the pan, leaving any tasty residue behind.
Next, toss the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion into the same pan. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the mushrooms begin to take on a golden hue. Add the Napa cabbage and matchstick carrots, cooking for just another 3 minutes until everything is tender and colorful.
As the veggies are cooking, whisk together the ingredients for your sauce: chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables and bring it to a vigorous boil for one minute.
Finally, return the chicken to the pan and toss everything thoroughly, letting the sauce coat each lovely piece. If you’ve prepared pasta as per the package directions, toss it in too! Finish by garnishing with some sliced green onions for that extra pop of color!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: ~430 kcal per serving (approximate)
