Make one-pot chicken lo mein at home in an easy way with this step-by-step recipe that tastes even better than the store-bought one.
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How to Make One-pot Chicken Lo Mein – Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken lo mein is delicious, so if you want to make a one-pot chicken noodle dish that is full of juicy chicken with tender vegetables and savory minced noodles and a delicious sauce, here is the recipe for one-pot chicken lo mein with easy-to-follow steps.
It is perfect for weeknight dinners and for your weeknight lunches. This is a very American Chinese favorite and is very easy to make at home and tastes much better than takeout.
In this recipe, we will explain everything you need to know about making one-pot chicken lo mein, including how to choose the right noodles, utensils, and the dos and don’ts of making the perfect stir fry sauce. For the ultimate in flavor, texture, and comfort, this homemade lo mein dish is a great way to enjoy it, so get ready to make it!
Why People Love This Tasty One-Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
One-Pot Meal: More flavor and less cleanup.
Ready in just 30 minutes: If you’re busy running errands, this is a great way to make a quick meal.
Better Than Take-Out: Cut down on sodium, control your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious flavor.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or use leftover chicken.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before cooking. This will help you cook more smoothly without having to look for ingredients.
Ingredients For Lo Mein Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium recommended.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken
Ingredients For Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound thinly sliced, boneless or skinless chicken breasts.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, to marinate the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil or vegetable oil, if desired.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch to marinate the chicken.
Vegetables used (customize):
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded green or napa
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
- Ingredients For the noodles:
- Salt for boiling water.
- 8 oz Lo Mein noodles or spaghetti noodles.
Make a tasty pot of chicken Lo Mein step by step instructions:
1. Step: Preparing the sauce
Take a small bowl and add oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, brown sugar, ginger and chicken broth. Mix everything together.
Mix it well and keep stirring till combined. If you like a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding in the broth.
Information: After preparing the sauce properly or if you prepare it in advance then it can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
2. Step: Marinating the Chicken
Take a bowl and add thinly sliced chicken breast.
Add 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp black pepper and mix well.
Toss to coat and let marinate for 10-12 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Why marinate? Marinating cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a nice velvety texture, just like the Chinese restaurants.
3. Step: Cooking the Noodles
Boil salted water in a large pot.
Add lo mein or spaghetti noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes, preferably 6 minutes.
Take out the noodles from the water once cooked. To avoid sticking, use a tsp of sesame oil and mix everything together. (Adding sesame oil helps to keep the noodles from sticking together.) Then set aside.
Lo Mein Noodles Tips: Many people also cook lo mein noodles from the Asian section of the grocery store or by purchasing authentic ones online. If you don’t have these available, spaghetti noodles are a great alternative and work just as well.
4. Step: Saute the Chicken
Using the same pot (clean and wipe the pot), heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Then add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
Be careful not to overcrowd the pot with too many vegetables. Cook the chicken in batches if needed so that it all browns evenly.
5. Step: Saute the Vegetables
Now add the vegetables to the same pot and saute them, adding a little more oil if needed.
- First add onion and sauté for 1 minute, then add carrot, bell pepper and snap peas and sauté well.
- Saute the veggies for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn tender and crispy.
- Now add shredded cabbage and cook for 2 minutes.
Tip for Vegetables: For the best lo mein and texture keep the veggies slightly crispy as overcooked veggies will turn the lo mein soggy.
6. Step: Mixing
- Put the cooked chicken back in the pot.
- Now add the cooked noodles to it.
- Then pour the sauce over everything.
- Now use tongs and mix everything until the sauce is evenly coated with the chicken, noodles and veggies. This makes the Pot Chicken Lo Mein really delicious.
**If you want to thicken the sauce then cook it for 2 more minutes.
7. Step: Garnishing and serving
- Now sprinkle fresh onions (chopped)
- Optional: You can add sesame oil or chilli powder if you want to add extra flavour.
- Serve it hot with your family and enjoy delicious homemade Pot Chicken Lo Mein.
Serving Suggestions:
- You can serve it with dumplings, egg rolls or hot and sour soup to make a perfect Chinese American dinner.
- If you like spicy food, you can top it with Sriracha, crushed red pepper or chili garlic sauce.
- If you like to eat a balanced meal, you can drink it with cold iced tea, lemonade or sparkling water.
Variations to the recipe:
If you want to make it different, then some variations are given below:
For vegetarian lo mein:
If you like vegetarian food, then you can replace chicken with broccoli, tofu, mushroom, zucchini and more vegetables as per your choice.
With Shrimp or Beef Lo Mein:
You can use peeled shrimp or shredded beef instead of chicken and cook it.
For a gluten-free option:
Substitute soy sauce and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or soba with tamari.
Storing and reheating
How to store leftovers:
To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat:
Reheat in a skillet with a little water or a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in 25 to 30 second increments. Be sure to stir often.
Nutritional Facts
- 480 g – Calories
- 52 g – Carbs
- 32 g – Protein
- 4 g – Fiber
- 16 g – Fat
- 1100 mg – Sodium
Notes: Nutritional facts may vary depending on your ingredients.
Special Tips for Making Great Chicken Lo Mein:
Prep Ahead: Chop any vegetables you are using and prepare the sauce before you start cooking/baking – it makes it really quick.
Cooking the Noodles: Don’t overcook the noodles, just undercook them as they cook in the pot with the sauce.
Is High Heat Important: Quick cooking/frying over high heat helps to keep that takeout flavor.
Use a Dutch Oven or Wok: If you don’t use a standard pot, a large nonstick pan works great. And you can make the best Lo Mein Chicken recipe.
Final Thoughts
This homemade pot chicken lo mein recipe is so delicious that it can rival your favorite takeout joint. Whether you’re cooking with friends, family, or for yourself, it’s a very comforting and versatile dish and should be a part of your weekly meal prep.
Grab your pots and fire up the stove because get ready to make homemade chicken lo mein at its best – hot, fresh, and totally delicious that you’ll love. Because homemade is so much better than store-bought, and so much more delicious.