If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and color, the Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This homemade take on a classic takeout favorite combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all wrapped up in a luscious, flavorful sauce. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy to make but also impresses every single time, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. Once you try this dish, it just might become your new go-to weeknight dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish as vibrant and tasty as the Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe, the ingredient list is delightfully straightforward but each item plays a vital role. From the juicy chicken breasts to the colorful medley of vegetables and the rich, savory broth-based sauce, every component brings its unique essence to the table.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless skinless for easy slicing and lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Peanut oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and high heat tolerance for perfect searing; olive oil can also be used.
- Rice vinegar and chicken broth mixture: Provides a tangy and savory splash that deglazes the pan and lifts flavor.
- Mixed stir fry vegetables: A colorful blend (like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots) adds crunch, nutrients, and eye appeal.
- Lo mein noodles: Soft, slightly chewy noodles that carry the sauce and mix effortlessly with all the ingredients.
- Chicken broth and beef broth: Combined to create a deep, rich base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Brings classic umami and saltiness that ties everything together.
- Brown sugar or honey: Balances salty and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory punch.
- Hot sauce: (Frank’s or sriracha) Delivers just the right kick of heat.
- Toasted sesame oil: A few drops at the end give a wonderful toasted aroma.
- Ground ginger: Offers subtle warmth and earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a little extra spice.
How to Make Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sauce and Chicken
The foundation of the Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe lies in its sauce and marinated chicken. Combining the sauce ingredients ahead of time lets the flavors meld beautifully. Marinating the chicken in a quarter of this sauce infuses those tender bites with deep savory goodness right from the start, making every forkful flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Resist the urge to move them immediately; letting the chicken sear undisturbed forms a lovely golden crust that locks in juices, making the meat tender and tasty. Toss occasionally to brown all sides, then remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Deglaze and Prepare Vegetables
Add the rice vinegar and chicken broth mixture to the skillet and scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a spatula—this step is key to building layers of flavor. Let it bubble down slightly, creating a tasty base to cook your vegetables. Toss in your stir fry veggies and sauté just long enough to soften without losing their fresh crunch.
Step 4: Cook Noodles and Combine
Meanwhile, boil the lo mein noodles but pull them from the water just before fully al dente, as they’ll continue to soak up sauce once combined. Add the rich sauce you prepared earlier to the skillet, bringing it to a boil before reducing to low heat. Gradually toss in the noodles a bit at a time, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and become perfectly coated.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken Toss
Return the golden chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together with gentle care. Heat it through for another couple of minutes so the flavors mingle and everything is piping hot. At this point, your savory masterpiece is ready to plate and enjoy.
How to Serve Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to dress up just before serving. Sprinkle on chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and nutty aroma. If you like a bit more heat, a scattering of chili flakes adds that perfect spicy twang.
Side Dishes
This chicken lo mein is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a light side like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or simply a bowl of miso soup can round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual entertaining, serve the lo mein in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs or a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. If you want to impress guests, try plating it on a long platter with vibrant vegetable garnishes scattered around—it invites sharing and adds a pop of color to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe tastes wonderful even as leftovers. Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb a bit more sauce overnight, making the flavors even more intense.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, do so in a well-sealed container and consume within 1 month for best taste. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your lo mein gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. You can also microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional and ideal for their texture and taste, you can substitute with spaghetti or other Asian-style egg noodles if necessary. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent mushiness.
What vegetables work best in this chicken lo mein?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Common favorites like bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms shine here, but you can mix and match based on what you have or like. Just opt for quick-cooking veggies to keep that crispness.
Is there a substitute for the beef broth in the sauce?
If you prefer, you can swap out beef broth for extra chicken broth or even vegetable broth. The beef broth adds richness, but the dish will still be delicious without it, just with a lighter flavor.
How spicy is the Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe?
The base recipe keeps heat mild but flavorful. Adding hot sauce and optional red pepper flakes gives a nice background kick. You can adjust the heat up or down to your taste by varying those ingredients.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your noodles are gluten-free. Rice noodles or shirataki noodles can be great alternatives to traditional lo mein noodles. This way, you can enjoy all the yumminess without gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a homemade version of the Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe. It hits the perfect balance of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich sauce coating every bite of noodle. I encourage you to dive into this recipe—it’s an easy, quick, and endlessly customizable way to elevate your weeknight dinners and perhaps even outshine your favorite takeout spot.
Print
Savory Chicken Lo Mein with Vegetables and Flavored Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe features tender chicken breast, colorful stir-fry vegetables, and chewy lo mein noodles tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, homemade alternative to takeout that’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Stir Fry
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (just over 1 lb.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (plus more as needed; can substitute olive oil)
- ¼ cup mixture of 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + 3 tablespoons chicken broth
- 2 ½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms)
- 10 oz. lo mein noodles
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s or sriracha)
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine all the sauce ingredients – chicken broth, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, hot sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined. Transfer ¼ cup of the sauce to a medium bowl for marinating the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Optionally, cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and gently tenderize with a meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with the reserved ¼ cup of sauce and let it marinate while prepping vegetables and bringing salted water to a boil for noodles.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes to get a golden crust. Toss and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the rice vinegar and chicken broth mixture into the same skillet over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—these add extra flavor. Let the liquid bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Add lo mein noodles to the boiling salted water. Cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente texture, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables to the skillet. If needed, add a bit more oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add the Sauce and Noodles: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low. Gradually add the drained noodles using tongs, adding a little at a time until you reach the desired noodle-to-sauce ratio—approximately 8 oz. works well. The noodles will absorb the sauce as they rest.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. Heat through for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or extra chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken lo mein.
Notes
- For mixed stir-fry vegetables, a combination of bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms works well.
- Lo mein noodles can be substituted with spaghetti if unavailable, but fresh lo mein noodles yield the best texture.
- The sauce uses both chicken and beef broth for depth of flavor, but you can substitute vegetable broth if preferred.
- Marinating the chicken in a bit of the sauce enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
