It’s a Thursday evening, and I’m craving something hearty yet quick and easy to whip up. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I remember my go-to recipe for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. This dish is an absolute lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in a flash.
I first discovered 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein a few years ago when I was trying to expand my cooking repertoire beyond the usual takeout options. I wanted something that was quick, flavorful, and didn’t require a ton of prep work. This recipe checked all those boxes and has become a staple in my household ever since. The blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame garlic sauce is simply irresistible.
What I love most about 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is how versatile it is. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, but it also works great for casual gatherings with friends. The best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an absolute breeze to whip up, even on the busiest of days.
Why This 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
The secret to this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe is in the sauce. The combination of toasted sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey creates a flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It perfectly complements the juicy chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, resulting in a dish that’s truly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas
- Noodles: Fresh or dried lo mein noodles
- Sauce: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar
- Seasonings: Ginger, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper
Step-by-Step 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Instructions
Preparing Your 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein comes together in a flash, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the lo mein noodles. Once boiling, cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Next, add the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender.
4- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce into the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
5- Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
6- Serve the 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help the process move quickly.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables – you want them to be crisp-tender, not mushy.
Serving and Storing Your 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Perfect Pairings for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for extra veggies. For a beverage, I love pairing it with an ice-cold glass of iced green tea or a refreshing Asian-inspired cocktail like a lychee martini.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the noodles and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
You can also prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance, making the final assembly a breeze on busy weeknights. Just store the sauce and prepped veggies separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Creative 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Variations
While the classic 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try adding in different types of protein, like shrimp or tofu, or swap out the vegetables for whatever’s in season. You could also experiment with different noodle varieties, like soba or udon.
Making 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Diet-Friendly
To make this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe more diet-friendly, you can use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and opt for brown rice noodles or zucchini noodles in place of the traditional lo mein noodles. For a vegan version, simply swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level in the 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein sauce?
A: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Q: Can I make 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The noodles can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated with the rest of the dish.
Q: How many servings does this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe make?
A: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish. If you’re serving it as a side or have lighter appetites, it can easily feed 6.
Q: My noodles turned out sticky – what did I do wrong?
A: If your lo mein noodles turned out sticky, it’s likely that they were overcooked. Be sure to follow the package instructions and only cook them for 2-3 minutes. Draining them well and tossing them with a bit of sesame oil can also help prevent stickiness.
15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy the authentic flavors of a restaurant-quality 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in the comfort of your own home. This quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious balance of savory, garlicky, and subtly sweet notes.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces lo mein noodles
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
– 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers
– 4 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. – In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. – Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. – In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken.
5. – Add the cooked lo mein noodles, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
6. – Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or sriracha to the sauce.
– Substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
– Leftover lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Conclusion
This 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce is simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I’m confident it’ll become a new family favorite in your household, just like it has in mine. Bon appétit!
