You know, I’ll never forget the first time I made 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. It was one of those nights where I just didn’t have the energy to cook a big, elaborate meal, but I still wanted something delicious and satisfying. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer ever since.
The beauty of 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is that it’s so quick and easy, but it tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese takeout joint. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and that irresistible sesame garlic sauce is truly unbeatable. I remember the first time I made it, I was skeptical that it could really come together in just 15 minutes, but lo and behold, it did! And let me tell you, the aroma that filled my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water.
From that moment on, 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein has become a staple in my household. It’s the perfect meal for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it with your favorite veggies, protein, or even switch up the sauce to suit your tastes. It’s become my go-to when I’m craving a little taste of takeout, but I want to keep things healthy and homemade.
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 all in the technique. By prepping your ingredients ahead of time and using a few smart shortcuts, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. The key is to cook the chicken and veggies quickly over high heat, which keeps everything tender and flavorful. And that sesame garlic sauce? It’s the real star of the show, with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are the perfect cut for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – they stay juicy and tender even with the quick cooking time.
- Fresh lo mein noodles: Look for these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. They cook up quickly and have the perfect chewy texture.
- Broccoli florets: For a pop of color and crunch.
- Shredded carrots: These add a sweet, earthy flavor and beautiful contrast to the dish.
- Soy sauce: The base of the flavorful sesame garlic sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for the perfect savory bite.
- Sesame seeds: These add a gorgeous garnish and extra sesame flavor.
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 busy weeknight meal. You’ll need a large skillet or wok to cook everything quickly over high heat. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook through quickly.
2- Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3- While the noodles are cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
4- Toss in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are crisp-tender.
5- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet, along with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, until the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
6- Finish by sprinkling the top with toasted sesame seeds for the perfect garnish. Serve your 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is all in the prep work. Make sure to have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help the whole process come together seamlessly.
Another pro tip is to use a hot, well-seasoned skillet or wok. This will ensure that the chicken and veggies get that perfect sear and caramelization. And don’t be afraid to crank up the heat – the high heat is what helps everything cook so quickly.
Finally, be mindful of your noodle cooking time. You want them to be al dente when you add them to the skillet, so keep an eye on the package instructions. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, so it’s all about that perfect texture.
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 pretty much a one-stop-shop for a delicious and satisfying meal. But if you’re looking to round it out, a simple side salad or some steamed edamame make fantastic accompaniments. And don’t forget an ice-cold beverage – a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea would be the perfect pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
You can also make this dish ahead of time for easy meal prep. Just cook the chicken and veggies, then toss them with the cooked noodles and sauce right before serving. This way, you can have a delicious 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein ready to go on those extra busy nights.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Creative 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Variations
The great thing about 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is that it’s so versatile. You can easily swap in different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, or try different veggie combinations depending on what’s in season. And the sauce itself is a blank canvas – you can play around with the flavor profile by adjusting the ratios of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Making 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, simply swap the lo mein noodles for rice noodles or zucchini noodles. And to make it vegan, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can serve the 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice instead of traditional noodles. This keeps the dish light and low-carb while still delivering all that delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe. Just be sure not to overcook them so they stay nice and juicy.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: For an extra kick of heat, try adding a tablespoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sesame garlic sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Q: Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?
A: Yes, this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for meal prep! Chop the chicken and veggies in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the protein and veggies, then toss everything together with the noodles and sauce.
Q: How can I make this recipe serve more people?
A: To scale up this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, simply double or triple the ingredient amounts as needed. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall process will remain the same.
Q: Why is my lo mein turning out soggy?
A: Overcooked noodles are the culprit for soggy lo mein. Be sure to follow the package instructions and cook the noodles until they’re just tender, not mushy. Draining them well and tossing them with the other ingredients at the end also helps prevent sogginess.
15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, a quick and easy recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles come together in a delectable sesame-garlic sauce for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
– 8 oz lo mein noodles
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
– 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
– 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers
– 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.
3. 3. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. 4. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. 5. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. 6. Garnish the 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Conclusion
I hope this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe has convinced you that you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and that incredible sesame garlic sauce is truly unbeatable. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a new weeknight staple in your household, just like it has in mine. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
