I’ll never forget the night I first discovered 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. It was one of those crazy weeknights where I had zero time to spare but a fridge full of hungry mouths to feed. I had just put in a long day at the office, and the idea of slaving over a hot stove for hours wasn’t exactly appealing. But then I stumbled across this super-fast 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe, and let me tell you, it was a complete game-changer.
The first time I made this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, I was honestly a bit skeptical. How could a meal this quick and easy actually taste good? But from the very first bite, I was hooked. The tender chicken, the perfectly al dente noodles, and the rich, savory sauce – it was an explosion of flavor in my mouth. And the best part? It all came together in just 15 minutes flat.
Needless to say, 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein quickly became a staple in my household. On those nights when I just didn’t have the energy to cook, this recipe was my go-to savior. It’s the kind of dish that can turn even the most harried weeknight into a delicious culinary adventure.
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 is all in the technique. By pre-cooking the chicken and preparing the other ingredients ahead of time, you can have this entire meal on the table in just a matter of minutes. And the flavors? Out of this world. The combination of toasted sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey creates a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, perfectly coating the tender chicken and noodles.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The dark meat of chicken thighs stays nice and juicy, even with the quick cooking time.
- Lo mein noodles: These Chinese egg noodles are perfect for this dish, but you can also use spaghetti or linguine in a pinch.
- Sesame oil: This toasted sesame oil lends an incredible depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: Look for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Honey: Just a touch of honey balances out the savory flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for maximum flavor.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
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, thanks to some strategic prep work. Once you have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go, the actual cooking time is just about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes, until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
3- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
4- Pour in the soy sauce and honey, and toss to coat the chicken. You’ll want to look for the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
5- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and use tongs to toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated in the sesame garlic sauce.
6- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve your 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot and fresh.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is all about preparation. Make sure to have your chicken diced and your noodles cooked ahead of time. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different protein options – shrimp or tofu would also be delicious in this dish.
One common mistake to avoid is overcooking the noodles. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite, so keep a close eye on the pot and don’t let them turn mushy. And be sure to toss the noodles and sauce together quickly at the end to evenly coat everything.
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 always add a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli for extra veggies. And don’t forget the drinks – an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced green tea would be the perfect accompaniment.
This dish also makes a great family-friendly dinner, but it’s equally impressive for a casual gathering with friends. Serve it up in a big bowl and let everyone dig in!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is equally delicious as leftovers. Simply store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or give it a quick stir-fry in a hot skillet.
You can also get a head start on this dish by prepping the chicken and noodles in advance. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge, then simply reheat it and toss with the noodles and sauce when you’re ready to serve. This makes 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein an absolute breeze on those busy weeknights.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Creative 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Variations
While the classic version is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Try swapping in shrimp or tofu for the chicken, or add in some sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
You can also play around with the sauce – maybe add a dash of sriracha for some heat, or switch out the honey for a touch of brown sugar. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
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 out the lo mein noodles for rice noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles. And if you’re following a low-carb diet, you can serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice instead of traditional noodles.
Vegans and vegetarians can easily make this dish their own by using extra-firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein in place of the chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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 keep an eye on them during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
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 sauce mixture. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the components of this 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in advance. Cook the chicken and noodles separately, then reheat and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe will serve 4 people as a main dish, or 6 people as a side. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Q: My noodles are sticking together – what did I do wrong?
A: If your lo mein noodles are sticking together, it’s likely because they were overcooked or didn’t have enough oil. Be sure to follow the package instructions carefully and toss the noodles with a bit of sesame oil after cooking to keep them from clumping.
15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4
Description
Discover the secret to a flavorful 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bold sesame garlic sauce come together in this quick and easy homemade 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 tbsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp sesame seeds
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. – In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
3. – Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. – Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
5. – Add cooked lo mein noodles, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
– For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
– Substitute shredded zucchini or bell peppers for the cabbage, if desired.
– 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: Asian
Conclusion
There you have it – the secret to the best 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein you’ll ever taste. This dish has completely transformed my weeknight dinner routine, and I know it’ll do the same for you. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this quick and easy recipe a try. I promise, it’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without it!
