Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein has been my go-to savior on countless busy weeknights. I remember those days rushing home from work, staring into the fridge, and feeling the dread of having to cook from scratch. More often than not, it led to unhealthy takeout or a sad, thrown-together meal. That’s when I truly embraced the power of meal prepping, particularly with Asian-inspired dishes that are packed with flavor but surprisingly easy to make.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something genuinely special – a delicious, healthy, and incredibly convenient meal that you can enjoy throughout the week. I’ve spent years perfecting my meal prep strategies, especially when it comes to stir-fries and noodle dishes, ensuring they reheat beautifully without losing their vibrant taste or texture. This particular chicken lo mein hits all the right notes: it’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a savory sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Get ready to reclaim your evenings and nourish your body with this fantastic recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein. It’s not just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen every night. I promise, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
- Unbeatable Convenience: Quick to make, easy to store, and ready when you are.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and whole grains.
- Flavor Explosion: A savory, slightly sweet sauce that truly satisfies.
- Endless Versatility: Easily customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
The Convenience of Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Let’s be honest, life gets hectic. That’s where this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein shines! Spending just a little time in the kitchen on a Sunday means you have delicious, homemade meals ready to grab and go for the next few days. No more stressing about what to cook after a long day, and certainly no more relying on less-than-healthy takeout options. It streamlines your entire week!
Healthy and Flavorful Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
This isn’t just convenient; it’s genuinely good for you! We’re loading it up with colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and lean chicken breast for a protein boost. The sauce, while incredibly flavorful, uses wholesome ingredients like low-sodium soy sauce and a touch of honey, keeping it balanced. You get all the deliciousness of your favorite lo mein without any guilt!
Essential Equipment for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re whipping up this delicious Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few kitchen essentials to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Tools for Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
- Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables efficiently.
- Large Pot: For cooking your noodles to perfection.
- Whisk and Small Bowl: To effortlessly combine the sauce ingredients.
- Meal Prep Containers: Crucial for portioning and storing your delicious lo mein throughout the week.
Ingredients for Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Gathering your ingredients ahead of time is key to making this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein a breeze. I always lay everything out on my counter, prepped and ready, so that once I start cooking, it flows seamlessly. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly and accessible meal.
Fresh Produce for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Protein and Noodles for Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti or lo mein noodles
Flavorful Sauce Components for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Making this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein is incredibly straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you get perfect results every time. The key is to work quickly and have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This recipe is designed for efficiency, so we’ll be tackling a couple of things at once!
Preparing the Chicken for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
First things first, let’s get that chicken cooked. Heat your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the sesame oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your 1-inch pieces of chicken breast. You want to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible to get a good sear. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. To check for doneness, you can cut into the thickest piece – there should be no pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; we’ll add it back in later.
Cooking Vegetables and Noodles for Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Now it’s time for the vibrant veggies! Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), add your thinly sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots. Cook these over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for them to become tender-crisp – still having a slight bite to them, but no longer raw. While your vegetables are cooking, get your noodles going. Follow the package directions for your whole wheat spaghetti or lo mein noodles. You want them al dente, not mushy, as they’ll continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Drain them well once cooked.
Assembling and Saucing Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
This is where all the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients: the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and the optional red pepper flakes. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. Now, return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the tender-crisp vegetables. Add the cooked and drained noodles right into the skillet as well. Pour that delicious sauce evenly over everything. Toss it all together gently but thoroughly, using tongs or two spatulas, until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are fully coated and heated through. This usually takes just 1-2 minutes.
Portioning Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Once everything is perfectly combined and hot, it’s time to get it ready for the week! Divide the Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein evenly among your chosen airtight meal prep containers. I usually aim for four equal portions. If you’re using green onions for garnish, slice them now and sprinkle them over each container. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, mild oniony flavor that’s lovely when reheated. Let the lo mein cool down a bit before sealing the containers and placing them in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Getting your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein just right involves a few simple tricks that I’ve picked up over many batches. These tips will help you ensure every container is as delicious as the first, with perfect textures and flavors that last all week.
Achieving Perfect Texture in Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
The secret to great lo mein is texture, especially with the noodles and veggies. For the noodles, cook them al dente – slightly firm to the bite. They’ll absorb a little more sauce when stored, so starting them perfectly cooked prevents mushiness later. For the vegetables, aim for tender-crisp. Don’t overcook them in the skillet; they should still have a slight snap. This keeps them vibrant and prevents them from becoming soft when reheated.
Customizing Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
This Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also get creative with your vegetables; snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, or even thin slices of bell peppers in different colors would be fantastic additions. If you like more heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha at serving time works wonders!
Storing and Reheating Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Once your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein is cooked and portioned, proper storage is key to enjoying it throughout the week. I always make sure to let it cool down a bit before sealing the containers, as trapping steam can lead to condensation and affect the texture.
Proper Storage for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
For optimal freshness, store your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for Monday through Thursday lunches or quick dinners!
Reheating Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
Reheating is super simple! Just pop your container into the microwave and heat until warmed through, usually 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and help revive the noodles.
Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein: Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about customizing and optimizing this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein, and I love seeing how creative everyone gets! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best advice:
Can I use a different protein in my Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely! While chicken is fantastic in this lo mein, feel free to swap it out. Sliced beef (like flank steak or sirloin), shrimp, or even firm tofu (pressed and cubed) would work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.
What other vegetables can I add to Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein?
The beauty of stir-fries is their versatility! Beyond the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, I often throw in snap peas, sliced mushrooms, bok choy, water chestnuts, or even thin slices of zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Is Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze it, I generally recommend enjoying this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein fresh within 4 days. Noodles can sometimes get a bit soft or mushy after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, ensure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How can I make my Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein spicier?
For those who love a kick, there are a few easy ways to amp up the heat! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha) when assembling or reheating. A few drops of chili oil drizzled over the top right before serving also adds a fantastic fiery flavor!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
I know many of you are mindful of what you eat, which is why I’ve included an estimated nutritional breakdown for this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein. It’s so helpful to have a general idea of the macros and micros, especially when you’re planning your meals for the week!
Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, the exact portion sizes, and any substitutions you might make. Think of this as a helpful guide rather than a strict dietary rulebook.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Share Your Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein Experience
I absolutely love hearing from you! If you try this Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein, please come back and let me know how it turned out. Your comments and ratings truly make my day!
Print
Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Meal Prep Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and easy recipe perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti or lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss to combine and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Divide the lo mein into meal prep containers. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving or just before reheating.
Notes
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
