Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

The sweetness of the honey and the heat from the black pepper blend together beautifully in this dish, creating a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. As the chicken absorbs the rich, sticky sauce, each bite becomes a little burst of savory, sweet, and spicy goodness. The lo mein noodles soak up the sauce, each twist of the noodles coating your mouth with that perfect balance of honey and pepper, while the vegetables add a subtle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, silky noodles.

And let’s not forget about the steamed rice on the side—it’s the unsung hero here. Fluffy, light, and simple, it’s the ideal companion to this dish, helping to mellow out the heat and allowing the complex flavors of the honey pepper sauce to shine. The rice also acts as a vessel to scoop up any leftover sauce, so none of that deliciousness goes to waste.

This dish is not only about the flavors but also about the comfort it brings. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth, making you feel like you’re getting a big, cozy hug with each bite. You can’t help but smile as you savor the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Key Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

When it comes to creating a dish as delightful as Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein, the key ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life, contributing something special that ties everything together in a perfect bite. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this recipe:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these chicken breasts are the perfect base for the sauce. They soak up all that delicious honey-pepper goodness, delivering juicy bites in every forkful.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, this oil provides a subtle richness and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, getting that perfect sear on the outside while staying tender inside.
• Honey: The star of the show when it comes to sweetness! Honey adds depth and a natural sweetness that balances out the heat from the black pepper, creating that irresistible sticky sauce.
• Soy sauce: This adds a savory, umami-packed flavor that complements the honey and pepper, deepening the overall richness of the sauce. It’s the backbone of the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Black pepper: Here’s where the magic happens! The bold heat from the black pepper adds a wonderful kick to the dish, bringing the sweet and savory flavors to life with just the right amount of spice.
• Rice vinegar: A little splash of rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity, brightening the dish and cutting through the richness of the sauce for a well-rounded flavor.
• Garlic (minced): Garlic brings an aromatic depth to the sauce, infusing each bite with a warm, savory essence that blends beautifully with the honey and soy sauce.
• Fresh ginger (grated): Ginger adds a zesty, slightly peppery note that enhances the dish’s complexity and works wonderfully alongside the garlic and honey.
• Lo mein noodles: These soft, springy noodles are the perfect vehicle for the sauce, soaking it up with every twist and turn, giving you that satisfying slurp with each bite.
• Sesame oil: Used to finish the dish, sesame oil imparts a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste, making everything feel a little more decadent.
• Sliced bell peppers: Adding a pop of color and a subtle crunch, bell peppers introduce a fresh, sweet contrast to the rich noodles and chicken, while adding some texture to every bite.
• Sliced carrots: Carrots add both crunch and a bit of sweetness, balancing out the heat from the pepper and adding another layer of texture to the dish.
• Sliced green onions: These give a bright, sharp note that helps cut through the richness of the sauce, bringing a fresh bite that adds a little zing.
• Sesame seeds: These tiny little seeds are the finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the dish both visually and texturally.
• Cooked white rice: The perfect sidekick to this dish, the rice soaks up the extra sauce and provides a light, fluffy contrast to the flavorful noodles and savory chicken.

Each of these ingredients adds its own unique touch, working together to make this dish so mouthwatering. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy comes from the thoughtful use of these simple yet essential elements.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

Serving Suggestions for Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

1. Pair with a Crisp, Refreshing Salad: Balance the rich, sticky flavors of the Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein with a light, zesty side salad. Something like a cucumber and mint salad with a simple lemon dressing can provide a cool contrast that cuts through the heat and sweetness, giving you that perfect contrast of flavors.

2. Top with Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh cilantro or basil can bring a burst of aromatic freshness to this dish. Sprinkle a handful over the top just before serving to add another layer of flavor and a pop of color. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!

3. Serve with a Side of Steamed Veggies: If you want to add even more crunch and color to your meal, serve with a side of lightly steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even bok choy. The freshness of these veggies complements the sauce and noodles beautifully while adding an extra boost of nutrients.

Each of these options will elevate your meal and make it feel extra special, adding variety and balancing the rich flavors of the main dish.

How to Store Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious dish, storing it properly will ensure you get to enjoy that sweet, savory goodness later. To keep things fresh, let the dish cool to room temperature before you pop it into the fridge. I recommend storing the lo mein and the rice in separate airtight containers to prevent the noodles from getting too soggy. The rice can be stored in its own container, and you can use a little splash of water to reheat it, which will help keep it nice and fluffy.

For the lo mein, it’s best to reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or a touch of soy sauce to loosen up the sauce if needed. The chicken and vegetables will still stay flavorful, and the sauce will cling to everything perfectly. Just be sure to reheat it gently to keep the noodles from drying out.

If you want to freeze the leftovers, I suggest freezing the lo mein and rice separately. Just make sure they’re cooled down completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra sauce if necessary to bring that delicious stickiness back. While reheating from frozen may cause the veggies to lose a little crunch, the flavors will still be just as comforting!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – a truly delicious, comforting bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein with steamed rice, ready to make your taste buds do a happy dance. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes this dish a standout, and with each ingredient playing its part, you’ll end up with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. From the tender chicken to the perfectly cooked noodles, the vibrant veggies, and that sticky sauce – every bite is pure bliss.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to give this recipe a try! And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Got any tips, tweaks, or questions along the way? Or maybe you just want to share how much you loved it? Drop me a comment or shoot me a message – I’m all ears! Let’s keep the conversation going, and feel free to reach out if you need any help making this dish come to life. You’ve got this!

Print Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Lo Mein & Steamed Rice

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Tender chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey-pepper sauce, paired with perfectly cooked lo mein noodles and fluffy steamed rice. This dish balances bold flavors with a comforting, savory finish—every bite a satisfying blend of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced carrots

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced green onions

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then place them in the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
5. In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
8. While the sauce simmers, cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
9. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside.
10. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
11. In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
12. Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots to the pan, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
13. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan with the bell peppers and carrots.
14. Pour the honey pepper sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly.
15. Stir in the sliced chicken and green onions, mixing well to combine.
16. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and heat through.
17. To serve, spoon the honey pepper chicken lo mein onto plates.
18. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and flavor.
19. Serve the dish with a side of freshly cooked white rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 138kcal

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Note

• For a lighter version, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture.
• Adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to make the sauce sweeter or saltier to suit your taste.
• You can substitute sesame oil with vegetable oil if you don't have it on hand, but the sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor.
• Add some chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick to the dish if you prefer heat.
• For a gluten-free alternative, swap the lo mein noodles for gluten-free noodles or rice noodles.

Keywords: honey pepper chicken lo mein, steamed rice recipe, honey pepper chicken recipe, easy lo mein recipes, Chinese honey chicken with rice