Oh, garlic chicken lo mein is one of my absolute favorite dishes! There’s just something magical about those tender lo mein noodles coated in a savory garlic sauce, paired with juicy chicken and vibrant veggies. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I tried this dish at a little Chinese restaurant in my hometown. The aroma filled the air, and I was instantly hooked. Every bite was a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Now, I whip it up at home whenever I need a quick, satisfying meal that brings back those happy memories. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll fall in love too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color you prefer!)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic!)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (for that savory depth)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (adds a lovely nutty flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water if you’re in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious garlic chicken lo mein! It’s easier than you might think, and the flavors are absolutely worth it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty meal in no time.
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, you’ll want to cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 5-7 minutes in boiling water. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set aside. A quick tip: toss them with a tiny drizzle of sesame oil to keep them from clumping together.
Sautéing the Garlic and Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers just a bit. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—wow, the smell will be heavenly! Next, add the sliced cooked chicken and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally so nothing burns!
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add your colorful veggies! Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry everything together for another 5-7 minutes or until the veggies are tender but still vibrant. You want that perfect crunch to complement the soft noodles and chicken!
Mixing the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Whisk it until smooth—this will be your luscious sauce. Once combined, pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. You’ll see it thicken up beautifully!
Combining Everything
Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with that savory sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking. Serve hot, and dig in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for garlic chicken lo mein, just to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, this dish is not only delicious but also pretty balanced!
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
So, as you can see, garlic chicken lo mein packs a good amount of protein along with those flavorful carbs. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights in just 30 minutes!
- Loaded with flavor, thanks to the delicious garlic sauce that brings everything together.
- Healthy and balanced, featuring lean protein, colorful veggies, and hearty noodles.
- Customizable—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the garlic to suit your taste!
- A family-friendly dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your food!
- Leftovers taste just as good, making it a great option for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic chicken lo mein turns out absolutely delicious, here are some of my top tips! Trust me, these little tricks can elevate your dish from good to great.
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, grab fresh veggies. They not only taste better but also add vibrant color to your dish!
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Aim for al dente! They’ll continue to cook a bit when you stir-fry them, so you don’t want them mushy from the start.
- Customize your protein: If you don’t have chicken on hand, feel free to use shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Experiment with sauces: While the soy sauce is a must, you can also add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra flavor. Yum!
- Prep ahead: Chop your veggies and slice your chicken in advance. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook and make everything flow smoothly.
- Adjust the garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add more! But if you’re not as keen, start with less and add more to taste.
- Keep it moving: Stir-frying is all about speed. Keep everything moving in the pan to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Let it sit: After combining everything, let it sit in the skillet for a minute before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up the best garlic chicken lo mein ever. Enjoy the cooking process and don’t forget to taste along the way! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about garlic chicken lo mein is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting every time you make it. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Vegetable Medley: Swap in your favorite veggies! Try snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken, use shrimp or beef for a protein twist. You can even go vegetarian by adding tofu or tempeh—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce. It’ll give your lo mein a nice kick!
- Different Sauces: While soy sauce is a classic, you can mix it up with teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a bit of peanut sauce for a unique flavor experience.
- Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing brightness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Herb Boost: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Feel free to get creative! The beauty of cooking is you can make it your own, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover garlic chicken lo mein is a wonderful thing! It’s just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. To store it properly, follow these simple steps:
- Cool Down: Allow your lo mein to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your noodles soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep the flavors fresh!
- Refrigerate: Store your garlic chicken lo mein in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you think you won’t finish it within that time, consider freezing it.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the lo mein. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. Be sure to label them with the date!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze:
- Stovetop: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to a skillet over medium heat, then add the lo mein. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This helps keep everything nice and moist!
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place your lo mein in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful not to overheat, or the noodles can become rubbery!
And there you have it! With these easy storage and reheating tips, you can savor your garlic chicken lo mein just as much the next day. Enjoy every bite!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, visit our recipe collection!
And for a tasty side dish, try these honey-glazed carrots!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory dish featuring tender chicken and vegetables tossed with lo mein noodles in a garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and vegetables; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir in cooked noodles and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Adjust the garlic to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: garlic chicken lo mein, chicken lo mein, lo mein recipe