Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: garlic chicken lo mein! It’s one of those magical dishes that comes together in a flash, yet delivers an explosion of flavor that makes you feel like a culinary rock star. Seriously, there’s something so satisfying about slurping up those tender lo mein noodles coated in a savory garlic sauce. I remember the first time I made this—my kitchen smelled heavenly! It quickly became my go-to recipe because it’s not only simple, but it’s also packed with colorful veggies and protein. Trust me, once you try this garlic chicken lo mein, you’ll be hooked, too!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful garlic chicken lo mein! Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, the more garlic, the better!)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli for a pop of color)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil (adds a lovely nutty flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
That’s it! Super simple, right? Now let’s get to the fun part—cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making garlic chicken lo mein! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful dish on your table in no time.
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, you’ll need to cook the lo mein noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. You want them al dente since they’ll continue to cook a bit once added to the stir-fry. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside while you get everything else ready!
Sautéing the Garlic
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial because burnt garlic can turn bitter. You want that lovely aromatic garlic smell filling your kitchen!
Cooking the Chicken
Next, add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The chicken should be no longer pink in the center—trust me, you want it juicy but fully cooked!
Adding Vegetables and Sauce
Once the chicken is done, throw in the mixed vegetables. Stir them in and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken and veggies evenly with that savory sauce!
Combining Ingredients
Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are heated through and well mixed with the chicken and veggies. Make sure to toss thoroughly—this helps the flavors meld beautifully! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously flavorful with the perfect garlic kick.
- Packed with colorful veggies for a healthy boost.
- Versatile—you can easily swap in your favorite proteins or veggies.
- A family-friendly dish that even kids love!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my best tips to ensure your garlic chicken lo mein turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t be afraid to mix up the veggies—try snap peas, bok choy, or even baby corn for variety. If you’re in the mood for a different protein, shrimp or tofu are fantastic substitutes. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly! Also, if you love a little heat, add a splash of chili sauce or some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Finally, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; give everything room to cook evenly and get that nice stir-fry char. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one plate of garlic chicken lo mein, so you can enjoy it guilt-free! Each serving contains about 450 calories, with 15g of fat (including 2g saturated fat), and a hearty 25g of protein. You’ll also get around 60g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Plus, it has 800mg of sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Enjoy this delicious dish while balancing your meals!
FAQ Section
Got questions about garlic chicken lo mein? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, “Can I use other proteins?” Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even beef work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking times as needed—shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Another question I often hear is, “What if I don’t have oyster sauce?” No worries! You can replace it with hoisin sauce or just add a little extra soy sauce for flavor. If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding some chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for that extra kick!
As for leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to revive those noodles. Enjoy your cooking adventures!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Yes, please! To store your garlic chicken lo mein, let it cool completely first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to label it if you’re like me and forget what’s hiding in there! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, don’t just toss it in the microwave—give it a little love. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the lo mein, and splash in a bit of water to help revive those noodles. Stir everything together until it’s heated through, and you’ll be back to that delicious flavor in no time. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: 5 Reasons to Love this Delightful Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and flavorful garlic chicken lo mein dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add cooked lo mein noodles and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu.
- Feel free to add more vegetables.
- Adjust sauce quantities to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic chicken lo mein, chicken stir fry, lo mein recipe