Introduction
Craving Chinese takeout but want to enjoy a homemade meal that’s just as good (or better)? Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the answer! This dish combines the savory flavors of garlic, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a delightful, quick, and satisfying dish that will soon become a family favorite. Best of all, you can make it in just 30 minutes!
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this easy recipe will have you cooking up restaurant-quality lo mein in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty, satisfying dish!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a busy weeknight meal or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful but don’t want to wait for takeout to arrive. - Full of Flavor
The garlic sauce is the star of the dish. It’s rich, savory, and balanced with a touch of sweetness, creating an irresistible coating for the chicken, vegetables, and noodles. - Customizable
You can easily swap ingredients or adjust them to suit your taste. Use different proteins, choose your favorite vegetables, or tweak the sauce ingredients to your liking. - Healthy and Balanced
With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty lo mein noodles, this dish is a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for dinner. It’s filling, satisfying, and can be adjusted for a variety of dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced against the grain
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil for cooking)
For the Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or substitute with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for flavor)
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced garlic makes a big difference in flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but adds a deep umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (adds a bit of sweetness to balance the salty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a bit of acidity)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for added depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to add sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned or sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: Mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, or any veggies of your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the lo mein noodles (or any noodle alternative you’re using). Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 4-5 minutes for lo mein). Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. After draining, toss them with a little sesame oil to keep them from clumping.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your noodles are cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (don’t clean it out—you want all that leftover flavor!), add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas (or other vegetables of your choice). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are tender-crisp and vibrant. You can add other vegetables at this stage as well, like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
While your vegetables are cooking, whisk together the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili paste (if using). This will be the sauce that adds all the flavor to the dish. Taste the sauce, and feel free to adjust the ingredients depending on your taste preferences—for instance, add more sugar if you like a sweeter sauce, or more chili paste for extra heat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the vegetables are done cooking, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is coated. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together so the sauce gets evenly distributed over the chicken, veggies, and noodles. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot. Garnish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. You can also add a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added richness.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking the chicken, ensure that there is enough space in the pan to brown the meat properly. If the skillet is overcrowded, the chicken will steam rather than brown.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor, so try to use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced or garlic powder.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different veggies based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or spinach all work wonderfully.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the chili paste or sriracha to control the level of spice. You can make it mild or turn up the heat depending on your preference.
- Use a Wok for Best Results: If you have one, a wok is perfect for stir-frying since it allows for even heat distribution. It also gives your chicken and vegetables a nice sear.
- Add a Protein Alternative: If you don’t want to use chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Variations of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Garlic Shrimp Lo Mein
For a seafood twist, swap out the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to add it toward the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking. - Vegetarian Garlic Lo Mein
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use a variety of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Tofu can also be added for extra protein. - Keto Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
To make this dish low-carb, substitute the lo mein noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. These options provide a similar texture but with fewer carbs, making the dish keto-friendly. - Spicy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
For those who love heat, ramp up the chili paste or add extra sriracha. You can even add fresh sliced red chilies or chili flakes for an added kick. - Curry Chicken Lo Mein
For a unique twist, add some curry powder to the garlic sauce. This will give the dish a warm, slightly exotic flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls stuffed with veggies or pork make a perfect appetizer alongside Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. You can even serve them with a sweet chili dipping sauce. - Steamed Dumplings
Dumplings are a classic side dish for any stir-fry or noodle dish. Whether filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, they’re the perfect accompaniment. - Hot and Sour Soup
A bowl of hot and sour soup is a wonderful way to start your meal. The tangy broth and savory flavors complement the garlic chicken lo mein. - Chinese Tea
To balance out the rich flavors of the lo mein, serve with a light Chinese tea, such as jasmine or green tea, which will help cleanse the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I Use Regular Spaghetti Instead of Lo Mein Noodles?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, soba noodles, or rice noodles are all great substitutes if you can’t find lo mein noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari (a gluten-free alternative) and ensure that your hoisin sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free.
Can I Add Other Proteins?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is an easy, flavorful dish that rivals takeout and is sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of savory garlic sauce, tender chicken, and delicious noodles, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s so customizable that you can make it your own by swapping proteins, adjusting the heat, or even using different vegetables.
Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
