Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the vegetables and protein to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory taste that rivals your favorite takeout.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or a combination for variety.
- Vegetable Options: Incorporate snow peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy to enhance the dish.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the noodles.
FAQs
What type of noodles should I use for lo mein?
Lo mein is traditionally made with Chinese egg noodles, which are wheat-based and have a chewy texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free noodles and substituting the soy sauce and hoisin sauce with gluten-free versions, you can make this dish gluten-free.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of oyster sauce or fish sauce, or by incorporating more fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken isn’t required for this recipe, but for added tenderness and flavor, you can marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of sesame oil for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it during the step when combining the noodles and sauce. Ensure it’s heated through before serving.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light Asian-inspired salad for a more substantial meal.
How can I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water to remove excess starch and toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze lo mein, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
How do I make the dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu. Ensure that the sauces used are vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein refers to noodles that are boiled and then tossed with sauce and ingredients, resulting in a softer texture. Chow mein involves frying the noodles, giving them a crispier texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout to your home kitchen.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and easy homemade dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a savory garlic-infused sauce. This customizable recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lo mein noodles as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked (4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (30 seconds). Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce mixture to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through (2-3 minutes).
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variation.
- Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to refresh the noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
