Sizzling Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

My kitchen always comes alive with magic when garlic chicken lo mein bursts onto the scene, bringing delightful Asian-inspired flavors right to our dinner table.

Noodles dance with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Fragrant garlic weaves its spell through each delectable bite, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Quick and straightforward preparation means you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in minutes.

Colorful vegetables add vibrant nutrition and crunch to the classic stir-fry combination.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with just a few expert techniques.

Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds of this irresistible comfort meal.

Tips for Flavor-Packed Garlic Lo Mein

• Choose Fresh Noodles: Opt for fresh lo mein noodles if available, as they provide a superior texture and authentic flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Toss noodles with sesame oil immediately after draining to ensure they remain loose and don't clump together during cooking.
• Control Noodle Texture: Cook noodles just until al dente to maintain a slight chewiness and prevent them from becoming mushy in the final dish.
• Master Sesame Oil Technique: Use toasted sesame oil sparingly, as its intense flavor can quickly overpower other ingredients if added in excess.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular lo mein noodles with gluten-free options or whole wheat noodles to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste.

How to Keep Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Fresh

• Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Revive cold lo mein in a skillet with a splash of sesame oil over medium heat, stirring gently for 3-5 minutes to restore texture and warmth.
• Discard lo mein after 4 days, as noodles tend to become mushy and lose their original delicious flavor when frozen and thawed.

What to Serve with Garlic Lo Mein

• Serve this garlic chicken lo mein with a crisp, chilled lemon-ginger green tea that cuts through the rich noodle flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Choose a light-bodied Riesling with subtle sweetness that balances the garlic's intensity and matches the savory chicken notes.
• Prepare a sparkling yuzu spritzer with a touch of honey, creating a bright, zesty companion that elevates the dish's umami profile.
• Mix a cold jasmine green tea with a hint of mint, offering a clean, aromatic counterpoint to the hearty lo mein textures.

Mix-Ins and Variations for Garlic Lo Mein

• Gluten-Free Noodle Swap: Replace traditional lo mein noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or mixed roasted vegetables to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Use cauliflower rice or cauliflower noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

Lo Mein FAQs

• What are lo mein noodles?

Lo mein noodles are soft wheat flour noodles that are cooked and then tossed with sauce and other ingredients. They’re different from chow mein because they’re fully cooked and have a softer, more tender texture.

• Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with egg noodles, spaghetti, or even udon noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions and adjust cooking time as needed.

• Why do I need to rinse noodles with cold water?

Rinsing noodles with cold water stops the cooking process, prevents overcooking, and removes excess starch. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming sticky and clumping together.

• What does sesame oil do in this recipe?

Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps prevent the noodles from sticking together. It also enhances the overall taste of the dish with its distinctive aromatic profile.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: Why It Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

• Packed with savory garlic, tender chicken, and soft lo mein noodles, this dish offers a delightful combination that appeals to both kids and adults at the dinner table.
• Easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping chicken for tofu, making it a flexible meal that adapts to different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with confidence and ease.

Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

• Lo Mein Noodles: Wheat-based Chinese egg noodles that provide the classic texture and foundation for the dish. Best when fresh or dried from Asian grocery stores, with a soft and chewy consistency.

• Sesame Oil: Nutty and aromatic oil that adds a distinctive Asian flavor and helps prevent noodles from clumping. A small amount goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Water: Essential for boiling and cooking the noodles to the perfect al dente texture. Regular tap water works well for this recipe.

Stir-Fry Instructions for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them exactly as the package directs, typically 3-4 minutes until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 2: Prepare Noodles

Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander. Immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle sesame oil over the noodles and gently toss to coat, preventing them from clumping together.

Step 3: Prep Chicken and Vegetables

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic cloves
• Green onions
• Bell peppers
• Carrots

Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips. Mince the garlic. Chop green onions diagonally. Julienne the bell peppers and carrots into thin, uniform strips.

Step 4: Sauté Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil. Toss in the chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

Push the chicken to one side of the wok. Add a bit more oil if needed. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Mix the garlic with the chicken.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add the bell peppers and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender, maintaining their vibrant colors and slight crunch.

Step 7: Combine and Season

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Add the prepared noodles to the wok. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and an extra drizzle of sesame oil. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Give a final quick toss in the wok. Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot and steaming.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic chicken lo mein delivers a quick Asian-inspired dinner packed with flavor and noodle perfection. Silky pasta twirls with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets

Noodles and Garnish:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil, then carefully add the lo mein noodles, cooking them until they reach a tender yet firm consistency according to the package guidelines.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process, then gently toss with sesame oil to create a smooth, non-adhesive surface that prevents the noodles from clumping together.
3. Ensure the noodles are evenly coated and set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients for the dish.

Notes

• Choose egg noodles or wheat-based lo mein for authentic texture, ensuring they’re fresh and not too soft.
• Rinse noodles immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch for a perfect non-clumpy result.
• Toast sesame oil briefly before adding to enhance its nutty, rich flavor and prevent burning.
• Experiment with gluten-free noodle alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini spirals for dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg