Garlic Chicken Lo Mein! My heart does a little happy dance every time I hear those three words. This dish makes me think of warm family dinners, a steaming bowl of noodles in my hands, and the wonderful smell of garlic filling the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried it. My best friend’s mom made it for us, and I fell in love with it right away. Who would have thought that just chicken, noodles, and garlic could make such a tasty meal?
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is great because it’s not only tasty, but you can use it in so many ways. You can change the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge, and it will still taste great! Lo mein is the answer to your cooking prayers, whether you have a busy weeknight or are having a casual dinner with friends. Let’s get into this delicious recipe, and I’ll show you how to make it step by step!
What goes into Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Now, let’s talk about the main ingredients that make this dish so good. Each ingredient has a different job that helps make the dish taste good. Here are the most important parts you’ll need:
The main ingredient in our dish is chicken. I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breast because it is lean. You could, however, use thighs to get a juicier result. No matter what, you need to cut it into small pieces so it cooks faster.
Lo Mein Noodles: These delicious wheat noodles are what give lo mein its real texture. You can usually find them in the Asian section of the grocery store. If you can’t find lo mein, you can use spaghetti or any other long noodles in a pinch, but nothing beats the original!
Garlic: The most important part of this dish! You need fresh garlic to get that strong taste. You’ll be amazed at how good it makes every bite taste like garlic. You can change the amount to suit your taste; more garlic means more flavor!
Add some color and nutrition to your vegetables! I like to use bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, but any vegetables you have on hand will do. Stir-frying keeps them fresh and crunchy!
Soy Sauce: This umami powerhouse is a must-have. It makes the chicken and veggies taste better and adds depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice for people who are trying to cut back on salt.
Sesame Oil: A little bit of this fragrant oil at the end makes the dish even better by adding a nutty flavor that brings everything together.
Green onions add a nice crunch and fresh flavor to the dish, and they also look great on top. A nice touch every time!
Ginger: A little bit of fresh ginger gives the garlic a nice kick that goes well with it. These two things work together to make a great flavor!
Is Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Healthy?
Let’s talk about health, okay? Garlic Chicken Lo Mein can be a healthy meal, but like all recipes, it has its good and bad points.
Chicken is a great source of lean protein! It’s a great way to build and fix muscles. If you’re trying to lose weight, just pay attention to how much you eat.
The more vegetables, the better! Adding different kinds of vegetables to your diet gives you a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they add fiber, which makes this meal more filling and healthy.
Noodles: Lo mein noodles are tasty, but they can have more carbs than other types of noodles. Instead, you could use spiralized zucchini or whole grain noodles for a lighter twist.
Garlic: Did you know that garlic might be good for your health? People say good things about it because it has antioxidants and may be good for your heart. Just don’t go overboard, or you might need a mint after!
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a well-balanced meal that can be both filling and healthy when made with fresh ingredients. To keep extra calories and sodium from being added, just watch the oils and sauces.
List of Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This recipe makes enough food for about four people, so invite your friends or family over for a nice meal. You will need the following:
– **8 oz of lo mein noodles**1 pound of chicken breast with no bones or skin, cut into pieces that are easy to eat4 cloves of garlic, chopped1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, chopped1 cup of sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)1 cup of snap peas1/2 cup of julienned carrots3 tablespoons of soy sauce (low-sodium is best)2 tablespoons of sesame oil2–3 chopped green onions and oil for cooking (like vegetable oil)
This list makes it easy but tastes great!
How do you make garlic chicken lo mein?
Are you ready to cook? Let’s bring this delicious dish to life! Do these things, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
1. **Boil the Water:** The first step is to boil a pot of water. When it’s bubbling, add the lo mein noodles. Follow the directions on the package to cook them, which usually takes 4 to 5 minutes until they are al dente. To stop the cooking process, drain them and rinse them under cold water. Put it away and try not to sneak any in while you work!
2. **Fry the chicken:** Put a tablespoon of oil in a big wok or skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chicken that has been cut into small pieces and stir-fry it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink and is cooked all the way through. Don’t forget to add a little salt and pepper! Take the chicken out of the pan after it has cooked and set it aside.
3. **Sauté the vegetables:** If you need to, add a little more oil to the same skillet and then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until it smells good. Don’t burn it, or your kitchen will smell like an Italian restaurant gone wrong. Now put in your carrots, snap peas, and sliced bell peppers. For about 3 to 4 minutes, stir them around until they are tender-crisp.
4. **Put Everything Together:** Put the cooked chicken and vegetables back in the pan. Put the cooked lo mein noodles on top. Time to add some flavor! Pour the sesame oil and soy sauce over everything and mix it all up well. I like to use tongs for this because it’s easier to mix without leaving noodles behind.
5. **Finish It Off:** Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and make sure that everything is covered in that delicious sauce. At this point, you can change the amount of soy sauce or sesame oil to your liking. If you want to be adventurous, you can add more vegetables.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Put your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in big bowls and eat it right away. For a nice touch, you can sprinkle extra sesame seeds or green onions on top.
Tasty Variations and Ways to Serve
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about fun ways to change things up and make this dish your own!
– **Swaps of Protein:** You can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef instead of chicken if you want. Each one adds its own taste and texture to the dish.
– **Veggie Wonderland:** Don’t be afraid! Use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy are all great options.
– **Turn Up the Heat:** Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic while it cooks if you like things spicy. The heat can make this dish taste even better!
– **Make It Gluten-Free:** If you’re worried about gluten, you can use gluten-free noodles or even spiralized zucchini instead of the lo mein. Tamari is another option for seasoning instead of soy sauce.
– **How to Serve:** If you’re feeling extra indulgent, this lo mein goes great with a light side salad or some egg rolls.
**Quick Tip:** Meal prepping is one of my favorite tricks! You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days if you make a bigger batch. You can just warm it up in a skillet or microwave.
That’s it! Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to get friends and family together to eat and have fun. I still laugh when I think about my friend’s mom stirring that big wok. It’s a memory that means a lot to me.
I can’t wait for you to make this dish! I promise it will become a regular part of your home. Try it out, let your inner chef out, and let me know what you make and how you change it. I hope this dish makes your home feel warm and happy, no matter if you’re a pro or just starting to learn how to cook. Have fun cooking!
