Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

The garlic in this dish isn’t just a flavor; it’s the heart and soul of the recipe. As it hits the hot oil, it releases a rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen and makes your mouth water. It’s the kind of scent that brings everyone running to the table, eager to dig in. I love how garlic and ginger dance together in this dish, each bite delivering a balance of warmth and depth that’s perfectly complemented by the tender chicken and chewy noodles.

What makes this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein truly shine, though, is the sauce. It’s a glorious mix of soy sauce, a touch of sesame oil, and just the right amount of sweetness, giving the noodles a lovely glaze without overwhelming them. The sauce clings to each strand, so you get a burst of flavor in every single bite. And the best part? It’s so simple to make that even a beginner in the kitchen can pull it off. You’ll be wondering why you ever ordered takeout when this homemade version tastes just as good—if not better!

There’s something so satisfying about a dish like this. It’s comfort food, but with a little extra kick from the garlic and a whisper of heat from the ginger. If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding a handful of veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. They’ll add a delightful crunch and pop of color, making it feel like you’re really getting a wholesome meal with every forkful.

Key Ingredients in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

To make this dish come to life, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s that savory depth or a bit of sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this irresistible meal.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil to sauté the chicken, garlic, and ginger. It ensures everything cooks evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chicken Breast: Tender and lean, the chicken takes on all the delicious flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and satisfying with every bite.
• Garlic: The star of the show. It infuses the oil with a rich, savory aroma and adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the ginger and soy sauce.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a sharp, peppery warmth that cuts through the richness of the soy sauce and balances the dish beautifully.
• Lo Mein Noodles: The base of the dish, these soft, chewy noodles absorb the sauce and give you that satisfying bite you crave in every mouthful.
• Soy Sauce: This salty, umami-packed ingredient creates the foundation of the sauce, bringing depth and a savory backbone to the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: A little goes a long way in adding a rich, slightly sweet, and savory flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of tang that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Just a splash of rice vinegar adds brightness and acidity, helping to cut through the richness and bring everything together.
• Sesame Oil: With its nutty, toasty flavor, sesame oil adds a unique aroma and richness that takes the sauce to the next level.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of these flakes adds a gentle heat that lingers in the background, giving the dish a slight kick without overpowering it.
• Bell Pepper: Sweet and crisp, the bell pepper provides a pop of color and a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
• Carrot: Thinly sliced, the carrot adds a bit of sweetness and crunch, offering a light, refreshing texture to balance the dish.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a mild onion flavor and a fresh, crisp bite that adds a touch of brightness when sprinkled over the top.
• Water: Used to help create the sauce and loosen it up, allowing it to coat the noodles just right.
• Cornstarch: A quick-dissolving thickening agent that ensures the sauce is just the right consistency to cling to the noodles without being too runny.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

1. Add a Side of Crispy Spring Rolls: There’s something magical about pairing lo mein with crispy spring rolls. The crunchiness of the rolls adds the perfect contrast to the tender noodles. Whether you go for veggie or pork, the warm, savory filling and crispy exterior are a match made in heaven.

2. Serve with a Simple Cucumber Salad: If you want something light and refreshing to balance the richness of the lo mein, a cool cucumber salad with a touch of rice vinegar and sesame seeds is the way to go. The crisp cucumbers will give your meal a fresh, tangy kick that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

3. Top with a Sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds: For an added crunch and a bit of extra flavor, toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them on top right before serving. It’s a small touch, but it elevates the dish with a toasty, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the garlic and ginger.

What’s your favorite side to serve with lo mein? Let me know if you try one of these suggestions—or better yet, come up with your own combo! I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence when this dish is involved), storing your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein properly will keep it tasting just as delicious the next day. First things first, make sure the noodles have cooled down to room temperature before you store them. This helps prevent excess moisture from forming in the container, which could make the noodles a little soggy.

To store, simply place the lo mein in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in a skillet over medium heat will help bring the flavors back to life. A splash of water or a little more soy sauce can help loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

If you have a larger batch that you want to keep for longer, you can freeze the lo mein. Just divide it into portions, seal it tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then heat it in a skillet, adding a bit of water or broth to restore its original texture. It’s an easy way to enjoy this dish on busy nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have the time to cook!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, ready to impress and satisfy. From the aromatic garlic and ginger to the savory-sweet sauce that coats those tender noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but also in its versatility. Whether you choose to toss in extra veggies or serve it with a crispy side dish, you can truly make it your own.

So, next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery and give this homemade version a try. I promise it’s just as delicious, if not better, and you’ll feel so accomplished sitting down to a bowl of homemade lo mein. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of the delicious smells wafting through your kitchen!

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Have any questions, or need help along the way? Feel free to drop me a comment. I’m always here to help—and to share a little kitchen wisdom. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a savory, stir-fried masterpiece with tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, aromatic garlic sauce. Each bite bursts with bold flavors, balanced by a touch of soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. Simply irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ¹⁄₂ cup carrot, julienned

• ¹⁄₂ cup green onions, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the bell pepper and carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. While the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
8. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
9. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
10. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
11. In another small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch together to form a slurry.
12. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
13. Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another 1 minute to heat them through.
14. Serve the garlic chicken lo mein immediately, garnishing with additional green onions if desired.

Note

• Make sure to slice the chicken thinly for quicker and more even cooking.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

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