Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in a delicious sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
For the Noodles and Sauce
- 8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter
- Cooking oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger. Ensure the chicken is well coated and let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Undercook by 1–2 minutes to maintain firmness, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6–8 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, stir in 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, remove the chicken, and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté the remaining garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and celery. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the noodles, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and remaining Szechuan garlic butter. Toss everything over medium heat until the noodles are fully cooked and evenly coated in sauce, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Variations
Protein Options
Replace chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or Sriracha for an extra spicy flavor.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles as substitutes.
Cooking Notes
Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Undercooking the noodles ensures they don’t become mushy during stir-frying. Szechuan garlic butter can be replaced with regular garlic butter and a pinch of chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with spring rolls, dumplings, or a refreshing cucumber salad. It also goes well with a bowl of hot and sour soup.
Tips
Prep all ingredients in advance for a smooth cooking process. Use a hot wok or skillet to achieve a quick stir-fry and retain the crispness of the vegetables. Adjust sauce quantities to suit your taste preference.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables. Use vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce for flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Can I use different noodles?
Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with rice noodles, spaghetti, or other thin noodles.
What is Szechuan garlic butter?
It’s a blend of garlic, chili, soy sauce, and Szechuan pepper. If unavailable, regular garlic butter with a pinch of chili powder works well.
How can I make it less salty?
Reduce the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce or use low-sodium soy sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and savory noodles, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.