Oh, Lo Mein with Garlic Chicken! I’m excited to share this dish with you because it has a special place in my heart! When I was a curious child with a pair of chopsticks, trying everything in sight, I had my first taste of lo mein on a family trip to Chinatown. I recall how the noodles, covered in a flavorful garlic sauce, swirled around my chopsticks with ease and the explosion of flavors. My passion for Chinese food began with this culinary experience, which was nothing short of magical.
I’ve tried a lot of different kinds of lo mein over the years, but my Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is by far my favorite. It is ideal for impressing guests at dinner parties and is easy to prepare on a hectic weeknight. And the scent of garlic filling the air? It’s hard to argue with that! So put on your apron and let’s get started on this delicious recipe.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: What Is It?
Let’s dissect the delicious components that combine to make this delicious dish!
The dish’s main attraction is the chicken breast! Because of their versatility and tenderness, I like my chicken breasts skinless and boneless. Each bite is delightful because of how well they absorb the flavors.
Lo Mein Noodles: This recipe requires these wheat-based noodles! They perfectly absorb the flavors of the sauce and have a wonderful chewy texture. You can use dried noodles if that’s what’s available, or you can find them fresh in the Asian section of your grocery store. Just be sure to adhere to the package’s cooking directions!
Garlic: This dish gets its name—and its deep, fragrant flavor—from a generous amount of minced garlic. Garlic can enhance the flavors of your food and is a heart-healthy food.
Vegetables: In addition to adding color to the dish, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions also give it a pleasant crunch and nutritional value. Use any other vegetables you like!
An essential component of Asian cooking is soy sauce! This is what gives the food that beloved umami flavor profile. To manage the saltiness without compromising flavor, I like low-sodium soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: The flavor of the dish is enhanced by just a drizzle of this aromatic oil. It enhances the overall scent and adds a wonderful depth.
Chicken Broth: To create a smooth sauce that adheres flawlessly to the noodles, add a little chicken broth. It also adds a delicious layer of flavor!
Cornstarch: This tiny ingredient adds a delightful glossy finish and thickens our sauce. Ideal for dishes involving noodles!
Can You Eat Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Let’s discuss health! Even though Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is incredibly tasty, you may be wondering how it fits into your diet. I’ll explain it to you.
Chicken Breast: Building and repairing muscle requires lean protein. Furthermore, chicken breast is a fantastic option because it has less fat than other chicken cuts.
Garlic: Known for its health benefits, garlic is more than just a tasty addition! It can strengthen your immune system, lower blood pressure, and have antimicrobial qualities. What a superfood!
Vegetables: In addition to adding color, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions also add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal. You get more nutrients the more colors you add!
But in this case, moderation is crucial. As with any meal, the amount and extra ingredients used can make it less healthful. Choose low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce if you’re trying to limit your sodium intake. To counteract the carbohydrate content of the noodles, you can also add more vegetables.
List of Ingredients
To make a delicious Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that feeds roughly four people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
One pound of thinly sliced, boneless, skinless chicken breast
Eight ounces of dried or fresh lo mein noodles
Six minced garlic cloves—yes, that’s a lot of garlic!
One sliced bell pepper (yellow, green, or red)
One large julienned carrot
Three chopped green onions
– ¼ cup soy sauce, preferably low in sodium
Two tablespoons of sesame oil and half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth
To thicken, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
To taste, add salt and pepper.
How Can I Prepare Lo Mein with Garlic Chicken?
Let’s start preparing this delicious Garlic Chicken Lo Mein now that we have all of our ingredients ready!
1. **Cook the Noodles:** To begin, heat a large pot of water until it boils. Follow the directions on the package to prepare dried lo mein noodles. It usually only takes a few minutes to prepare fresh noodles. Since they will continue to cook when you add them to the stir-fry later, make sure to cook them just until al dente. To halt the cooking process, drain and rinse with cold water. Put aside.
2. **Get the chicken ready:** Slice your chicken breast thinly while the noodles are cooking. It cooks more quickly and stays tender as a result. Sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper.
3. Stir-fry the chicken: Heat approximately 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices once it’s shimmering. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. After taking the chicken out of the skillet, place it aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables and garlic: Add the minced garlic and, if necessary, another splash of oil to the same skillet. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds; keep a close eye on it to avoid burning! Add the julienned carrot and bell pepper slices after that. Stir-fry for two to three minutes, or until they begin to soften but retain some crunch.
5. **Combine Everything:** Put the cooked chicken back in the skillet. Add the cornstarch mixture, chicken broth, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cooked lo mein noodles. Gently toss everything together, making sure the sauce coats the chicken and noodles equally. Allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine by cooking for a further two to three minutes.
6. Use green onions to finish: In the final minute of cooking, toss in the chopped green onions for a bright, new taste.
7. **Serve It Up:** Take the skillet off of the burner and serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot, with additional green onions on top if you’d like.
Delectable Variations and Ideas for Serving
Let’s be imaginative! Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is so versatile that you could create a new version each week!
– **Vegetable Supplements:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli. They will give the food more texture and nutrients.
**Protein Switch-Up:** Do you have tofu? Beef? Shrimp? This recipe works well with any of these proteins. Cook them just like you would the chicken after marinating them in a little soy sauce.
– **Noodle Variations:** Traditional lo mein noodles are fantastic, but for a gluten-free alternative, try rice noodles, or for a low-carb variation, try zucchini noodles.
– **Add Some Heat:** Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. It will add a nice zing to your lo mein.
– **Recommended Pairings:** Garlic Chicken Lo Mein tastes great by itself, but to balance the flavors, it also goes well with a side of spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad.
Don’t be afraid to modify this recipe to suit your tastes because cooking is all about trying new things and discovering what you enjoy!
As I conclude, I urge you to get together with your loved ones and try this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein! Cooking is about happiness, connection, and a little garlic; it doesn’t have to be scary. After you give it a try, don’t forget to share your own adjustments and experiences; I’d be interested in hearing how yours goes.
What are you waiting for, then? With this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, let’s create some delicious memories in the kitchen!
