Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Introduction

If you love those comforting, saucy noodles with tender chicken and a punch of garlicky goodness, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Inspired by classic Chinese takeout but with a fresh homemade twist, this dish is packed with juicy chicken pieces, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles all coated in a flavorful sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan will have your kitchen smelling heavenly—and your taste buds dancing! Ready to dive into this fast, delicious recipe that feels fancy but cooks up in under 30 minutes? Let’s get noodling!

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

For the Lo Mein

• 8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (the star of the dish!)
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate while you prep other ingredients—this helps keep the chicken juicy and tender!

2. Cook the Noodles

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Chicken and Veggies

4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic (and grated ginger, if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch out, it burns fast!
6. Add the bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.

5. Combine and Finish

7. Return the chicken to the pan with veggies. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients beautifully.
8. Add cooked noodles and green onions, tossing gently to combine. Heat through for another minute.

Tips & Variations

• Swap proteins: Try shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
• Boost the heat: Add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit chicken and add mushrooms or extra veggies like broccoli and baby corn.
• Noodle options: Use rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot and steamy with a sprinkle of extra green onions or sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Pair it with classic sides like steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad for a balanced meal. Need a drink? A chilled jasmine tea or a light lager complements the savory flavors perfectly. Want to impress? Plate it in individual bowls with a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh zing.

Conclusion

There you have it—a deliciously garlicky, juicy, and satisfying Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade yet impressive. This recipe is straightforward, bursting with flavor, and flexible enough to customize. So, are you drooling yet? Give it a try, snap a photo, and share your tasty creation with friends or family. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll be a repeat on your dinner menu!

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