Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Craving a flavorful and veggie-packed dish for a quick weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends? Look no further than the mouthwatering Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance of savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and an aromatic garlic kick in every slurpable bite. It’s a go-to favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the table in no time.

One of the standout features of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the unforgettable addition of Szechuan garlic butter. As it melts into the noodles, the dish transforms into a glistening masterpiece, enveloping each ingredient with a burst of cozy flavors. Whether it’s the pickiest eater sneaking extra helpings of broccoli or the youngest family member asking for more veggies, this recipe has a way of making even the simplest ingredients shine.

Elevate your culinary skills by trying out this delightful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe. With versatile ingredient swaps and handy tips for storage and reheating, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a reliable option for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Dive into a bowl of longevity-symbolizing lo mein and experience the joy of creating a dish that brings loved ones together over a shared love for good food.

Quick Benefits

• Loaded with Vegetables: Packed with green cabbage, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, celery, and green onions, this dish offers a wide array of veggies in every bite.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory chicken, aromatic garlic, and the warm kick of Szechuan garlic butter creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Flexible and Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, rice noodles, or different veggies based on personal preference or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: A great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters, this dish has won over both children and friends, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The dish is packed with garlic, ginger, and Szechuan garlic butter, creating a symphony of savory and aromatic flavors in every bite.
• Loaded with Veggies: A colorful medley of vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and more make this a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, this recipe comes together fast without compromising on taste.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish can even make picky eaters enjoy their veggies.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with different proteins, noodles, or vegetables based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The dish can be stored for up to four days, and the flavors only get better with time, making it a great option for meal prepping.
• Cultural Significance: Lo mein symbolizes longevity, and the art of tossing noodles is a traditional Cantonese technique that adds cultural depth to your meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving at a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit, with reports of no leftovers to take home.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze individual portions for later enjoyment, making it a convenient option for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.

Ingredients for Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 10 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Noodles and Sauce

• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter
• 8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• Cooking oil, as needed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

Pro Tips for Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Pro Tip 1: The Szechuan garlic butter at the end is key to elevating the flavors of this dish. Be sure to stir it in just before serving to let it melt into the noodles and create a glistening finish.

Pro Tip 2: For the best texture, cook the chicken quickly over high heat to retain its moisture. To keep the veggies crisp, make sure your pan is hot before adding them in for a perfect stir-fry.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein swaps. For a gluten-free option, rice noodles work well, and for added heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste can kick up the flavor profile.

How to Make Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, mix chicken cubes with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Cook Noodles

Cook lo mein noodles in a large pot of boiling water until slightly undercooked, about 1–2 minutes less than suggested on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Preheat wok or large skillet over high heat with cooking oil. Cook marinated chicken in a single layer until golden brown, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic during the final minute. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

If needed, add more oil to the wok. Stir in the remaining garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cabbage, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, celery, and green onions. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked chicken and noodles back to the pan with the vegetables. Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and the rest of the Szechuan garlic butter. Stir well over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until noodles are coated and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Immediately transfer to serving plates and garnish with additional green onions, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared your delicious Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight glass containers. This will help preserve the flavors and prevent any odors from affecting the dish. When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist and prevent them from drying out. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing the flavors to develop even more over time.

If you have leftover portions or want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cooled Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in individual containers. Simply thaw the frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little water as needed to maintain the desired consistency. While the noodles may soften slightly upon freezing, the dish will still be satisfying and flavorful for those busy nights when you need a quick and delicious meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

For this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a different protein, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness. Swap out the buckwheat lo mein noodles for any wheat or egg noodle that you have on hand. If gluten is a concern, rice noodles are a suitable alternative, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

When it comes to the vegetables, feel free to customize them to your liking. Baby spinach or snap peas can be used in place of some of the cabbage or broccoli. In different seasons, you can switch up the veggies – try young asparagus and snap peas in the spring, sweet bell peppers and zucchini in the summer, or hearty kale and shiitake mushrooms in the autumn or winter. Don’t have hoisin sauce on hand? A quick mixture of peanut butter and maple syrup can provide a similar sweet nutty flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, try presenting it in individual noodle bowls garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil for a touch of heat. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the enticing aroma of the Szechuan garlic butter will make each bowl a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Serve with a side of tangy pickled cucumbers to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.

Another fun way to serve this dish is in lettuce cups for a hands-on dining experience. Fill large lettuce leaves with a generous scoop of the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein mixture, top with extra green onions and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. The crunch of the lettuce adds a fresh element to the umami-packed noodles, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

FAQs for Flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Can I use other vegetables in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn can easily be swapped in based on your preference.

Is the Szechuan garlic butter necessary for this recipe?

No, but it adds depth and rich garlic flavor. Plain butter or oil works for a milder taste.

How should I prepare the noodles for this dish?

Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss with a bit of oil before stir-frying.

Any tips for prepping and cooking this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Before prepping gather all your vegetables and have them ready to go for the smoothest stir fry. A hot pan is your friend to ensure chicken and veggies stay crisp not soggy. And if you love heat a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste stirred in at the end can wake up all the flavors.

Conclusion

I hope this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. The blend of savory chicken, garlic, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or wholesome ingredients.

Experiment with different vegetables and protein options to make this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein your own signature dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The beauty of stir-fries lies in their versatility, so feel free to make this recipe your own culinary masterpiece. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this meal with your loved ones, and let the aroma of garlic and savory goodness fill your kitchen.