Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that can be whipped up in no time? Look no further than this delectable Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet, with chewy noodles, tender chicken, and a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables all coated in a glossy homemade sauce that will have you craving more.

The star of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry is undoubtedly the toasted sesame oil, infusing every bite with its irresistible aroma. Whether it’s a movie night treat or a busy weeknight dinner, this dish has the power to transform any ordinary day into something special. As the sauce clings to each noodle and veggie, it creates a symphony of flavors that will bring your family together around the table.

Leftovers of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry can be enjoyed for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. For a vegan twist, swap the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and opt for vegetable broth. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies and noodles, and don’t forget to serve with a side of crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled veggies for a refreshing contrast. With its comforting flavors and colorful presentation, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for hectic weeknights when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different protein options and vegetable add-ins to suit your preferences.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that brings generations together with its savory flavors and colorful presentation.
• Leftovers-friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days, offering a convenient option for future meals.

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

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, making it a go-to dish for family meals.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef, and a variety of veggies.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a delicious stir fry with a glossy homemade sauce.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors develop even more, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Adaptable: Suitable for various dietary preferences – swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth for a vegan version.
• Culturally Rich: Experience the flavors of Cantonese cuisine with this American Chinese takeout-inspired dish.
• Colorful and Flavorful: Packed with vibrant veggies and a savory-sweet sauce that appeals to the taste buds.
• Texture and Heat: Delight in the chewy noodles, crunchy veggies, and a touch of heat from chili flakes for a satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Stir Fry

• 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500 g)
• 60 ml dry white wine
• 280 g lo mein noodles
• Black pepper, to taste
• 300 g mixed stir-fry vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell pepper)
• Salt, to taste
• 30 ml peanut oil, plus extra as needed (may substitute with olive oil)

Sauce

• 5 ml hot sauce
• 240 ml chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 16 g cornstarch
• 180 ml beef broth
• 1.25 ml toasted sesame oil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1.25 ml ground ginger
• 60 ml soy sauce
• 13 g brown sugar (or substitute with honey)

Pro Tips for Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Pro Tips:

1. The toasted sesame oil is a key ingredient that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. Be generous with it to enhance the overall aroma and taste of your garlic chicken lo mein stir fry.

2. Don’t limit yourself to just chicken! Feel free to experiment with different proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just ensure they are cooked through before adding them to the stir fry.

3. To elevate your dish further, add a variety of colorful vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. These not only add vibrant hues but also provide different textures and flavors to the stir fry.

How to Make Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Combine chicken broth, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, hot sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a large measuring jug. Whisk until smooth. Transfer 60 ml of the sauce to a separate bowl.

Step 2: Tenderize and Marinate the Chicken

If desired, cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and lightly pound with a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Place chicken in a bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Let marinate while prepping vegetables and boiling water for noodles.

Step 3: Heat Oil and Sear Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 30 ml of peanut oil. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 3 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Deglaze Skillet with Wine

Reduce heat to medium. Pour dry white wine into skillet and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Boil Noodles

Cook lo mein noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1 minute less than the package’s al dente time. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Place the skillet back on medium-high heat and add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the mixed vegetables for approximately 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 7: Combine Sauce and Vegetables

Add the remaining sauce mixture to the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8: Integrate Noodles

Add drained noodles to the skillet in batches using kitchen tongs, mixing well to achieve the desired noodle-to-sauce ratio. Note that noodles will absorb more sauce as they sit.

Step 9: Return Chicken and Finish

Combine the chicken and its juices with the noodles and vegetables in the skillet. Toss together until heated through and evenly coated, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Distribute the mixture onto individual plates and top with desired garnishes like sliced spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.

Storage Tips

After preparing the delicious Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. To keep the dish fresh, seal it tightly in an airtight container or cover it well with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored for up to four days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the pan to help loosen the sauce and maintain the dish’s moisture and flavor.

While the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry can be frozen, it is best enjoyed freshly cooked to preserve its optimal texture and taste. If freezing, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and label it with the date. To enjoy the frozen dish, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop with a little extra broth or water to revive the flavors. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can continue to enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal even after the initial cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this garlic chicken lo mein stir fry recipe, you can opt for olive oil instead of peanut oil for a healthier alternative. White wine can be replaced with chicken broth or a splash of vinegar for a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, honey can be used instead of brown sugar if you prefer a different type of sweetness in the dish.

If you are looking to make a vegan version of this dish, tofu or mushrooms can be excellent substitutes for chicken, while vegetable broth can replace chicken and beef broth. Spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles can be used if lo mein noodles are not available. Coconut aminos and mushroom broth can be used as alternatives for a soy-free version of the sauce.

For a different protein option, you can try shrimp, tofu, or beef while keeping the rest of the ingredients constant. Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by incorporating broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to add color and flavor to the dish. Remember to slightly undercook the noodles during boiling as they will finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture. Lastly, for those who enjoy spicier dishes, consider adding extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for an added kick.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and engaging presentation of the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry, consider serving it in individual Chinese takeout boxes with chopsticks for a playful touch. The portable boxes make it easy for everyone to enjoy their meal while watching a movie or having a casual dinner.

To elevate the dish further, create a lo mein noodle bar where guests can customize their bowls with various toppings like extra chili flakes, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. This interactive setup adds a social element to the meal and allows everyone to personalize their dish to their liking.

FAQs for Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist while keeping the other ingredients the same.

What are some good vegetable add-ins for this garlic chicken lo mein stir fry?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms make great add-ins for color and taste.

Can I substitute lo mein noodles with other types of noodles?

Lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or egg noodles also work well for a similar texture in this recipe.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish to suit my preference?

Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the sauce for more heat. Adjust the amount based on your preferred level of spiciness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to your table in no time. The aromatic blend of garlic, sesame oil, and savory sauce coats each noodle and veggie bite, creating a dish that will have your family coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by swapping proteins, adjusting the veggies, or adding your favorite heat level to the sauce. Embrace the versatility of this dish and get creative in the kitchen. With a little bit of prep and a lot of heart, you can whip up a delicious Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry that will have everyone around your table asking for more. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones.