Okay, real talk: Weeknights can be brutal, right? Between work, maybe the gym (if I’m feeling ambitious!), and just trying to keep the house from looking like a total disaster, cooking a decent meal sometimes feels impossible. I used to rely on takeout *way* too much. Then I discovered the magic of super-fast recipes, and now I’m all about sharing the love!
That’s where this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein comes in. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s ready faster than you can order delivery, and it tastes a million times better (and is probably healthier, too!). I swear, even on the craziest nights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. The best part? It’s so simple, even my super picky eater kids gobble it down. It’s become a total staple in our house, and I just know you’re gonna love it too!
I’ve been making versions of this lo mein recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until I landed on what I think is the perfect balance of flavor and ease. Trust me, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to nail this one. If I can do it, juggling a million things at once, you definitely can!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Okay, let’s be real – why *should* you make this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein? Well, for starters:
- It’s FAST! Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup. One pan wonder, baby! Less dishes = happy you.
- Garlic-y goodness. The flavor is just… wow. That garlic really shines!
- Veggie-loaded potential. Toss in whatever veggies you have lurking in the crisper drawer!
Quick and Easy Dinner
Seriously, I’m not kidding about the speed. This Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is perfect when you’re staring down the clock and wondering how you’re gonna feed everyone. Prep is, like, 10 minutes max, and the cooking? Even faster. It’s a weeknight warrior!
Family-Friendly Flavor
Who doesn’t love garlic chicken and noodles? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! The garlic flavor is bold but not overpowering, and the lo mein noodles are just plain fun to eat. Even my pickiest kid asks for seconds (and that’s saying something!).
Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our troops! Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short list, and you probably have a lot of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Makes it cook super fast!
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: I usually use low-sodium, but go with your fave!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps the chicken get nice and tender. Trust me!
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying. Canola oil works too!
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced. And hey, if you’re a garlic lover like me, throw in an extra clove or two!
- 1 teaspoon ginger: Minced. Fresh ginger is the best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: Find these in the Asian section of your grocery store!
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps create that yummy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: This is key for that authentic lo mein flavor!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way! Adds a nutty richness.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: For garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color!
How to Make Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Okay, time to get cooking! Don’t be intimidated – this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is seriously simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, let’s get that chicken marinating. In a bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Mix it all up really well, then let it sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the chicken a chance to soak up some flavor and get super tender.
- While the chicken’s doing its thing, cook your lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Don’t overcook them! You want them to be al dente. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside. Nobody likes soggy noodles!
- Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot (careful, it splatters!), add the marinated chicken and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
- Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about a minute, until they’re fragrant. Mmm, that smell! Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll taste bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce. Bring it all to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Make sure all those noodles are swimming in that delicious sauce!
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein!
Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- To keep your noodles from getting sticky, toss them with a little bit of sesame oil after you drain them.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when you’re cooking the chicken, or it’ll steam instead of brown. Cook it in batches if you need to!
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. And if it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to let it reduce.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Okay, so maybe you’re staring at the ingredient list and thinking, “Hmm, I don’t have *that*.” No worries! This Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is pretty flexible. Let’s talk about some swaps you can make!
Lo Mein Noodle Options
Alright, lo mein noodles are kinda the star of the show, but hey, life happens! I usually grab the dried ones from the Asian aisle, but fresh lo mein noodles are amazing if you can find them! Just watch the cooking time – they cook *fast*. No lo mein? Spaghetti or linguine will totally work in a pinch. Just don’t overcook ’em!
Sauce Customization
The sauce is where you can really get creative with this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein! Watching your sodium? Use low-sodium soy sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the oyster sauce and use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead! And if you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha will kick things up a notch. Ooh yeah!
Variations on Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Now, let’s get a little wild! This recipe is like a blank canvas – you can totally customize it to your heart’s content. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Vegetable Add-Ins
Seriously, raid your fridge! Carrots, bell peppers (any color!), mushrooms, snow peas… they all work great in this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in with the garlic and ginger. Easy peasy!
Protein Swaps
Chicken not your thing? No problem! Shrimp is amazing in this, but just be careful not to overcook it. Beef (thinly sliced, of course!), tofu, or even pork would be delicious too! Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. Get creative!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Alright, you’ve got a steaming plate of Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein… now what? Honestly, it’s pretty awesome on its own, but if you want to make it a full-on feast, here are a few ideas! Spring rolls or egg rolls are always a win – that crispy crunch is the perfect contrast to the soft noodles. And some steamed broccoli or bok choy on the side adds a healthy dose of greens. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is just as good the next day (maybe even better!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, microwave it until it’s nice and hot, or toss it in a skillet with a little bit of oil or chicken broth. Just don’t overcook it, or the noodles will get mushy!
Nutritional Information of Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Just so you know, these are estimates, okay? Depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes, your Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein might be a little different. But roughly, you’re looking at around 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbs per serving. Not bad for a quick and tasty meal, huh?
Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully!) answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about my Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein:
Can I make Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Totally! You can cook the chicken and noodles separately and store them in the fridge. Then, just toss them together with the sauce when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to save even *more* time on busy weeknights!
How can I make Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein spicier?
Easy peasy! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle a little sriracha over the top before serving. You could even add a chopped jalapeno to the skillet when you cook the garlic and ginger, if you’re feeling brave!
What if I don’t have lo mein noodles?
No problem! Like I said before, spaghetti or linguine will work just fine. You could even use rice noodles or ramen noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and don’t overcook them!
Enjoy Your Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein!
Alright, that’s it! I’m seriously SO excited for you to try this Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein! Once you do, come back and leave a comment – let me know what you think! And hey, if you loved it, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends! Happy cooking!
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Irresistible Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in 30 Minutes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Quick and simple garlic chicken lo mein recipe for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and remaining soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the lo mein.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
