Let me take you back to one of my favorite little restaurants tucked away in the city. Every time I walked in, the warm, savory aroma of garlic chicken lo mein filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked with crisp sautéed vegetables, made each bite a delightful explosion of flavor. There’s something magical about how the garlic mingles with the soy sauce, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the noodles. Trust me, once you try this dish at home, you’ll be whipping it up for dinner again and again. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you love!)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned for that perfect crunch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil for a nutty finish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies; this dish is all about what you love!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with Sautéed Vegetables
- First things first, cook your lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. I usually like to prepare them just until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook a bit when you stir-fry them later. Drain and set aside.
- Next, grab a large pan or wok and heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is nice and hot before adding the chicken; this helps it get that lovely golden brown color. Toss in the sliced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Now, here comes the garlic magic! Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; garlic can burn quickly, and nobody wants bitter garlic in their dish!
- Once that delicious garlic aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a nice crunch. This is where you can really customize the dish—feel free to throw in any other veggies you love!
- Now, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to coat everything. Then, add in those cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are heated through and well combined with the chicken and veggies.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a taste test—this is your moment to adjust flavors if needed! Serve hot and enjoy the savory goodness you’ve just created.
Nutritional Information
This garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions. Enjoy this hearty meal while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Savory flavors of garlic paired with tender chicken and vibrant veggies.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins like tofu!
- One pan means less cleanup, so you can enjoy your meal stress-free.
- Great for meal prep; enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best garlic chicken lo mein, make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully browned and cooked through—this adds so much flavor! Timing is key, so add the minced garlic just a minute before the veggies to prevent it from burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures everything cooks evenly and stays crisp. Finally, be generous with the seasoning, but taste as you go to get that perfect balance. Trust me, these little tips make a big difference!
Variations
The beauty of garlic chicken lo mein is its versatility—feel free to get creative! If you’re not a fan of chicken, swap it out for tofu to make it a delicious vegetarian option. You can also play around with the vegetables; try adding snap peas, bok choy, or even mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Want to spice things up? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a kick! The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to mix and match until you find your perfect combination!
Serving Suggestions
This garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it with some crispy spring rolls or a fresh side salad. A light sesame dressing on the salad pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the lo mein. You could also whip up some steamed dumplings for a hearty combination! And don’t forget a drizzle of extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for that final touch of flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this garlic chicken lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but be careful not to overcook!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken? Absolutely! Tofu is a fantastic substitute for a vegetarian option, and shrimp or beef would also work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have lo mein noodles? No worries! You can use spaghetti or rice noodles as a substitute. Just cook them according to package instructions, and you’ll be all set!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep everything nice and moist.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Just ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce and check the noodles to confirm they’re gluten-free as well. It’s delicious either way!
What’s a good serving size? This recipe yields about 4 servings, so it’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Enjoy!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Pasta Primavera or Vegetable Lo Mein.
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with Sautéed Vegetables in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot; cook until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Add cooked noodles and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables to your preference.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic chicken lo mein, sautéed vegetables, lo mein recipe
