Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, but aim for undercooking by 1–2 minutes to keep them firm. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a hot skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6–8 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.

4. Sauté the Vegetables: If needed, add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the same pan. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and celery, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.

5. Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the undercooked noodles. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and the remaining Szechuan garlic butter. Toss everything over medium heat until the noodles are fully cooked and coated with the sauce, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with additional green onions if desired.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To elevate your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein experience, consider serving it in large, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch. You could also pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple miso broth for a complete meal. Don’t forget to set out some extra chili paste or soy sauce on the side for those who like it spicier!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing your leftovers is just as easy as making this lo mein! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the lo mein for up to two months. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and cube the chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Noodle Perfection: Make sure not to overcook your noodles while boiling; they will continue to cook when you stir-fry them.
Butter Magic: Using Szechuan garlic butter really elevates the flavor, so if you can find it, don’t skip it!

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Try adding a protein twist by substituting tofu for the chicken for a vegetarian version or tossing in some shrimp for seafood lovers. You can also experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or even a spicy peanut sauce for a unique take!

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

This recipe generally takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with tofu, shrimp, or beef according to your preference.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of buckwheat lo mein noodles.