Growing up, my kitchen was always a hub of activity—a place where the savory aroma of garlic mingled with the sweet notes of ginger. It was here that I first learned the magic of bringing simple ingredients together to create something truly special. One of my favorite dishes that encapsulates this magic is Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. It’s a heartwarming, comforting meal that brings my family together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend feast, this dish never fails to please. I remember one particular evening when my youngest, eyes wide with anticipation, asked if we were having “that noodle dish”—a testament to its status in our household. This recipe is all about comfort food, plain and simple, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly
This recipe is perfect for bringing everyone together. Its flavors are universally appealing, making it a hit with adults and kids alike. The comforting blend of garlic and ginger creates a taste that is both familiar and exotic, providing a sense of warmth that makes everyone feel at home. This dish is also visually appealing, with its vibrant mix of colorful vegetables and hearty noodles, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Quick and Easy
With just 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this dish fits seamlessly into busy weeknight schedules. It’s a lifesaver for those hectic days when time is short, but you still want to put a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table. The streamlined process of this recipe means you can enjoy the rich flavors of homemade cooking without the stress of a lengthy preparation.
Flavor-Packed
The combination of garlic, ginger, and Szechuan garlic butter creates a deliciously savory and aromatic experience that fills your home with the most inviting smells. These ingredients meld together to create a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting. The Szechuan garlic butter adds a subtle kick that enhances the dish without overwhelming it, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Nutrient-Rich
Packed with vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and carrots, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, providing a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Broccoli and cabbage are excellent sources of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while carrots offer a healthy dose of beta carotene. Incorporating these vegetables into your meal ensures that you’re feeding your family something wholesome and balanced.
Versatile
Whether served as a standalone dish or paired with other family favorites, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein adapts easily to any meal plan. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different vegetables, or even add other proteins like shrimp or tofu to suit your taste or dietary needs.
The Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken: – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed – 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Salt and pepper, to taste – 1 tablespoon fish sauce – 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables: – 10 garlic cloves, minced – 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated – 2 cups cabbage, shredded – 2 cups broccoli florets – 2 carrots, shredded – 4 green onions, sliced – 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced – 2 celery stalks, sliced
For the Noodles & Sauce: – 8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles – 1/4 cup soy sauce – 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – 1 teaspoon fish sauce – 1 teaspoon black pepper – 2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter (see note) – Cooking oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger until evenly coated.
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil lo mein noodles according to package directions, undercooking by 1–2 minutes for a firmer texture. Drain and set aside.
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 for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- In the last 2 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of cooking oil if needed.
- Add the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Toss in cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, and celery. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add the undercooked noodles to the pan.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and the remaining Szechuan garlic butter.
- Stir-fry everything together over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the noodles are fully cooked and coated in sauce.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables evenly. A wok is particularly useful because its shape allows for even heat distribution, making it easier to manage the cooking process.
- Pot: For boiling the lo mein noodles to perfection. A pot with a strainer insert can make draining the noodles quick and mess-free.
- Mixing Bowls: Ideal for marinating the chicken and organizing ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
- Tongs or Spatula: To toss the noodles and vegetables without breaking them. A spatula with a thin edge is particularly helpful for ensuring even tossing.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Chicken Breasts
Lean protein that cooks quickly and is tender when cubed, perfect for quick meals. Chicken is a versatile protein that absorbs the flavors of the marinade well, making it juicy and flavorful in this dish.
Garlic and Ginger
These two are the heart of this recipe, providing a depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma that draws everyone to the table. Garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease. Ginger, on the other hand, aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cabbage and Broccoli
These veggies add crunch and are rich in vitamins C and K, making the dish a nutritional powerhouse. Cabbage is also low in calories and high in antioxidants, while broccoli is known for its cancer-fighting compounds.
Buckwheat Lo Mein Noodles
A great source of fiber and protein, these noodles are an excellent base for the dish. Buckwheat is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Szechuan Garlic Butter
This secret ingredient gives the dish a spicy, buttery finish that elevates the overall flavor profile. The combination of aromatic garlic and spicy Szechuan peppercorns creates a unique taste that sets this dish apart.
What to Serve With This Dish
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is versatile enough to stand alone, but if you’re in the mood to expand the meal, consider pairing it with a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad or simple steamed dumplings. The crispness of a cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the lo mein, while steamed dumplings add a delightful texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
- Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad: This salad is a refreshing accompaniment to the warm, savory lo mein. The cucumbers add a cool, crisp texture that balances the dish perfectly.
- Steamed Dumplings: These can be filled with vegetables or meat, adding a delightful side to complement the noodles. Their soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with the firm noodles and tender chicken.
For a refreshing beverage, try serving it with iced green tea or a glass of crisp white wine to complement the savory notes of the dish. The lightness of the tea or wine helps cleanse the palate, enhancing the dining experience.
For more inspiration, you can check out my Simple Asian Cucumber Salad or the beloved Homemade Dumplings recipe on my blog.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—this dish keeps well! Store any remaining Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a great meal prep option, as the flavors deepen and become even more pronounced with time.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, a splash of soy sauce or a touch more Szechuan garlic butter can revive the noodles beautifully. To avoid overcooking, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than using the microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery. Stirring occasionally ensures even heating and prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is not only a flavorful ingredient but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and compounds like allicin, garlic can boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for overall health. For more on the benefits of incorporating garlic into your diet, check out this article on Healthline.
Celebrating the Joy of Cooking
Sharing meals is one of the simplest joys of life. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or sharing this dish with friends, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is sure to create lasting memories. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about the love and care that goes into each dish, the laughter shared over a meal, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy cooking!
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that encapsulates the warmth and comfort of home-cooked food. Its rich flavors and nutritional benefits make it a dish worth adding to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to the table, and enjoy the delightful dance of flavors in each bite. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the enticing aromas of garlic and ginger, just like mine was growing up.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger until evenly coated.
- Boil lo mein noodles according to package directions, undercooking by 1–2 minutes for a firmer texture. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a hot skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- In the last 2 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of cooking oil if needed.
- Add the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Toss in cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, and celery. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add the undercooked noodles to the pan.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and the remaining Szechuan garlic butter.
- Stir-fry everything together over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the noodles are fully cooked and coated in sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.