Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables! It’s quick, packed with flavor, and honestly, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I whip this up when I’m short on time but still want something that’ll make my family’s taste buds dance. Just the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen gets everyone excited! I remember one hectic evening, I made this dish in under 30 minutes, and my friends couldn’t believe how delicious it was. They kept asking for the recipe! Trust me, once you try this, it may just become your go-to dinner for busy nights too. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to throw together such a satisfying meal!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli – chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that punch of flavor!)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to your taste, if you’re feeling bold!)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (this adds such a lovely nuttiness)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing, just a little goes a long way)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Sauteed Vegetables Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First things first, let’s get those lo mein noodles cooking! Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a little bite (al dente!). Once they’re done, drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later—this will be the star of your dish!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now, grab a large skillet and heat up that tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (not smoking, careful there!), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it gets fragrant—oh wow, the aroma is heavenly! You don’t want to overdo it here; burnt garlic is no good!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, it’s time for the chicken! Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Let them sizzle for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. To check for doneness, make sure there’s no pink inside—it should be white and juicy. Trust me, you’ll love this part!
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once your chicken is looking good, it’s time to invite the veggies to the party! Add in your mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little crunch—no mushy vegetables here! Just keep tossing everything around in that skillet, letting all those flavors mingle.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now for the magic touch! Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together until it’s well combined. The colors and smells will make you want to dive right in! Make sure every piece of chicken and vegetable gets coated in that savory sauce.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Add those cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the chicken and veggies until everything is nicely mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is where you can really make it your own! And there you have it, a delicious plate of garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables ready to be served!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your garlic chicken lo mein, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. It keeps the process smooth and lets you focus on those delicious flavors. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with your veggies! Broccoli, snap peas, or even bok choy can add a nice twist to the dish. For an extra pop, toss in some sliced green onions or sesame seeds just before serving. And if you love a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can take things to the next level! Remember, taste as you go—this way, you can adjust seasoning just how you like it. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your garlic chicken lo mein! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or beef—both cook up beautifully and add their own unique flavor. For a vegetarian twist, you can use tofu or tempeh, which soak up all those delicious sauces. As for the veggies, feel free to play around! Snow peas, zucchini, or bok choy would be fantastic additions. You can even throw in some baby corn or water chestnuts for a delightful crunch. And if you’re a spice lover, why not toss in some sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste for a kick? The best part is that you can make it your own, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover garlic chicken lo mein is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week! When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more sesame oil to help revive the flavors and keep it from drying out while you heat it up. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, and voilà! You’ve got a delicious meal ready to go, just like the first time. If you need to reheat in the microwave, make sure to cover it to avoid splatters, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delightful garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat (with just 1g saturated fat), 20g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get about 3g of fiber and 5g of sugar. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect! Enjoy this tasty meal without the guilt—it’s a delicious balance of flavors and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I make garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently to keep the flavors fresh!
What kind of vegetables work best in this dish?
I love using a mix of bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, but the beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, like snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times slightly since different proteins cook at different rates. It’s all about what you enjoy!
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. You might also consider using a homemade sauce with broth, vinegar, and spices to get that savory kick!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, add in some sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste while cooking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end works wonders too! Just adjust to your taste, and enjoy the kick!
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Sautéed Vegetables in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory dish of garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
- Add cooked noodles and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ginger.
- Use your choice of vegetables.
- Adjust soy sauce based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: garlic chicken lo mein, sautéed vegetables, lo mein recipe, chicken lo mein
