Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Picture this: a tangle of glossy noodles, golden chicken, and a rainbow of crisp-tender vegetables all tossed together in a rich, garlicky sauce. That’s exactly what you get when you cook up Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—a dish that practically guarantees an “ooh, what smells so good?” the minute it hits the pan. This homemade version tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout, only fresher, faster, and loaded with love. If you’ve been craving a hearty, flavor-packed noodle dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, look no further—Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein brings its own special magic, from the chewy noodles to the crunchy veggies and the irresistible, savory sauce. Don’t skip or substitute unless you have to—each one adds a layer to the dish’s flavor, texture, or color that just can’t be beat!
- Lo mein noodles (12 ounces): The backbone of the dish—you can sub in spaghetti, but authentic lo mein gives the perfect chew.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 pound, thinly sliced): Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the marinade flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, for marinating chicken): Infuses the chicken with savory depth from the inside out.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps seal in moisture and gives the chicken a velvety coating.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): The neutral base for stir-frying—one part for chicken, one part for veggies.
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Pops of sweet, vibrant color run right through your noodles.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the garlicky sauce.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Earthy and hearty, these soak up sauce and brighten every bite.
- Green onions (4, chopped): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, oniony zip and garnish beauty.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star aroma and flavor in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—use fresh if you can!
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): For the main sauce—still plenty savory, but won’t overpower your palate.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce body and that distinctive umami richness.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): A hint of sweet-salty complexity—absolutely worth having on hand.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash perfumes the whole dish and adds authentic nuttiness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through all the richness and brightens up the flavors.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch for balance and a lightly glossy finish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds the slightest whisper of heat—totally adjust to taste.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle over the top gives nutty crunch and classic takeout vibes.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Bring a big pot of water to a boil and cook your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, if that’s what you have) according to package directions. Once they’re cooked, drain and set them aside. Give them a quick toss with a little oil if you want to keep them from sticking together while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While your noodles are cooking, grab a medium bowl and toss the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the cornstarch. This step is quick but totally essential—the cornstarch helps the chicken stay melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the soy sauce does double-duty adding flavor and color. Set the chicken aside for just a few minutes while you heat up the wok.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, just until cooked through and beautifully golden on the edges. Once done, scoop the chicken out of the pan and set aside—it’ll finish coming together with the veggies and sauce soon.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Garlic
To the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry these for about 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender and their colors really pop. Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—don’t let it brown! The aroma will hit you instantly—and that’s how you know it’s time for the next step.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together (The Fun Part!)
Return the chicken to the pan with the veggies. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes, then pour this luscious sauce over everything. Add the cooked noodles and use tongs to toss the mixture together until every strand is coated, glossy, and piping hot. Finish with chopped green onions and a flurry of sesame seeds right before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
Give your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that takeout look and an extra layer of flavor with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving. For some spicy kick, add a few dots of chili oil or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes. If you like things a little tangier, a squeeze of lime over individual bowls is fabulous.
Side Dishes
A bowl of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is totally satisfying on its own, but if you want to build a mini feast, pair it with some steamy dumplings, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or a simple bowl of miso soup. Those lighter, refreshing sides balance out the savory, noodle-packed main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a group or making a weeknight meal special, consider serving Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in individual shallow bowls with chopsticks for a fun, “takeout at home” vibe. For parties, arrange little noodle nests on a platter, toothpick a piece of chicken and veggie on top, and let everyone dig in appetizer-style. You can even pack leftovers in mason jars for a colorful, grab-and-go lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up that fabulous sauce even more overnight, making leftovers extra flavorful. Just be sure to let the dish cool a bit before sealing to avoid steam buildup.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep beautifully for up to two months, though the noodles may soften a touch after thawing. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.
Reheating
Reheat Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and keep everything juicy. Give it a gentle toss as it heats—it only takes a few minutes to come back to steaming, saucy life! The microwave also works in a pinch, just be sure to cover loosely so nothing dries out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles have a fantastic chewy texture, you can easily use spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine in a pinch. Rice noodles or soba can also be delicious if you want to mix things up.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I make it milder?
The recipe only gets a gentle warmth from the optional red pepper flakes, so it’s pretty family-friendly. To make it milder, just leave them out entirely—your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein will still be bursting with flavor.
Can Garlic Chicken Lo Mein be made vegetarian?
It’s so easy to make this dish vegetarian! Swap the chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite meat substitute. Use mushroom or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a totally plant-based twist.
What’s the best way to keep the veggies crisp?
Don’t overcook the veggies during stir-frying—four minutes is just enough to get them tender-crisp while retaining their gorgeous color and snap. Have everything prepped before you start, and work over high heat for best results.
Is there a way to make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, swap in a gluten-free noodle (like rice noodles), and be sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free versions. It tastes every bit as satisfying with those simple swaps.
Final Thoughts
Give Garlic Chicken Lo Mein a place at your table—it’s incredibly satisfying, endlessly customizable, and sure to make you feel like a stir-fry superstar. Once you taste those garlicky noodles and juicy chicken, you’ll know exactly why this recipe is such a favorite. Grab some chopsticks (or a really big fork) and dig in!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry dish that combines tender noodles with marinated chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Lo Mein Noodles:
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating chicken)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Lo Mein Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden, then remove.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir-fry bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli. Add garlic.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Add noodles and sauce to the skillet.
- Finish: Toss everything together until coated. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- For an extra kick, drizzle with chili oil before serving.
- Best served fresh, but reheats well in a skillet with water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
