Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate dinner solution for anyone craving takeout but wanting something fresh, fast, and homemade. This colorful noodle stir fry features juicy pieces of chicken, crisp-tender mixed vegetables, and the irresistible flavor of garlicky sauce—all twirled together for a dish that hits every note: savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is guaranteed to please crowds and bring a splash of vibrant flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein begins with a handful of simple, reliable ingredients that come together with big, bold flavors. Each item in this recipe brings its own flair—think chewy noodles, salty-sweet sauces, and crisp veggies—all working in perfect harmony.
- Lo Mein Noodles or Spaghetti (8 oz): These give you that classic bouncy texture—substitute with spaghetti if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
- Chicken Breasts (1 lb, thinly sliced): Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up flavor; slicing thinly ensures tender bites every time.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp, divided): Helps everything sizzle and brown beautifully; divided to keep chicken and veggies cooking at just the right moments.
- Mixed Vegetables (3 cups): Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or your favorites—it’s all about color and crunch!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic star of the show, infusing every bite with bold, mouthwatering flavor.
- Low-sodium Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Lays down the savory, salty base for the sauce without overwhelming the dish.
- Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds sweet, earthy depth that’s signature in many lo mein recipes.
- Hoisin Sauce (1 tbsp): A splash of sweet, tangy complexity that rounds out the sauce.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Just a touch for balance and a subtle sweetness that brightens everything up.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A finishing drizzle for toasty warmth and aroma.
- Chicken Broth or Water (1/4 cup): Helps the sauce coat every strand of noodle.
- Cornstarch & Water Slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, optional): Use this if you love a glossy, clingy sauce.
- Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: The classic way to finish Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—fresh, nutty, and bright.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by getting your noodles ready. Cook them according to the package instructions just until al dente, drain, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking so they stay delightfully springy instead of mushy. Set them aside and get ready for some stir-frying fun!
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked solidly through. Once the chicken is just right, transfer it to a plate so you can use the pan for vegetables next.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in your mixed vegetables and give them a quick stir-fry for 3–4 minutes—they should still be brightly colored and have a tiny crunch. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it smells amazing and fills your kitchen with that signature garlic kick.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a little bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chicken broth (or water). If you like your lo mein with a thicker sauce, now’s the time to mix in the cornstarch slurry. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and let everything bubble together for a minute or so to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your browned chicken and cooked noodles to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until each noodle strand, veggie, and piece of chicken is kissed by the garlicky sauce and warmed through. Your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
To bring out the best in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, sprinkle generously with sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and a handful of sesame seeds for appealing crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. If you want a dash of heat, a little chili oil or some extra cracked pepper works wonders too!
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with light sides like steamed edamame, a crisp Asian slaw, or simple miso soup. These dishes are straightforward, uplifting, and let the lo mein take center stage, making your meal feel perfectly balanced and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lo mein in individual noodle bowls or even on a big platter for family-style sharing. If you want to impress, try spoon-twirling individual portions for a restaurant-worthy presentation, or top with extra julienned veggies and colorful herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein keeps beautifully. Let it cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making leftovers a true treat!
Freezing
If you want to freeze Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, pack cooled portions into tightly sealed freezer containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain that just-cooked texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your lo mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as this can soften the noodles excessively. Just a few minutes in the pan, and your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein will taste freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is wonderfully flexible. You can swap in shrimp, thinly sliced beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version—just adjust the cook time as needed for your chosen protein.
What vegetables work best in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Broccoli, carrots, and snow peas are classic, but bell peppers, baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy are all delicious additions. Use whatever looks freshest at the market or what you have on hand for an always-winning meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce (and check your oyster and hoisin sauces for wheat-based ingredients). Swap lo mein noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti for a tasty alternative.
Should I marinate the chicken in advance?
If you have the time, marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch gives extra tenderness and flavor, but it’s not essential for a fantastic Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Even a quick 15-minute soak makes a noticeable difference!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a large wok or skillet and maybe cook the chicken and veggies separately to avoid overcrowding. Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect party dish since it reheats well and brings people together.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes are as joyfully slurpable and satisfying as Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving bold, cozy flavors and a dinner that comes together in a flash. Your family and friends will thank you—and you might just decide to make it part of your regular rotation!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauce tossed with noodles create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
Stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in 1 tbsp oil, then set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Cook vegetables and garlic in remaining oil.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, and broth.
- Combine: Add sauce to skillet, simmer, then add chicken and noodles. Toss to coat.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for extra flavor before cooking.
- Option to swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
