Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

If you love Chinese takeout but want a homemade version that’s faster, fresher, and customizable, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is your answer. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles are tossed in a garlicky, savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Packed with Flavor: Garlic-forward sauce with soy, sesame, and a touch of sweetness.
  • Customizable: Swap vegetables, protein, or noodles based on your preferences.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg

This dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a hearty and wholesome meal.

Time Taken

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 15–20 minutes
  • Total: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 8 oz (225 g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, sliced thinly
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles:
    Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken:
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Garlic:
    In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas (or broccoli). Cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked noodles and toss to combine.
  5. Add Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour over the chicken and noodles, tossing until everything is coated and heated through.
  6. Finish and Serve:
    Stir in chopped green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

You Must Know

  • Slice chicken thinly for even cooking and tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should remain crisp for texture.
  • Lo mein noodles are preferred, but spaghetti or linguine can work in a pinch.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.
  • Freezer: Not recommended as noodles may become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken → shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein.
  • Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas → any vegetables you like (bok choy, mushrooms, zucchini).
  • Lo mein noodles → rice noodles, spaghetti, or udon.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a full meal.
  • Pair with a light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing.
  • Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Chef’s Special Tips

  • Cook noodles just al dente, they will finish cooking in the skillet and soak up the sauce.
  • Use high heat for stir-frying to get that slightly smoky, “wok hei” flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for added aroma and crunch.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that rivals takeout without leaving your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and garlicky noodles, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Ready to make this delicious homemade takeout? Grab your ingredients and whip up a batch tonight, you won’t miss ordering out!

FAQs

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Absolutely. Lo mein noodles work best, but spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles are great alternatives.

Cook noodles just until al dente and toss them with a small amount of oil after draining. This keeps them from clumping in the skillet.

Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

You can prep ingredients and sauce ahead, but it’s best to cook and combine everything right before serving for optimal texture and flavor.