If you’re craving a dish that brings both comforting warmth and vibrant flavors to your table, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful harmony of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles all infused with the irresistible essence of garlic. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe offers a quick, satisfying meal that feels both homemade and special. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize with your favorite veggies or noodles, making it a dependable go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe looks impressive on the plate, the ingredients are refreshingly simple and thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role — from the juicy chicken to the crispy bell peppers — creating a balanced meal you’ll look forward to every time.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles: You can substitute with spaghetti or your favorite noodles for convenience.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: The perfect neutral base for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- 1 medium onion: Thinly sliced to add sweetness and body to the stir fry.
- 1 bell pepper: Thinly sliced to contribute a crisp, colorful crunch.
- 1 medium carrot: Julienned or thinly sliced for a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic draws out that signature savory punch.
- 2 green onions: Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous garnish that wakes up each forkful.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, bringing umami depth.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtle sweet-saline balance.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional): For an extra whisper of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a lovely toasted nuttiness into the dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a touch of brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the salty and acidic elements smoothly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional): For a gentle warmth that complements garlic perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick if you love a bit of heat.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to their package instructions. It’s best to cook them until just tender to avoid mushiness once they join the stir fry. Drain and set them aside, but don’t forget to save about 1/4 cup of the noodle cooking water. This starchy water can be a lifesaver to loosen the sauce later if needed and keep everything silky and glossy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced chicken pieces and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through — around 5 to 7 minutes. This step seals in the juices and builds flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add your onions, bell pepper, and carrots. Give them about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking to soften slightly but retain a pleasant crispness. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the pungent aroma to flavor the vegetables without burning it. This fragrant base will elevate your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe to new heights.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
While your vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This blend of ingredients crafts a perfectly balanced sauce — salty, slightly sweet, with subtle acidity and warmth — that hugs every bite.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared garlic sauce over the top and toss everything together carefully so each ingredient is evenly coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of that reserved noodle water to loosen it just right. Then add your noodles to the pan and gently toss again until the noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, marrying all the components into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Serve
It’s time to plate up! Garnish your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite. Serve immediately, while everything is warm and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic green onions, feel free to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your lo mein for extra texture and a toasty aroma. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also add a bright freshness that cuts through the rich sauce, making each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this dish with simple sides like steamed bok choy, a crunchy cucumber salad, or even some potstickers for a fuller Asian-inspired meal. The mild sides complement the bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or elevate your weeknight dinner, serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls with a wedge of lime or lemon on the side for a fresh citrus zing. Using colorful veggies like purple cabbage or snap peas can add a festive touch of vibrancy on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles tend to soak up the sauce over time, so when you reheat, consider adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the dish back up to that delightful saucy consistency.
Freezing
While lo mein freezes okay, the texture of the noodles might change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, store it in a suitable freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover the dish and check frequently to avoid overheating and uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can easily swap them for spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite meat substitute, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce to maintain the savory depth of flavor.
How do I avoid soggy vegetables in my lo mein?
To keep your veggies crisp, cook them on medium-high heat for just a few minutes, and don’t cover the skillet. Quick cooking ensures they stay tender yet crunchy, adding great texture contrast.
Can I adjust the garlic intensity in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Definitely! If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the garlic to one clove or lightly sauté it to mellow the taste.
What’s the secret to a glossy, restaurant-style sauce?
That reserved noodle water is your best friend. The natural starch helps bind and thicken the sauce, giving it that beautiful glossy finish. Add it slowly until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe enough if you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying dish that comes together quickly but feels truly special. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles around the table and makes you feel like a kitchen hero with every bite. Go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic sauce tossed with perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a satisfying weeknight meal inspired by classic Chinese takeout.
Ingredients
Protein and Noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti or other noodles)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside. Keep 1/4 cup of the cooking water reserved to adjust sauce consistency if needed later.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground ginger (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional) in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the garlic sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved noodle cooking water to achieve desired consistency.
- Add Noodles and Finish: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss gently until the noodles are fully coated with the garlic sauce, chicken, and vegetables.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for a delicious and savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein experience.
Notes
- If lo mein noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or any other long noodles can be substituted.
- You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Optional hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness; omit if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Vegetables can be varied based on preference; snap peas or mushrooms work well.
- For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce.
