Meet your new obsession: Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. This vibrant stir-fry brings together juicy strips of chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly chewy lo mein noodles, all tossed in a tangled embrace of sweet, garlicky sauce with a touch of fire. Whether it’s a manic weeknight or you just crave those bold Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe turns humble ingredients into a joyful, slurp-worthy meal that’s totally irresistible. Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing and your taste buds to dance!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is that every item on your ingredient list is both straightforward and essential. Each one brings something wonderful to the table—whether that’s depth of flavor, color, or texture—so don’t be tempted to skip any!
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): These create that iconic, springy bite and soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, sliced): Lean strips of chicken cook fast and become deliciously golden in the stir-fry.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): The neutral base for stir-frying everything to perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The dish’s savory backbone—garlic brings irresistible aroma and zing.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): A burst of color and gentle sweetness to balance the bold sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): For juicy crunch and a beautiful pop of red in every bite.
- Snap peas or snow peas (1 cup): These add freshness and a satisfying snap to contrast with the noodles.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Tossed in at the end for sharpness and a splash of green.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The foundation for the bold, salty-sweet sauce that defines this dish.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Infuses the sauce with natural sweetness and gorgeous sheen.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): For complex umami depth—don’t worry, it doesn’t taste fishy!
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of smoky sweetness and glossy finish.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just enough tang to awaken the whole dish.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A tiny drizzle at the end pulls everything together with warm nuttiness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Bring on the sassy heat to your preferred level.
How to Make Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce
Kick things off by boiling your noodles according to the package directions—don’t overcook; they should be tender but pleasantly chewy. Meanwhile, whisk all your sauce ingredients together in a small bowl so the honey and sauces become one glossy, sweet-savory masterpiece. Set both aside; you’ll want them ready to go for the fast-paced stir-fry ahead.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat half the oil in a roomy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and let them cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them golden and cooked through without drying out. Scoop the finished chicken onto a plate and keep nearby—you’ll add it back in soon!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Pour the remaining oil into your pan, then toss in the garlic, carrots, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for just 3 or 4 minutes. Aim for “crisp-tender”—you want the vegetables vibrant and still a little crunchy, not limp or overcooked.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the reserved chicken back into the skillet, then pour in that luscious sauce. Stir everything to coat, letting the sauce bubble and cling to every ingredient. Next, add the noodles and sprinkle in the green onions. With a couple big tosses, mix everything together and let it sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes until piping hot and beautifully glossy. Your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is ready to devour!
How to Serve Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
This lo mein loves a good flourish—try a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. A handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also wake up the whole bowl.
Side Dishes
Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is satisfying on its own, but it plays beautifully with light sides like a cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a crisp Asian slaw. If you crave more, serve with silky miso soup or veggie spring rolls for that full takeout-at-home experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style meal, pile the noodles high on a big platter and serve with chopsticks. Or, portion into individual bowls and add small “condiment bars” of toppings—think chopped peanuts, chili oil, or lime wedges—so everyone can make their bowl as sassy as they want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep well in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch extra tasty.
Freezing
It’s not my first pick for freezing (the noodles can soften a bit), but in a pinch, you can stash cooled Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat lo mein in a hot skillet with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen up the noodles. The microwave works too—cover your dish loosely to keep everything moist, and heat in short bursts, stirring often.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so your chosen protein is perfectly cooked and not overdone.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No worries—regular spaghetti is an excellent substitute. For a slightly different texture, try linguine, or even ramen noodles if you’re up for something new.
How spicy is this Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can adjust them up or down (or skip them entirely) to match your preferred heat level. The “sassy” is totally in your control!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is a perfect blank canvas for extra veggies like mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or broccoli. Just make sure everything is sliced thin so it cooks quickly and evenly.
What can I do if my noodles clump together?
If your noodles start sticking, a quick toss with a splash of sesame oil or hot water will revive them. Stir everything vigorously after adding to the pan, and they’ll separate beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into a bowl of Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein! It’s quick, full of punchy flavors, and totally customizable to whatever’s in your fridge. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight hero.
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Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Combine everything: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat. Add the cooked noodles and green onions, and stir-fry for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through and well coated. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu.
- Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Leftovers make a great next-day lunch and reheat well in the microwave or skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
