Get ready to twirl your fork around a bowlful of flavor with this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe! Imagine tender noodles tossed with juicy strips of chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a garlicky, savory sauce that soaks into every bite. This vibrant stir-fry is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but bold and impressive enough to wow your friends. If you crave takeout-style noodles without leaving home, grab your skillet—this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, you’ll love how simple, fresh ingredients come together for maximum impact. From the tender chicken to the rainbow of veggies, each component adds a special touch—crunch, color, and irresistible taste. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips to get the most flavor from every ingredient:
- Noodles: 12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti; choose lo mein for authentic texture, but spaghetti works brilliantly in a pinch.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; slicing thinly ensures quick, juicy cooking.
- Soy Sauce (for chicken): 2 tablespoons; use this as a quick marinade to season and tenderize the chicken.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon; gives the chicken a light coating and keeps it wonderfully tender.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons; perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overwhelming the flavors.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced; you want this fresh and fragrant for that signature kick.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced; adds sweetness and dramatic color.
- Carrots: 2 medium, julienned; bring lovely crunch and vibrant hue.
- Shredded Cabbage: 2 cups; softens quickly and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Snow Peas: 1/2 cup; introduce pop and crunch for a balanced bite.
- Green Onions: 3, sliced; perfect for finishing with freshness and a mild oniony note.
- Soy Sauce (for sauce): 1/4 cup; the backbone of the luscious lo mein sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons; gives depth, savoriness, and a hint of sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon; adds a unique, slightly sweet complexity.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon; this fragrant oil is essential for nutty warmth.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon; brightens and balances the sauce perfectly.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon; just a touch to round out the salty and tangy flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional); for a little heat, sprinkle in as much or as little as you like.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package directions, aiming for that sweet spot: al dente. Once cooked, drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set these aside—they’ll finish their journey in that gorgeous sauce later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your thinly sliced chicken breast in a bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This quick marinade infuses flavor and keeps your chicken tender and juicy, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it handy—you’ll add it back in a bit.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil followed by your minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, releasing that heavenly aroma, then add bell pepper, carrots, cabbage, and snow peas. Stir-fry everything for 3–4 minutes—the veggies should stay crisp-tender and beautifully colorful.
Step 5: Make the Sauce and Combine Everything
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Now, return the chicken to the pan with the veggies, add your cooked noodles, and pour this lush sauce over the top. Toss it all together so the noodles get glossy and every bite is coated.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once everything is heated through and mingling happily in that sauce, remove from heat. To finish, scatter your sliced green onions over the dish as a fresh, tasty garnish. Now your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is ready to devour!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle extra green onions for a burst of color and zing. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch, while a drizzle of chili oil wakes up the palate. You can even toss on a handful of fresh cilantro for extra freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe with simple starters like steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or classic egg drop soup. For heartier fare, try spring rolls or a tangy Asian slaw—these balance the noodles and add texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve lo mein in wide bowls for easy twirling, or pile it high on a platter for family-style feasting. For a playful spin, scoop smaller portions into lettuce cups or arrange in bento boxes for a fun portable meal. The versatility means you can dress it up or keep things casual!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate—it will keep well for up to three days. As the flavors meld, you may find it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, avoid overcooking the noodles before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently stir-fry the noodles in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, tossing occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking and revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in my Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Broccoli, snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms all work. Use what you have on hand or your personal favorites for a custom touch.
What’s the best substitute for oyster sauce?
If you need an alternative, mushroom sauce or extra hoisin sauce are great stand-ins for oyster sauce. Both will give depth and umami, though the flavor may be slightly sweeter.
Can I make this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce (often mushroom-based). You’ll still get all the wonderful flavors and a satisfying bite.
What kind of noodles are best?
Lo mein noodles have that springy, chewy texture, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti or even ramen work well. Just cook them until al dente for the best results.
How spicy is the dish?
With just a dash of optional red pepper flakes, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is barely spicy, making it family-friendly. Feel free to add more flakes or chili oil if you crave heat!
Final Thoughts
If you love noodle dishes brimming with bold flavors and vibrant veggies, it’s time to try this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe! It’s fun, flexible, and sure to impress. Whether you’re craving comfort food or sharing dinner with friends, this dish promises to deliver—so grab your chopsticks and dig in!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
For Chicken Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch until coated.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden, then transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté garlic, bell pepper, carrots, cabbage, and snow peas until tender-crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the pan, add noodles, pour sauce over the top, toss until coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Adjust the vegetables based on availability.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds or drizzle with chili oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
