Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comforting noodles, tender chicken, and a burst of savory flavors, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the answer. It’s a take-out favorite made right at home, and let me tell you—it’s even better than anything you’d get from your local Chinese restaurant. Picture perfectly cooked noodles coated in a delicious, garlicky sauce, with succulent chicken and just the right amount of vegetables for crunch. Every bite is an irresistible balance of flavors and textures, and it’s honestly so easy to make that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

What’s so great about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can toss in any veggies you like, adjust the garlic levels to your heart’s content, and even add some heat if that’s your thing. And the best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this one is a winner.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

• Quick & Easy: It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss.
• Garlicky Goodness: If you love garlic, this recipe is made for you. The garlic flavor infuses the noodles and chicken, making each bite a little burst of savory heaven.
• Customizable: You can swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu, and toss in whatever veggies you have on hand—this dish is super adaptable!
• Better Than Takeout: Why order in when you can make a fresh, flavorful batch of garlic chicken lo mein at home? You control the quality and the flavors, and it’s so much more satisfying.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead meal. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy, flavor-packed dish:

For the Chicken and Noodles:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced for easy cooking and maximum flavor.
• Lo Mein Noodles: The star of the dish, perfectly slurpable and soft. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, feel free to use any long noodle like spaghetti or ramen.
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
• Bell Pepper: For a little sweetness and crunch.
• Carrot: Thinly sliced for color and texture.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.

For the Garlic Sauce:

• Garlic: Freshly minced for that rich, garlicky kick.
• Soy Sauce: A key component in adding depth and umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet richness to the sauce (don’t skip it!).
• Sesame Oil: For a nutty, fragrant finish.
• Brown Sugar: To balance the salty and savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, if you want to add a bit of heat.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This dish is super simple to make, and you’ll have it ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. A little drizzle of sesame oil or vegetable oil can be added to the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to go when you need it.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and toss in the minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, carrot, and green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and noodles back into the pan with the veggies. Pour the garlic sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through, and the sauce has thickened and glazed everything beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve your garlic chicken lo mein hot, and enjoy every savory, garlicky bite!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 380-420 calories
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 26g
• Vitamin A: 50%
• Vitamin C: 40%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

• As a Main Dish: This dish is filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own as the main course.
• Pair with Sides: Serve it with some crispy spring rolls, potstickers, or even a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Garnish: Add some fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or more green onions for that extra pop of freshness.

Additional Tips

• Add More Protein: If you’re craving extra protein, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap or add any veggies you like—mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn would be great additions!
• Noodle Options: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti, ramen, or udon noodles as alternatives.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A1: Absolutely! You can easily swap the chicken for tofu or just add extra veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian version.

Q2: Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?

A2: Yes, but keep in mind that regular soy sauce is much saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the dish.

Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A3: To add some heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a sliced fresh chili to the stir-fry.

Q4: Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

A4: Yes, you can cook the chicken, veggies, and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and then just toss them all together when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring it back to life.

Q6: Can I use gluten-free noodles?

A6: Absolutely! You can swap in gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.

Q7: How can I make this dish a little lighter?

A7: You can reduce the amount of oil used for stir-frying and opt for a lower-sodium soy sauce. Adding extra veggies will also help lighten it up.

Q8: Can I make this without oyster sauce?

A8: Yes! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar to maintain that balance of savory and sweet.

Q9: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A9: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using it.

Q10: Can I make this dish without a wok?

A10: Yes! A large skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan works perfectly fine for making lo mein. Just make sure it has enough surface area to stir-fry everything easily.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will surely become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, full of savory goodness, and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s way better than takeout and perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious in no time. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a go-to meal for you too!

Print