This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – A one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Garlicky & Savory – Packed with bold garlic flavor and a rich sauce.
- Customizable – Use your favorite vegetables or swap the protein.
- Healthier Than Takeout – No excessive oil or sodium, just fresh ingredients!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken & Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas (or broccoli)
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Directions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies & Garlic
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the chicken and noodles to the pan.
- Pour in the garlic sauce and toss everything together until coated.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring well.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with extra soy sauce or chili oil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Version – Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Extra Crunch – Add water chestnuts or cashews.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without noodles).
- Reheating: Heat in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles?
Yes! Try udon, rice noodles, or spaghetti.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil before adding to the pan.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just add it in at the end to warm through.
What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Use vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil for high heat cooking.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, double the recipe.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
What vegetables can I add?
Try broccoli, mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store separately, then toss together before serving.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch slurry will thicken it; cook for a minute longer if needed.
Can I skip oyster sauce?
Yes! Substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a fast, easy, and delicious homemade takeout meal that’s packed with bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easily customizable and always satisfying. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-style noodles at home!
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Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Main Course, Stir-Fry
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Description
This quick and flavorful Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is packed with tender chicken, stir-fried veggies, and chewy noodles tossed in a garlicky soy sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Chicken & Noodles:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
- Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until veggies are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked noodles.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together over medium heat for 2 minutes, until well coated.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- Use different noodles: Try udon, rice noodles, or whole wheat spaghetti.
- Meal prep tip: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days!