When you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare, this garlic chicken lo mein is exactly what you need. The extra saucy garlic chicken lo mein recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknights or anytime you want a tasty meal without the fuss.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this garlic chicken lo mein will become your go-to recipe. The balance of bold garlic, tender chicken, and soft noodles soaked in sauce delivers a delicious experience every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Extra saucy for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfectly balanced garlic flavor without being overpowering.
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to make this extra saucy garlic chicken lo mein come to life.
- 8 ounces lo mein or egg noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 cup shredded napa cabbage or bok choy
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
How to Make Go-To Extra Saucy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 5-6 minutes; drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes; set the sauce mixture aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and toss to combine evenly.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and chicken beautifully.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and extra saucy.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic in jars.
- Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent them from getting mushy when stir-frying.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking as stir-frying goes quickly.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, adding more hoisin or soy sauce for extra sweetness or saltiness.
- For a spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from drying out, you can add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein or egg noodles work best, you can substitute with spaghetti, ramen noodles, or rice noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and snap peas. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep it plant-based.
How can I make this dish less saucy?
If you prefer less sauce, reduce the amounts of soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce by half. You can also skip the cornstarch slurry to keep the sauce thinner.
What sides pair well with garlic chicken lo mein?
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs nicely with light sides like steamed broccoli, a simple cucumber salad, or spring rolls for a complete meal.