Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes – savory, garlicky, and bursting with vibrant veggies – let me introduce you to this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tender chicken and perfectly sauced noodles that come together in just about 30 minutes. The combination of soy, oyster, and optional hoisin sauce creates a luscious glaze that coats every strand of noodle and every bite of chicken, making it an all-time favorite that’s easy to customize and share with family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe are straightforward but packed with flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, color, or that punch of umami that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles: The perfect noodle base, but spaghetti or similar noodles work well too.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps you get a great sear without overpowering flavors.
- 1 medium onion: Thinly sliced, it adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1 bell pepper: Also thinly sliced, brings vibrant color and a touch of freshness.
- 1 medium carrot: Julienned or sliced thin for a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse that essential garlic flavor that’s the star in this recipe.
- 2 green onions: Chopped for garnish, adding a mild oniony bite and a pop of green.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory core for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich umami boost that elevates the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional): For a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a delightful nuttiness and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the acidity and saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to spice things up.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package directions, which usually takes just a few minutes. Once they’re perfectly tender but still have a bit of bite, drain them and save about a quarter cup of the noodle water. This little trick comes in handy later to smooth out the sauce if it gets too thick.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Getting a good sear on the chicken gives you great flavor and locks in moisture. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Give them a few minutes to soften slightly, but keep that satisfying crunch — about 3 to 4 minutes is perfect. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until the aroma fills your kitchen. This step builds the foundation of flavor before adding the sauces.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce if using, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground ginger if you like, and red pepper flakes for a kick. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse, combining salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in one delicious blend.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables, then pour your prepared sauce over everything. Toss it thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved noodle water a little at a time to reach that perfect, glossy consistency. Finally, add the cooked noodles and toss until every strand is beautifully covered in that irresistible garlic sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe immediately, and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick to prepare.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Garnishes
Chopped green onions are a simple yet fantastic garnish for this dish. They lend a subtle crunch and fresh bite that complements the savory noodles. If you want to get creative, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe as the main event, light side dishes like steamed bok choy or a crisp Asian cucumber salad work wonderfully to balance the rich flavors. For something heartier, a bowl of hot miso soup or crispy spring rolls are great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual small bowls with a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over before eating. You could also sprinkle some crushed peanuts or chili oil on top for added texture and spice. Presentation really amps up the experience when sharing with guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the noodles from getting too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the noodles may change slightly. Pack the lo mein in a sealable freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the texture of the noodles and chicken. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are ideal, you can substitute spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for firm tofu, seitan, or extra veggies like mushrooms and snap peas. Using vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces also keeps it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the delicious flavors.
How spicy is the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
The dish is generally mild but has an option for a little heat thanks to red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit these flakes depending on how much spice you prefer. Adding chili oil is another way to kick up the heat when serving.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients like slicing chicken and veggies or making the sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook and combine everything right before serving to keep the noodles from becoming mushy and the vegetables crisp.
What are some good drink pairings with this dish?
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp beverages like jasmine tea or a chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of citrus brightens the palate between bites.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is truly a kitchen hero – quick, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or whipping up a crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers on every level. Give it a try and I guarantee it’ll become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
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Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory garlic sauce tossed with lo mein noodles. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines a medley of Asian-inspired sauces for a vibrant and hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti or other noodles)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain some crispness. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared garlic sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of the reserved noodle cooking water to reach desired consistency. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles with sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Chicken Lo Mein!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and omit oyster sauce.
- If lo mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti or linguine noodles make a suitable alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit for a mild flavor.
- Sauce thickness can be adjusted by adding reserved noodle water gradually.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese