Introduction
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe brings that irresistible takeout-style comfort straight to your kitchen—only fresher, healthier, and faster. Picture tender chicken slices tossed with perfectly chewy noodles and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a glossy, garlicky soy-based sauce. This dish satisfies every craving for bold Asian flavors in less than 30 minutes.
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants achieve that deep, umami-rich taste and silky noodle texture, this recipe reveals the secrets. Whether you call it Chicken Garlic Lo Mein Recipe, Garlic Chicken Chow Mein Recipe, or simply your new favorite weeknight meal, it’s a dish that guarantees flavor, balance, and happiness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant Flavor: Savory garlic sauce rivals your favorite takeout.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.
Customizable: Swap noodles, veggies, or protein easily.
Healthy Comfort: Balanced with lean chicken and colorful veggies.
Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective meal the whole family will love.
Meal-Prep Approved: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced (thighs add more flavor).
Noodles
8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti – for authentic chew, use egg noodles.
Vegetables
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Seasoning
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp soy sauce – for salt and depth
2 tbsp oyster sauce – adds umami richness
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
1 tbsp sesame oil – for nutty aroma
1 tbsp rice vinegar – balances flavors
1 tsp sugar – rounds out saltiness
½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
👩🍳 How to Make the Best Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Reserve ¼ cup of cooking water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant—don’t burn it, as garlic develops bitterness if overcooked.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. The sugar and vinegar balance the savory sauces for a restaurant-level glaze.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour sauce over the top and toss well. Add noodles, mixing until every strand glistens. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved noodle water.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Top with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot and savor every garlicky bite!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
🔹 How do you make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein not sticky?
Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil right after draining. This prevents clumping and enhances flavor.
🔹 Can I use other noodles for Lo Mein?
Yes! Spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles work well. The texture will differ slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.
🔹 How do restaurants make Lo Mein so flavorful?
They use high heat and balanced sauces. Cook your ingredients fast to maintain crisp veggies and deep caramelized flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with sides like Spring Rolls, Asian Cucumber Salad, or Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. For a cozy dinner spread, serve alongside Steamed Dumplings or Fried Rice for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 460 kcal
Protein 32 g
Carbohydrates 52 g
Fat 14 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 820 mg
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with 1–2 tablespoons of water or soy sauce to revive texture. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and combine all components, then store separately. Mix before reheating to keep noodles from absorbing too much sauce.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mixed mushrooms, and use vegan oyster sauce.
Q3: What’s the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
Lo Mein is tossed noodles with sauce; Chow Mein is fried until crispy. Both are delicious but have distinct textures.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: Add chili paste or sriracha.
Vegetable Lo Mein: Skip the chicken and load up on broccoli, mushrooms, and snow peas.
Beef or Shrimp Lo Mein: Swap protein for variety and depth.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat-based lo mein.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality flavor in a quick, home-cooked meal. It’s the perfect balance of savory, garlicky goodness and satisfying noodles that deliver pure comfort in every forkful.