Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful stir-fry noodle dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Made with juicy garlic-marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this easy lo mein recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comforting Asian-inspired cuisine at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only fast and simple but also packed with bold flavor and nutritious ingredients. It delivers the chewy satisfaction of noodles, the crispness of stir-fried vegetables, and the depth of a garlic-infused soy sauce blend. It’s versatile, meal prep-friendly, and easily customizable for different proteins, spice levels, or dietary needs. Best of all, it’s healthier and more affordable than takeout.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water

Other Ingredients:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish

directions

1. Cook the noodles:
   Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, then toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Marinate and cook the chicken:
   In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables:
   In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Add sauce and noodles:
   In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and chicken broth.
   Return the chicken to the pan. Add the sauce and cooked noodles. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
5. Garnish and serve:
   Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
• Extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy.
• Make it spicy: Increase sriracha, add chili oil, or use sliced red chili peppers.
• Low-carb version: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of lo mein.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and swap lo mein noodles with rice noodles.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water until warmed through. Microwave-safe, but skillet reheating preserves texture best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen stir-fry mixes work well. Just thaw slightly and stir-fry directly with garlic and ginger.

What type of noodles should I use?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or linguine works well as substitutes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain juicy when stir-fried.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of molasses or brown sugar.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I keep noodles from sticking?

Toss them in sesame oil after cooking, and avoid overcooking them to maintain texture.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and can be packed into lunchboxes for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles and vegetables can become mushy upon thawing.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Sesame oil adds great flavor, but vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are also suitable.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large wok or skillet and stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious and reliable stir-fry recipe that’s faster and tastier than takeout. With its savory sauce, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables, it delivers both flavor and nutrition in one bowl. Easy to customize and ready in just 25 minutes, this is a go-to dinner you’ll turn to again and again.

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