Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

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Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—a beloved classic that brings together juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and springy noodles tossed in a bold garlic-soy sauce. This takeout favorite comes to life in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and a hot wok, creating a mouthwatering dish in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking to impress guests with a home-cooked Asian-style meal, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein checks all the boxes. The sauce is perfectly savory with hints of sweetness and spice, and the combination of colorful veggies and juicy marinated chicken makes every bite irresistibly satisfying.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the stir-fry sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and richness)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Other ingredients:

• 10 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute), cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds and extra scallions for garnish (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with deep umami flavor.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside—it will be the key to that savory glaze.

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Step 3: Cook the Noodles

If you haven’t already, cook your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get some color, then stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

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Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. Add bean sprouts and scallions last and stir-fry for another minute.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the cooked noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well using tongs or large spoons until all the ingredients are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly—about 2–3 minutes.

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Step 7: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Garlic Chicken Lo Mein that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

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Storage Instructions

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Refrigeration:
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the noodles.

Freezing:
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: ~32g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Cholesterol: ~75mg
• Sodium: ~980mg
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~6g

Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu are great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Q2: What noodles are best for lo mein?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but egg noodles or even spaghetti work in a pinch. Just avoid overly thin noodles that may break during stir-frying.

Q3: Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but the crushed red pepper flakes add mild heat. You can adjust the spice level to your liking or omit it entirely.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

Q5: How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?

Cook them al dente and avoid over-soaking. Also, don’t add too much sauce or leave them sitting in sauce for too long.

Q6: Can I make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. It often tastes even better the next day.

Q7: What vegetables can I substitute?

You can use snap peas, mushrooms, cabbage, or zucchini—anything you have on hand. It’s a flexible recipe.

Q8: What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of extra soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar to replicate the sweetness and depth.

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