If you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and lightning-fast to whip up, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine slurp-worthy noodles tangled with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and the kind of savory garlic sauce that makes you want seconds instantly. This is the go-to dish I love to make when I want flavor fireworks, minimal dishes, and a dinner that everyone raves about. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is how it brings together simple ingredients for maximum punch. Each item on the list works its own kind of magic, from infusing the chicken with flavor to bringing vibrant color and crunch to every forkful.

Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, thinly sliced): The star of the show, offering juicy, protein-rich bites that soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Soy Sauce (for marinade and sauce): It’s the backbone for both flavor and seasoning, delivering a classic umami foundation.
Cornstarch (for marinade): This keeps the chicken tender and gives it that craveable velvety texture once cooked.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (¼ cup for the sauce): Keeps the base balanced and lets each flavor shine without being too salty.
Oyster Sauce or Hoisin Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, glossy depth to the sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Brings a hint of sweetness to balance the salt and garlic.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Just a touch gives everything a warm, toasted aroma that screams “takeout classic.”
Garlic Cloves, minced (4 cloves): Not optional! Mellowed in the sauce, garlic becomes sweet, nutty, and full of flavor.
Ground Ginger (½ tsp): Adds zing and complexity to the sauce.
Sriracha or Chili Garlic Paste, optional (1 tsp): Bring the heat! Customize to your spice preference.
Lo Mein Noodles or Spaghetti (8 oz): Use whichever you have—both work beautifully for soaking up the amazing sauce.
Oil, vegetable or sesame (1 tbsp): Perfect for stir-frying and creating that luscious gloss on everything.
Carrots, julienned (1 cup): Sweet, bright, and just the right amount of bite.
Red Bell Pepper, sliced (1): Brings pops of color and crunch to every forkful.
Snow Peas or Broccoli (1 cup): Adds fresh crispness and a hit of green to round it all out.
Green Onions, sliced (2): Sprinkle them at the end for a burst of freshness and finish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) just until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them perfectly springy. Set them aside while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, toss your sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Not only does this quick marinade infuse the meat with flavor, but the cornstarch also guarantees every piece turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix your low-sodium soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and (if you like spicy) sriracha or chili garlic paste. This glossy mixture is what makes Garlic Chicken Lo Mein so memorable—it’s savory, slightly sweet, and absolutely packed with garlicky flavor!

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat your oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Once it’s ready, scoop the chicken out and set it aside. This step ensures it stays juicy, not overcooked.

Step 5: Sauté the Veggies

If needed, splash a little more oil into your pan. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas or broccoli. Stir-fry for just 2 to 3 minutes so the veggies stay crisp and vibrant—this keeps your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein bursting with texture and color.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan, add in the cooked noodles, then pour over your sauce. Toss everything together so sauce slicks every noodle and veggie. After about 2-3 minutes, when everything’s glossy and piping hot, you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Garnishes

For a pretty finish and a little extra flavor boost, shower your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you’re a heat lover, a dash of chili flakes amps things up even further.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough for a meal all on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd, pair it with some crispy spring rolls, a fresh cucumber salad, or a simple miso soup. Any of these create a perfect homemade takeout night.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein straight from the wok for a casual, family-style meal, or twirl portions into small bowls for an elegant noodle bar. For a fun twist, pack leftovers into lunchboxes with chopsticks for an irresistible midday treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually seem to deepen and mingle even more after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch a dream.

Freezing

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein freezes surprisingly well. Let everything cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Just know the veggies may lose some of their crispness after thawing, but the flavor is still fantastic!

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cover and let it steam gently until hot throughout. The microwave works in a pinch, too, but keep an eye so the chicken doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or even tofu work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time, especially for shrimp and tofu, as they’ll cook even faster than chicken.

What if I don’t have lo mein noodles?

No sweat—spaghetti or linguine are excellent substitutes. They soak up the sauce in exactly the same way, so your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein turns out just as slurpable and satisfying.

Is there a vegetarian version of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Totally! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies or swap in tofu for protein. Make sure to opt for hoisin sauce over oyster sauce to keep it strictly vegetarian.

How do I make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein spicier?

Just increase the amount of sriracha or chili garlic paste in the sauce, or add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing everything together. Taste as you go so you get the perfect heat for your crowd.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein can be made a day ahead. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge, then give it a quick shake or stir before adding it to your stir-fry.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about making Garlic Chicken Lo Mein at home—a cozy, flavorful dish that comes together with surprising ease and never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own weekly favorite. Grab those noodles and let dinner be your best moment of the day!