Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is that weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Picture this: tender noodles coated in a glossy garlic soy sauce, crisp-tender veggies, and juicy chicken bites that soak up every bit of that delicious flavor. It’s the kind of meal that looks like takeout but feels homemade — faster, fresher, and way more satisfying.

The best part? You can whip it up in less time than it takes to wait for delivery. Perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone craving comfort food without the guilt. This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe blends the rich aroma of garlic with a balanced sauce that hugs every noodle just right. It’s customizable too — toss in your favorite veggies or add a spicy kick if you’re feeling bold. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout in the first place.

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What is Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a Chinese-inspired noodle dish made with stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and noodles tossed in a flavorful garlic-infused sauce. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal but still light enough to keep you from that post-takeout slump. The dish traditionally uses lo mein noodles, which are soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up savory sauces.

The sauce — usually a mix of soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, and sesame oil — gives the dish its signature balance of salty, sweet, and slightly smoky notes. What makes this version shine is its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps — just a few pantry staples and a hot skillet. Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is one of those recipes that brings people together around the dinner table with zero stress.

Reasons to Try Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

There are about a dozen reasons to love Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, but here are the big ones. First, it’s a complete meal in one pan — carbs, protein, and veggies all in a single, saucy bowl. Second, it’s quick. You can have dinner ready in 25 minutes flat. That’s faster than scrolling through takeout options. Third, it’s totally adaptable.

Don’t like broccoli? Swap it for snap peas. Craving spice? Add a squirt of sriracha. The flavors are flexible enough to fit your family’s taste buds. Plus, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein stores beautifully — making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. And if you’ve got picky eaters at home, the glossy noodles and mild garlicky sauce make it an instant crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy dishes like Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, this one’s going straight to your weekly rotation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ cup sliced bell pepper (optional)
• ½ cup sliced onions
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – Step by Step

Let’s walk through this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Step by Step process together. It’s easy, satisfying, and faster than ordering takeout. I’ll break down every move, so you’ll end up with glossy, garlicky noodles that make everyone at your dinner table happy — even the picky eaters.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got) and cook them according to the package instructions — usually around 4 to 5 minutes. The key here is to cook them just until tender but not mushy; you want that perfect chew.

Once they’re done, immediately drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This quick rinse keeps the noodles from sticking together and gives you that restaurant-style texture. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over them and toss lightly — this adds flavor and prevents clumping while you prep the rest of your dish. Set them aside on the counter, ready to dive into the next steps.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to stir-fried noodle dishes, check out my Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles for a quick primer on how to handle noodles perfectly every time.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

This is where all the flavor magic happens! In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and your cornstarch slurry (that’s 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Stir it all together until smooth and glossy.

This sauce is the backbone of your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, giving every noodle its signature savory-sweet coating. The cornstarch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles, making each bite more flavorful.

If you’d like a lighter, low-sodium twist, check out my Healthy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup for tips on balancing flavors without overdoing the salt.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

Now grab your wok or a large nonstick skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your bite-sized chicken breast pieces. Sprinkle a bit of salt and black pepper, then let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop that irresistible golden crust.

After that, stir occasionally for another 3–4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You’ll notice some browned bits sticking to the pan — don’t scrape them off just yet! Those bits are flavor gold and will deepen the taste of your veggies later.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Optional Step: For a richer, slightly smoky flavor, marinate your chicken in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables – Color and Crunch

Without washing the pan (you want those leftover bits), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in onions, garlic, and ginger first — these are your aromatic base. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, just until fragrant enough to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Next, throw in the broccoli florets, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers. Stir constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to stay crisp-tender — slightly soft but still vibrant. Overcooking them will make your lo mein soggy, and nobody wants that.

If you’re a veggie lover, check out my Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables for more stir-fry inspiration that pairs perfectly with this dish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together – The Big Toss

Now it’s time for the most satisfying part of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Step by Step process — combining everything.

Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Then toss in the cooked noodles, followed by the sauce you mixed earlier. Use tongs or two large spatulas to toss everything together evenly. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken slightly as it coats each strand of noodle. Keep stirring for about 2–3 minutes, making sure the noodles are hot and fully coated in that garlicky goodness.

This step is all about balance — the right mix of noodles, chicken, and veggies in every bite. Don’t rush it; let the sauce simmer and thicken just enough to give your lo mein that glossy, takeout-style finish.

Tip: If you want extra umami flavor, add a dash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds at this stage.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once everything is beautifully coated, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and color. Give the noodles one final toss and take a deep breath — that aroma is heavenly.

Serve immediately while the dish is still piping hot. Garlic Chicken Lo Mein tastes best fresh off the stove when the noodles are glossy and the veggies still have a little crunch.

If you want to pair it with something cozy, try serving it alongside my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup or Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for an Asian-inspired comfort meal your family will adore.

Step 7: Storing and Reheating (Bonus Step!)

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet with a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen them up. Avoid the microwave if possible — reheating in a pan helps maintain that stir-fry texture.

For make-ahead lovers, this dish also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat as above.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to make it a full Asian-inspired feast, pair it with crispy egg rolls or a side of Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables. For something lighter, try a bowl of Anti-Inflammatory Harvest Glow Bowl for a nourishing contrast. You could even serve it with miso soup or steamed dumplings for a cozy takeout-style spread at home.

Key Tips for Making Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

1. Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll get soggy when tossed with the sauce.
2. Prep everything before you start cooking. Lo mein cooks fast, so having ingredients ready is a must.
3. If you love spice, stir in chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
4. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
5. Use a wok if you have one — the high heat helps everything cook evenly and quickly.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the veggies from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins? Absolutely! Try shrimp, beef, or even tofu.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce? Use extra hoisin or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar.
Can I use frozen veggies? Yes, just thaw them first and drain well before cooking.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s that go-to dinner you’ll crave after a long day — quick to make, easy to love, and packed with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. For more quick and flavorful meals like this, try my Crockpot Chicken and Noodles or Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl.

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