Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a mouthwatering stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a rich, savory garlic sauce. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates an irresistibly bold flavor profile that clings to every noodle and piece of chicken. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, savory, and just a hint of spice.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal-prep option, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein delivers on both flavor and convenience. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to toss in your favorite veggies or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. From cozy family dinners to meal-prepping for a busy week, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Garlic Flavor: The garlic sauce is the real hero—bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Versatile: Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu, or customize with your favorite veggies.
Better Than Takeout: Save money and enjoy a fresher, healthier version right from your kitchen.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for delicious leftovers all week.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein just right starts with having the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its high sides and even heat distribution, but a large skillet works perfectly if you don’t have one.
Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing chicken and vegetables evenly, which ensures they cook at the same rate.
Cutting Board: Preferably one dedicated to raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
Tongs or Spatula: For easily tossing the ingredients and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Pot: Used for boiling the noodles to the perfect tenderness before adding them to the stir-fry.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key for achieving the right balance of flavors in your garlic sauce.
Colander: To drain the noodles quickly and prevent them from getting mushy.

Each tool plays a crucial role in the cooking process, enhancing efficiency and ensuring that all ingredients are cooked to perfection.

Preparation Tips

Prep Everything Before Cooking: Stir-frying happens fast. Slice your chicken, chop your veggies, and have your sauce ready before you heat the wok.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercook the noodles since they will continue cooking when tossed with the sauce and chicken.
Marinate Chicken (Optional): For extra tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a pinch of cornstarch for 10-15 minutes.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while preserving their texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a high temperature and achieve a good sear on the chicken.

Proper preparation makes all the difference, setting you up for a smooth cooking process and exceptional results.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

For the Chicken & Noodles:

Chicken Breast or Thighs: 1 lb, sliced into bite-sized pieces (breast for leaner meat, thighs for juicier results).
Lo Mein Noodles: 8 oz, cooked according to package instructions and drained.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp, for stir-frying.

For the Vegetables:

Bell Peppers: 1 large, sliced (use red, yellow, or green for a colorful mix).
Carrots: 1 medium, julienned or thinly sliced.
Snow Peas or Broccoli: 1 cup, trimmed or chopped.
Green Onions: 1/2 cup, chopped, for garnish.

For the Garlic Sauce:

Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (the key flavor element).
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, for salty, umami richness.
Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp, adds depth and sweetness.
Hoisin Sauce: 1 tbsp, for extra sweetness and complexity.
Sesame Oil: 1 tsp, for that unmistakable nutty aroma.
Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp, to balance out the salty and savory notes.
Cornstarch: 1 tsp mixed with 2 tbsp water, for thickening the sauce.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp, for garnish (optional).

This blend of ingredients creates the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas (or broccoli) for 3-4 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic & Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (1-2 minutes).

Step 6: Combine & Toss

Return the chicken and noodles to the wok. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce and heated through (2-3 minutes).

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Noodle Choice: While traditional lo mein noodles work best, you can substitute with spaghetti or rice noodles if needed.
Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bok choy.
Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and opt for gluten-free noodles.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Noodles: Avoid mushy noodles by cooking them just until al dente since they will continue to cook during stir-frying.
Crowding the Pan: Cooking everything at once lowers the heat, causing the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
Using Low Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat for proper searing and flavor development.
Skipping Sauce Preparation: Mixing the sauce separately before adding it to the wok ensures even distribution and avoids clumping.
Ignoring Marination (Optional): A quick soy sauce and cornstarch marinade enhances the chicken’s flavor and tenderness.
Overusing Oil: Too much oil makes the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount or slightly less.
Undercooking Garlic: Garlic burns quickly—add it towards the end of the stir-frying process for the best flavor.
Neglecting Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds add texture and brightness, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Paying attention to these common pitfalls will help you achieve the perfect Garlic Chicken Lo Mein every time.

What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a satisfying main dish on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Dumplings (Potstickers or Steamed)

A classic Chinese appetizer that pairs beautifully with the savory noodles. Choose pork, chicken, or vegetable dumplings for variety.

2. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Crispy, golden rolls filled with veggies or meat make a great textural contrast to the soft noodles.

3. Steamed Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice

Serve as a side or add fried rice for an even more hearty and comforting meal.

4. Asian Cucumber Salad

Refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy, this salad helps balance the richness of the lo mein.

5. Hot and Sour Soup or Wonton Soup

Warm, comforting soups add extra depth and variety to your meal.

6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy or Chinese Broccoli

Lightly sautéed greens provide a healthy, flavorful complement.

7. Cashew Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken

For a multi-course meal, pair with another flavorful chicken dish to impress your guests.

8. Teriyaki Skewers

Grilled chicken or beef skewers add a smoky, sweet element that pairs nicely with garlic-infused noodles.

Mix and match these side dishes to create a full, restaurant-quality feast at home!

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein stays fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal as the noodles may become mushy when thawed. If you choose to freeze, store in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to refresh the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Microwave reheating works, but may cause uneven heating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 1250mg
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of noodles for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and pair it with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a satisfying gluten-free version.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and swap oyster sauce for a vegan alternative or extra soy sauce.

4. How do I prevent my noodles from getting soggy?

Cook the noodles just until al dente and rinse them with cold water after boiling. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan during stir-frying.

5. Can I meal-prep Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Definitely! Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove for best results.

6. What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can use snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, bok choy, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

7. Why is my garlic burning during cooking?

Garlic burns quickly, especially over high heat. Add it after cooking the vegetables, and only cook it for 30 seconds before adding the sauce.

8. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a topping before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful, versatile dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its rich, garlicky flavor and satisfying combination of chicken, vegetables, and noodles, it offers everything you want from a comfort meal—quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to impress. Enjoy customizing it to your taste, and savor every delicious bite!