If you are craving the perfect blend of savory, garlicky goodness paired with tender chicken and noodles, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors that comes together in one satisfying dish, combining crisp vegetables, succulent chicken, and perfectly sauced lo mein noodles. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable taste and texture of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. From the tender chicken to the fresh veggies and flavorful sauces, they combine to give you the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic in every bite.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and great texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds that essential umami depth that makes your sauce pop.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a silky coating.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry): Introduces a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small amount goes a long way to bring a nutty aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds gentle warmth and spice to the chicken marinade.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Provides mild heat and aroma without overpowering.
- 1 pound lo mein noodles (fresh or dried): The star base for your dish, perfectly chewy and soft.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for noodles): Keeps noodles from sticking while adding flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Part of the sauce’s rich and savory backbone.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deepens the flavor with a sweet, briny touch.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory elements with a smooth sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce): Ensures a nice, glossy, thick sauce.
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (for sauce): Brightens and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Brings moisture and round-bodied flavor to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (for sauce): Continues the gentle peppery heat.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying chicken and veggies.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The unforgettable aroma and punch that defines this dish.
- 1 inch ginger, minced: Compliments garlic with fresh, zesty notes.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides freshness and a slight bitterness to balance sweetness.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and tender texture; shiitake, cremini, or button all work well.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Bright color and natural sweetness with a little crisp.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness, crunch, and a mild onion flavor.
- Optional: 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets: Extra veggies for more texture and nutrients.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This step is where the magic begins. Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Letting the chicken soak in these flavors for at least 30 minutes makes every bite tender and flavorful. It’s worth the wait as it infuses the meat with a savory, aromatic base that shines through in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles
Cook your noodles until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and remove excess starch. Tossing them with a little sesame oil keeps them from sticking and adds that subtle nutty taste we love in lo mein. Whether you choose fresh or dried noodles, this step ensures your noodles stay perfectly soft without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper until smooth. This sauce burns bright with complex layers—sweet, salty, and tangy all at once. The cornstarch works behind the scenes, giving the sauce that luscious, glossy finish that clings to every ingredient.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet and give the marinated chicken a quick, high-heat stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly golden. Remove chicken to rest, then add garlic and ginger to the hot pan and stir-fry briefly—this releases their irresistible aroma. Toss in the bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and optional veggies like snow peas or broccoli, cooking until they are tender but still crisp. This creates a wonderful medley of textures and fresh flavors.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour your prepared sauce into the wok and let it thicken with the veggies for a couple of minutes. Then add back the chicken along with the noodles. Toss everything vigorously so the sauce evenly coats the noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Stir-fry for another minute or two until heated through and all those flavors have beautifully melded.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein onto plates or bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions for a final burst of color and flavor. Serve it right away to enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors while they’re fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with sliced green onions adds not only a lovely pop of green but also a subtle sharpness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, savory sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat and crunch that takes the dish to another level.
Side Dishes
This dish stands great on its own, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or simple vegetable dumplings can make your meal feel more complete and restaurant-worthy. A light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables also provide refreshing contrast to the hearty noodles and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in individual lettuce wraps, turning each bite into a crisp, handheld delight. Alternatively, try layering the lo mein over a bed of wilted bok choy or baby spinach for an extra veggie boost. Garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add elegance to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated Garlic Chicken Lo Mein equally delicious the next day. Just be sure to keep the garnish separate until serving to avoid wilting.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the lo mein, but keep in mind the noodles might soften slightly upon reheating. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir frequently until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but can make the noodles a little soggy if not careful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of lo mein?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use spaghetti or other egg noodles as a substitute in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce and vegetables will still deliver fantastic flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add freshly sliced chili peppers, a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, or sprinkle chili flakes during the stir-fry steps to bring some heat to your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe.
What can I prepare ahead of time to speed up cooking?
Marinating the chicken ahead of time and prepping all your vegetables before cooking can drastically reduce your active cooking time. You can also mix the sauce in advance for convenience.
Why does the recipe call for cornstarch in both the marinade and sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a tenderizer in the marinade and thickens the sauce. It ensures the chicken remains juicy and that your sauce gets that silky, clingy texture we love in lo mein.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe enough if you’re after a dish that is full of flavor, quick to prepare, and downright comforting. It’s easy to customize, packed with fresh veggies, and loaded with garlicky goodness that never gets old. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and easy-to-make Chinese-inspired noodle dish featuring tender marinated chicken, crisp stir-fried vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory garlic and oyster sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s a satisfying meal that brings the authentic taste of takeout to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Noodles
- 1 pound fresh or dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (to prevent sticking)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix well to coat all the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente (3-5 minutes for fresh noodles, longer for dried). Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper. Ensure the cornstarch dissolves fully. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok, then add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If using snow peas or broccoli, add them now and stir-fry an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Bring It All Together: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the cooked chicken to the wok, then add the lo mein noodles. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein to plates or bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer if time allows, for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh lo mein noodles for best texture, but dried or spaghetti work well as substitutes.
- Adjust vegetable choices based on preference or seasonality.
- Oyster sauce can be replaced with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the wok or skillet is very hot before stir-frying to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Rinse noodles after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
