If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that electrifies your dinner table with both flavor and color, Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is truly the answer. This fabulously saucy dish pairs juicy, golden chicken strips and crisp-tender vegetables with silky noodles, all tossed together in a sweet, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it the perfect solution when you crave takeout but want something homemade, fresh, and just a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a bit of magic in how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into something that tastes like it came from your favorite neighborhood noodle house. Each element has its purpose—adding color, crispness, depth, or that irresistible sweet-salty sauce that brings the dish together.
- Lo mein noodles (8 ounces): Classic egg noodles give that chewy, slurpable texture, but spaghetti works wonderfully in a pinch.
- Chicken breast (1 pound, sliced thin): Boneless, skinless chicken cooks quickly and soaks up all the lovely marinade and sauce.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Tossing the chicken with cornstarch creates that ultra-tender, velvety coating you love in restaurant stir-fries.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, for marinating): Gives the chicken a savory, rich head start.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral oil with a high smoke point is perfect for fast, hot stir-frying.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with its trademark warmth and depth.
- Carrots (1 cup, julienned): For sweetness, color, and a little crunch to balance the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a pop of color and natural, subtle sweetness.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): For vibrant green color and hearty texture.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): These go in at the end for a burst of freshness and sharpness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup, sauce base): Forms the umami backbone of the sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Honey is the star here, giving the sauce its signature glossy sweetness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): For savory depth and the classic lo mein flavor profile.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just enough tang to brighten up all the big flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a touch infuses the whole dish with irresistible nutty aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A bit of heat, if you like your lo mein with a sassy kick.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Get your noodles going first. Boil the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions, just until they’re al dente. You want them tender with a slight chew so they hold up to stir-frying later. Drain the noodles and set them aside—toss them with a tiny splash of oil if you want to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
While the noodles are cooking, toss the thinly sliced chicken breast with the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce in a bowl. This quick marinade is the secret to super-tender, flavorful chicken that stays moist as it cooks. Let it sit for just a few minutes while you prep your veggies and sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, spread out the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring, so you get a gorgeous golden color. Cook the chicken through—about 5 to 6 minutes—then scoop it out and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic, julienned carrots, red bell pepper slices, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and have soaked up all the garlicky goodness. If you like your veggies more tender, give them another minute or two.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
Grab a small bowl and combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a good whisk until smooth. The honey is key here—it lends the signature sticky sweetness that makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein so irresistible.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the noodles and all of the sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat until the noodles are evenly coated in that shimmering sauce and everything is piping hot. Finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions brings a crisp, peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet-savory noodles. If you really want to be extra, shower the top with toasted sesame seeds or a scattering of extra red pepper flakes for both wow factor and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
While this Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with simple sides like steamed edamame, crunchy cucumber salad, or a bowl of hot-and-sour soup transforms dinner into an Asian-inspired feast. For those who love extra veggies, consider some sautéed snap peas or a light cabbage slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style right from the skillet for a relaxed, communal meal, or portion out into deep bowls with an extra drizzle of sauce on top. Feeling playful? Pile the noodles into takeout boxes for a fun, homemade “fakeout” night, perfect for movie marathons or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish is a dream for next-day lunches! Let your Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein cool to room temperature before popping it into an airtight container. Stash in the refrigerator and you’re all set for up to 3 days, with the flavors melding and deepening overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. While the noodles may soften just a bit after thawing, the dish reheats surprisingly well. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your lo mein, add a splash of water or broth before reheating in a skillet over medium heat, tossing gently until hot. Microwave reheating works too—cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken juicy and the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! For a fun twist on Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, try shrimp, sliced beef, or even cubes of tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks lightning-fast, while beef and tofu may need a minute or two longer to brown nicely.
Does this dish taste very sweet?
It’s wonderfully balanced—the honey lends a gentle sweetness, but the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and splash of rice vinegar keep things savory and complex. You can always adjust the honey or soy quantities if you prefer a dish that leans more on the sweet or salty side!
What vegetables can I add for extra crunch or variety?
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn all work beautifully in Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Just cut larger vegetables thinly so they sauté quickly and keep their vibrant color and crisp bite.
Do I need a wok, or can I use a regular skillet?
You don’t need any fancy equipment—a big, heavy skillet works just as well as a wok. The key is cooking over high heat in batches, so everything caramelizes without steaming and the noodles stay bouncy rather than mushy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To give your Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein a fiery edge, add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce or swirl in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce before serving. You can also top individual portions with sliced fresh chilies if you’re serving a group with varying spice preferences.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers a playful mix of saucy noodles, golden chicken, and bright veggies that’s sure to disappear fast. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new takeout-at-home favorite!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory and sweet flavors of this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and noodles coated in a flavorful sauce make this Asian-inspired dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating chicken)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Veggies:
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Toss sliced chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Cook in a skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same skillet, cook garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli until crisp-tender.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add noodles, pour in sauce, and toss everything together until heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp, beef, or tofu for chicken.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce levels based on taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
