Garlic Chicken Lo Mein: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

When you crave a quick, restaurant‑style dinner at home, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein delivers big on taste and comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender strips of chicken breast are stir‑fried with crisp vegetables, tossed with chewy lo mein noodles, and coated in a savory garlic‑soy‑hoisin sauce. This one‑pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers pack well for lunch, and the ingredient list is both familiar and budget‑friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speed & Simplicity: With just 10 minutes of prep and a single skillet, you’ll have dinner on the table fast.
• Balanced Nutrition: Lean protein from chicken, colorful mixed vegetables, and complex carbs from noodles make for a well‑rounded meal.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite proteins (shrimp, beef, tofu) or veggies (snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn) to suit your taste.
• Family‑Friendly: Mildly seasoned but full of flavor, this dish pleases both kids and adults.
• High‑Value Leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight, making next‑day lunches that much more enticing.

Ingredients

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced into bite‑sized strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that signature punch)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
• 2 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami richness)
• 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce (adds sweet‑savory depth)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (finishes with nutty aroma)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add lo mein noodles and cook until just al dente according to package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of oil so they don’t stick.
2. Stir‑Fry the Chicken
   Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir‑fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic & Vegetables
   Add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir‑fry for 3–4 minutes, until they’re tender‑crisp but still vibrant.
4. Combine Sauce & Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Pour the sauce over the top.
5. Toss & Finish
   Using tongs or two spatulas, toss everything vigorously for 2–3 minutes so the noodles and chicken absorb the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
6. Garnish & Serve
   Transfer the lo mein to serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness and a mild bite. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lo Mein

• Prep in Advance: Have your chicken sliced, garlic minced, and vegetables chopped before you heat the pan—stir‑frying is a fast‑paced process.
• High Heat Matters: A hot skillet keeps ingredients crisp and prevents steaming.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If your wok or skillet is small, cook chicken and vegetables in batches to maintain high heat contact.
• Balance Flavors: If you prefer a sweeter finish, add an extra teaspoon of hoisin sauce. For more heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
• Thicken if Desired: For a slightly thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and stir into the pan in the final minute of cooking.

Variations to Customize Your Lo Mein

• Beef & Broccoli Lo Mein: Substitute flank steak for chicken, and increase broccoli to 3 cups.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Use peeled shrimp, cooking them just until pink (2–3 minutes) before removing and returning at the end.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit meat, boost vegetables (snow peas, baby corn, mushrooms), and add ½ cup cubed firm tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Garlic Lo Mein: Double the garlic, add 1 Tbsp chili‑garlic sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chili oil.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze (Not Recommended): Noodle texture can suffer when frozen and thawed, so best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Nutritional Estimate (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 6 g

Why This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Works

This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe combines lean protein, fiber‑rich vegetables, and flavorful sauces in a one‑pan stir‑fry that comes together in under 30 minutes. Its balanced macronutrients make it perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a date‑night alternative to takeout. With endless customization options—from vegetarian to extra spicy—this become a versatile staple in your easy weeknight dinner ideas repertoire.

Print

Enjoy the satisfying chew of lo mein noodles, the savory punch of garlic‑soy sauce, and the tender chicken bites—all in the comfort of your kitchen. No need to wait for delivery; this homemade version delivers restaurant‑quality results with far less cost and more control over ingredients. Bookmark this recipe and make it your go‑to for quick, delicious dinners that never disappoint.