If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under an hour, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe. This beloved classic combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in an irresistibly savory garlic sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite takeout spot but made fresh in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to homemade Asian-style dishes or a seasoned lo mein lover, this recipe’s balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures will quickly become a go-to for weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe lies not just in the cooking technique but also in the carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in delivering the authentic taste and delightful texture that make this dish so memorable. Below, you’ll find simple yet flavorful components that come together beautifully, ensuring every bite sings with garlic, umami, and freshness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and tender bites throughout.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory base essential for authentic Asian flavors.
- Cornstarch: Helps marinate the chicken for tenderness and thickens the sauce to coat the noodles perfectly.
- Rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry): Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: A small amount adds a toasty, nutty nuance and keeps noodles from sticking.
- Ground ginger and fresh minced ginger: Provide a warm, zesty kick that complements garlic beautifully.
- White pepper: Offers a mild spiciness without overpowering the delicate garlic notes.
- Lo mein noodles (fresh or dried): The stars that carry the sauce and ingredients—perfectly chewy and satisfying.
- Oyster sauce: Deepens the umami flavor and gives a gentle sweetness to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances salty and tangy elements for a harmonious glaze on everything.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and enriches the savory sauce base.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, locking in flavors and creating crisp- tender veggies.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The soul of this recipe, delivering bold aromatic punch in every bite.
- Bell peppers: Thinly sliced red and green varieties bring beautiful color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add depth and a tender texture contrast.
- Shredded carrots: Offer a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange brightness.
- Green onions for garnish: Fresh and crisp, they provide a lovely finishing touch with mild onion flavor.
- Optional snow peas or broccoli florets: Great for adding extra green veggies and crunch if you like.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start strong by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. This marinade is crucial because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with savory, slightly tangy flavors that will shine through every bite. Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes ensures the flavors fully penetrate for juicy, flavorful meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles
While the chicken marinates, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the lo mein noodles until just al dente—this means they still have a little bite rather than getting too soft. Drain and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch. Toss with a tablespoon of sesame oil to keep the noodles from sticking and add that unmistakable toasted aroma.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Next, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper into a smooth mixture. This sauce is the heart of your dish, balancing salty, sweet, and tangy flavors with a slightly thickened texture that will cling beautifully to noodles and chicken alike.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over high heat, then add your marinated chicken. Stir-fry it until cooked through and a little browned, locking in those savory flavors. Remove and set aside briefly. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant (just about 30 seconds). Toss in your sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and shredded carrots, cooking until they are tender-crisp. If using snow peas or broccoli, add them near the end for a quick 2-3 minutes stir-fry so they retain their bright green color and crunch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer. This step thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add back the cooked chicken and the lo mein noodles, then toss everything together, making sure every piece is coated in that luscious garlic sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to marry all the components perfectly and give it that freshly made, restaurant-quality finish.
Step 6: Serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Carefully transfer your fragrant, colorful lo mein to plates or bowls. A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions on top adds a final fresh note and pop of color. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its very best—warm, saucy, fragrant, and loaded with flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic garnishing choice here, lending a mild, sharp freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce and highlights the garlic flavor. Sometimes a few toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top aren’t just pretty—they add a delightful nutty crunch that makes every bite interesting.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this into a full feast, serving your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe alongside simple sides like steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad works wonders. These complement the rich noodles and add variety in texture and temperature to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the lo mein in individual lettuce cups for a finger-friendly version or plate it over a bed of fresh baby spinach for added greens. A wedge of lime on the side can also provide a zesty spritz that awakens the deep garlic and soy flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up the sauce a bit, but reheating with a splash of water or broth helps refresh the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the noodles might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lo mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, a quick microwave reheat covered with a damp paper towel works in a pinch but may cause slight noodle chewiness.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is classic, shrimp, beef strips, or tofu work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the protein stays tender and juicy.
What’s the best noodle to use if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
Fresh lo mein noodles are ideal, but dried lo mein or thin egg noodles are great substitutes. If you’re in a pinch, spaghetti can also stand in quite well, though the texture will differ slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and chicken broth, using vegetable broth instead. Load up on extra mushrooms, tofu, and any veggies you love. Just swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative to keep that rich umami flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe focuses on savory garlic and umami flavors with a mild heat from white pepper but is not spicy. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! You can marinate chicken overnight and prep veggies ahead to save time. Just cook noodles fresh or undercook slightly for meal prep to avoid mushiness when reheated.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making a Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe at home that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with vibrant colors and robust flavors. It’s a satisfying dish that feels special yet simple enough for any night of the week. I hope this recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and whip up this comforting classic—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe offers a perfect balance of tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce tossed with noodles for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Asian-inspired meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s easy to make at home and sure to please the entire family.
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 & 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 with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente (about 3-5 minutes for fresh noodles, longer for dried). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Toss with 1 tablespoon 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 until fully combined and the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. If using, add snow peas or broccoli now and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Combine All Ingredients: 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 and noodles to the wok, tossing to evenly coat everything with the sauce. Stir-fry another 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer the lo mein to plates or bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor, up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Use fresh lo mein noodles if available for best texture, but dried or spaghetti work fine.
- Tossing noodles with sesame oil after cooking prevents them from sticking together.
- Add optional vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust sauce seasoning to taste; add chili flakes for some heat if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
