Thank you so much for stopping by — I’m so happy you’re here! Today’s recipe is one that brings the comfort of takeout right to your kitchen, in a fresh, fast, and flavor-packed way. This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a weeknight dream: quick to whip up, loaded with garlic-soy flavor, and tossed with tender noodles, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies.
If you love cozy bowls of noodles that hit every savory note and come together in under 30 minutes — you’re going to adore this one.
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What Is Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Lo Mein is a Chinese-American classic that features soft egg noodles tossed with vegetables, protein, and a glossy, savory sauce. This version stars juicy chicken and garlic — LOTS of garlic — stir-fried with crisp veggies and tossed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every noodle.
Think of it as comfort food with a kick — fast, filling, and way better than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Lo Mein
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Big garlic flavor in every bite
- Better-than-takeout results with simple ingredients
- Flexible with protein and veggie options
- Meal-prep friendly and totally satisfying
What It Tastes Like
Garlicky, savory, a little sweet, and completely slurp-worthy. The noodles are coated in a glossy soy-based sauce, the chicken is seared and juicy, and the veggies stay crisp-tender. The garlic is front and center, and that’s exactly how we like it!
Ingredients
- Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic paste (optional)
- Veggies (mix & match):
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas or broccoli
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Saucepan for noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or a wooden spoon
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- No chicken? Use shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef.
- Low-carb? Swap noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Want heat? Add crushed red pepper or more chili sauce.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, cabbage, or bok choy all work beautifully.
If you’re in the mood to build a full spread, this makes a perfect pairing with something cheesy and hearty like this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash — trust me, it’s the best of both comfort worlds.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Cook the noodles per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit while prepping the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry veggies in the same pan for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, add cooked noodles and sauce. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot!
What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can level it up with:
- A crispy side like Pizza Monkey Bread for a fun fusion combo
- A fresh, flavor-packed Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread — sweet, savory, and stunning on the plate
- Or go with a light and cheesy side like Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
If you’re making this for a special occasion or cozy dinner night, don’t forget dessert! Try my Easy Strawberry Banana Bread for a sweet finish — or celebrate with a festive sip like Christmas Sangria with Prosecco (holiday or not, it works).
Short on time but craving a seafood option? Check out this 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp — quick, sweet, and perfectly garlicky!
Tips for Perfect Lo Mein
- Prep all ingredients before you start — stir-fries move fast!
- Use high heat to sear the chicken and veggies properly.
- Cook noodles just until al dente — they’ll finish in the sauce.
- Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly in sauce.
- Add a splash of reserved noodle water if it looks too dry.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
- Perfect for meal prep — just portion it out and you’re set for lunch all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different noodles?
Absolutely — ramen, udon, rice noodles, or even linguine all work great.
Is this spicy?
Only if you add heat! It’s easily adjustable to your preference.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes — especially if you like your lo mein extra saucy. Just be sure to taste as you go.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use hoisin in place of oyster sauce.
Let’s Wrap This Up
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a dinner hero — fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a weeknight or need a dish that’ll impress without the stress, this recipe is ready to shine.
Looking for more delicious inspiration? Try:
- Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread
- Pizza Monkey Bread
- 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Easy Strawberry Banana Bread
- Christmas Sangria with Prosecco
📌 Made it and loved it? Tag your noodles on Pinterest at TheKitchenJoyy! I live for seeing how you make these dishes your own. 🍜🧄✨
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and lo mein noodles tossed in a rich garlic-soy sauce. It's better-than-takeout and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches. One pan, big flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser!
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic paste (optional)
For the Stir Fry:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas or broccoli
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken by tossing it in soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes while prepping the sauce and veggies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken for 4–5 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from pan.
- Add more oil if needed and stir-fry the vegetables for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, then add the cooked noodles and sauce.
- Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
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Swap in shrimp, beef, or tofu for the chicken depending on what you have.
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Add extra heat with more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll continue to soften in the sauce.
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Great for leftovers! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of water.