If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to whip up, and guaranteed to satisfy every single time, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and noodles drenched in a savory garlic sauce, this recipe combines everything you love about takeout but made fresh and perfectly tailored to your taste. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and colors that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe lies in its use of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create an incredible dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing layers of savory depth, delightful texture, and colorful appeal.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for tender, juicy bites in every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds saltiness and umami, the backbone of our marinade’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a smooth marinade that locks in moisture and adds a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry): Just enough acidity to brighten and balance the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant touch that infuses nutty warmth into the chicken and noodles.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a gentle spice that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Offers subtle heat without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 pound fresh or dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): This is the foundation of the dish, perfectly chewy and ready to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Additional 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Used to keep noodles from sticking and to enhance flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: For the main sauce, layering in that classic savory goodness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, deep umami note that elevates the sauce to crave-worthy territory.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats every noodle strand.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Boosts the sauce’s aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry): Continues to brighten the sauce’s layers.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: To keep the sauce’s spiciness subtle yet present.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for high-heat stir-frying without burning the garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the recipe, delivering bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 inch ginger, minced: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy counterpoint to the garlic.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: For sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp texture and complementary pepper flavor.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button): Earthy and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Bring a fresh sweetness and bright contrast to the savory elements.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish): Final pop of color and a mild onion bite for freshness.
- Optional: 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets: Perfect for adding extra crunch and nutrients.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a marinade made of soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. This step is absolutely crucial because it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with layers of flavor. Let it rest covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those savory notes – patience here means every bite will melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles
While the chicken marinates, boil your lo mein noodles according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. This ensures they are chewy yet tender. Once drained, rinse them under cold water to halt cooking and rinse away excess starch, preventing clumping. Toss noodles lightly in sesame oil to keep them slippery and full of that gorgeous toasty flavor we all love in garlic chicken lo mein.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and white pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This sauce is the magic that ties the entire dish together – it’s savory with a subtle sweetness and a velvety texture that clings to every noodle strand.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat up vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet on high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the pieces are cooked through and lightly browned, creating a perfect savory crust. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining oil then quickly stir-fry minced garlic and ginger until fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds and is the aromatic heart of the recipe. Follow with the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and shredded carrots, stir-frying until they’re tender but still crisp, adding any optional snow peas or broccoli last for a bright, fresh crunch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly. Return the cooked chicken and noodles to the pan, tossing everything to ensure each bite is coated with that gorgeous sauce. Stir-fry for another couple of minutes to meld all the flavors perfectly. This step is where the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe really comes alive with bold, balanced flavors that are irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your fragrant, saucy noodles to plates or bowls and sprinkle with fresh sliced green onions for a final splash of color and bite. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference, and in this recipe, vibrant green onions add a burst of freshness. For a little crunch, toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top are an incredible addition, and if you like heat, a few red pepper flakes can bring that extra zing. These simple garnishes not only make the dish pop visually but add layers of fresh flavors and textures.
Side Dishes
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein pairs beautifully with light and crunchy sides such as steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. A fresh cucumber salad or a simple egg drop soup can also complement it nicely, adding variety to your meal without overshadowing the main attraction. These sides keep the meal balanced and allow the lo mein’s rich flavors to shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Serve your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a handheld experience that adds a refreshing bite. For a family-style meal, place the lo mein in a large communal bowl with colorful garnishes on top, inviting everyone to dig in together. You can even create mini lo mein bowls as party appetizers—just portion the noodles into small ramekins or edible bowls carved from bell peppers for a sensational presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (which is rare because it’s that good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, but be sure to let the food cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for later by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but expect some texture changes in the vegetables after thawing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve as much flavor and texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the noodles and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of lo mein noodles?
Absolutely! While fresh lo mein noodles are ideal, you can substitute with dried lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or even thin egg noodles. Just cook according to package directions and keep their texture al dente so they don’t become mushy during stir-frying.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider omitting oyster sauce or using a vegetarian version to keep it plant-friendly while still packing big flavor.
What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
No worries! Dry sherry works just as well as rice wine vinegar in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe, adding the needed acidity and depth. You can also use a mild white vinegar, but keep the quantity the same to maintain balance.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To kick up the heat, add chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chilies when stir-frying the garlic and ginger. You could also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top at the end or serve with a drizzle of Sriracha. Spice it up to your liking!
How long does the marinade need to be?
While 30 minutes is the minimum to let the chicken soak up the flavors, marinating for 1 to 2 hours or even overnight will deepen the taste and tenderness. Just be sure not to marinate for too long if using acidic ingredients to avoid mushy chicken pieces.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to meal for so many occasions. Once you try it, I guarantee it will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, comforting taste of this fantastic dish with those you love most!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers delicious results with a balanced mix of textures and bold flavors.
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 (divided)
- 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 bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Prepare the Lo Mein Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente—typically 3-5 minutes for fresh noodles or 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 and set aside.
- 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 the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce 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 cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it 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 the sliced red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. If using snow peas or broccoli florets, 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. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the cooked chicken and the prepared noodles to the wok. Toss well to combine and ensure the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors melded.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked lo mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Rinsing noodles under cold water after boiling stops them from overcooking and prevents clumping.
- You can substitute spaghetti or linguine if lo mein noodles are unavailable.
- Adjust the vegetable selections based on availability or preference; snap peas or broccoli work well.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt content.
