Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Easy Meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a weeknight lifesaver—ready in just 25 minutes and full of bold flavors. The garlic sauce clings to every bite of noodles and veggies, while the chicken adds heartiness. It’s versatile, allowing easy substitutions for the protein or vegetables, and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, but fresher and lighter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)

For the sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Directions

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for 5–10 minutes.

2. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

5. In the same pan, sauté garlic (and ginger if using) until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

6. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.

7. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

8. Add noodles and green onions. Toss everything together and heat through. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes.

Variations

• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.

• Add broccoli, baby corn, or bok choy for extra vegetables.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes, chili paste, or Sriracha.

• Use whole-wheat noodles or gluten-free soy sauce for dietary preferences.

• For a lighter option, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the noodles may lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?

Yes, spaghetti works as a great substitute when lo mein noodles aren’t available.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.

What’s the best chicken cut for lo mein?

Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well if sliced thinly.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, broccoli, mushrooms, or baby bok choy are excellent additions.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add chili flakes, chili paste, or a drizzle of Sriracha.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth, but you can substitute with more soy sauce and a splash of fish sauce or skip it for a lighter flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, whisk it together and refrigerate—it keeps well for up to 3 days.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil while they sit.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I freeze Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of broth.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the comfort of takeout straight to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory garlic sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for weeknights or whenever the craving for Asian-inspired flavors strikes.

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