There’s something magical about a big, steaming bowl of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—tender noodles, juicy chicken, and crisp veggies all tossed in a garlicky, umami-rich sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spice. And the best part? You can whip this up in less time than it takes for takeout to arrive!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Versatile
Easily customizable with your favorite protein or veggies—perfect for cleaning out the fridge!
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple pantry staples and costs way less than takeout.
Quick and Easy
Ready in just 20 minutes—a true weeknight dinner lifesaver.
Customizable
Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit for both kids and adults—everyone loves a good noodle dish!

Ingredients in Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
This dish comes together with simple, flavorful ingredients that make it taste like a restaurant-quality meal.
Lo Mein Noodles
Soft and chewy, these noodles soak up all the garlicky goodness. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine works too!
Chicken Breast
Lean, tender, and packed with protein, chicken breast is the perfect addition. Feel free to swap for shrimp, beef, or tofu!
Garlic
The star of the show—adds bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
Soy Sauce
A must for umami richness and salty goodness. Use low-sodium if preferred!
Oyster Sauce
Gives the dish that signature takeout-style depth and slight sweetness.
Sesame Oil
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a nutty, smoky flavor.
Brown Sugar
Balances out the salty and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Ginger
Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the garlic beautifully.
Vegetables
Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas add crunch and freshness. Feel free to mix and match!
Green Onions
A fresh, slightly peppery garnish that ties everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein comes together in just a few easy steps:
Cook the Noodles
Boil your lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken
In a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, add a little oil and cook the sliced chicken until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Vegetables
Toss in the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Pour it over the veggies and stir to coat.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and dig in!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- As a Standalone Meal – It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying all on its own.
- With a Side of Egg Rolls or Dumplings – Perfect for a takeout-style feast at home.
- Spicy Kick – Drizzle with sriracha or chili crisp for an extra heat boost.
- Extra Crunch – Top with crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots for texture.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—it makes all the difference!
- Don’t overcook the veggies—they should still have a little crunch.
- Swap the protein—try shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
- Make it saucier—double the sauce ingredients if you love extra coating on your noodles.
FAQ’s
- Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti or linguine makes a great substitute. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce. - Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat! - Can I freeze Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. - What other veggies can I add?
Mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, or baby corn are great options! - How do I prevent mushy noodles?
Rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the sauce separately and toss everything together when ready to eat. - What’s a good side dish?
A simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings pair perfectly. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the ultimate quick and delicious dinner that beats takeout any day. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich garlicky sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes—what’s not to love?
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian / Chinese
Description
A savory and satisfying dish that features tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed with lo mein noodles in a fragrant, garlicky sauce. This stir-fry delivers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in a little water)
For the Vegetables & Noodles:
• 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
For Garnish:
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onions
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, water, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside. -
Cook the Noodles:
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside. -
Stir-Fry the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and slightly browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the red bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp. -
Combine & Sauce:
Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked noodles and green onions. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together. Stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the ingredients.
-
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger according to your taste preference.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli or baby corn.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes during stir-frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg