Garlic Chicken Lo Mein (Better Than Takeout)
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a bold, flavor-packed noodle dish loaded with tender chicken, garlicky goodness, fresh ginger, and colorful vegetables—all tossed in a savory Asian-style sauce. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but tastes just like your favorite takeout (or better!). If you love garlicky stir-fry noodles, this recipe is about to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with garlic & ginger flavor
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Better and fresher than takeout
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
For the Lo Mein Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For the Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic & Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the garlic sauce.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Lo Mein
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they should stay slightly chewy
- Use fresh garlic generously (this is garlic lo mein!)
- High heat = better stir-fry flavor
- Prep all ingredients before cooking (it goes fast!)
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Lo Mein: Add chili oil or red pepper flakes
- Veggie Lo Mein: Skip chicken and double the vegetables
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Swap chicken for shrimp
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth
- Microwave works too, stirring halfway
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~540 kcal per serving (approximate)