Introduction:
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout—but fresher, faster, and totally customizable. You get tender,
garlicky chicken, slurpable noodles coated in a savory-slightly-sweet sauce, and colorful veggies that stay crisp-tender instead of soggy.
It’s one of those meals that hits every comfort-food note: salty, saucy, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
The secret to great lo mein at home is all about timing and sauce balance. You cook noodles just until tender, sear the chicken quickly so
it stays juicy, then toss everything together with a glossy garlic sauce that clings to every strand. Once you learn the simple base
sauce, you can switch up the protein, use whatever veggies you have, and even adjust the flavor to be spicier, sweeter, or more
“umami-rich.” If you want a reliable 30-minute dinner that feels like a treat, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is it.
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
Noodles:
- 10–12 oz (280–340 g) lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine in a pinch)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for tossing noodles)
Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps velveting and keeps chicken tender)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable/canola/avocado)
Veggies (mix and match):
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cabbage (green or napa), thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Optional: mushrooms, snow peas, bean sprouts
Garlic lo mein sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended for classic lo mein flavor)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, adds sweet depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, it’s garlicky on purpose)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional, but great)
- Optional heat: 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
Optional garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
