Whenever you feel like a simple meal to satisfy your craving for takeout, go for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Weeknights are usually busy, and I make this mainly because it is a really fast, really flavorful dish that uses really simple pantry items. The garlic, tender chicken, and soy-sauce-coated noodles only need one pan, so cleanup will not take long.

What is Garlic Chicken Lo Mein All About?

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a Chinese-style noodle dish prepared with stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and lo mein noodles, interspersed in a garlic sauce that is a little sweet. It has just the right balance of salty, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors. The best part is, you can simply throw in whatever veggies you have in your fridge, no questions asked, making this a flexible and family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Veggies

1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Noodles

8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got)

For the Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Boil noodles as specified on the package, then drain. Set them aside.
In a pan, warm up oil to a moderately high heat and cook the chicken pieces till they are golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
Cook for 3-4 minutes with vegetables, continuing to stir-fry until just tender.
Prepare the sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic in a small bowl.
Add the noodle mixture to the pan and pour the sauce over it in order to coat well.
Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions as the munch-per-vaiter!

Storage Tips

Store the leftovers in an airtight container within the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it with spring rolls or dumplings that make it a perfect takeout-style dinner!
Add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
Put crushed peanuts on top for some crunch.

Pro Tips & Variations

Switch the meat for tofu, shrimp, or beef.
Swap wheat bagels for vermicelli if you wish.
If you like garlic, throw in some more for even more flavor.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein without making it salty?

Yes! You can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of oyster sauce if necessary.

2. What vegetables can you use best?

Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all excellent choices.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of lo mein.

4. How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild as written, but chili paste work very well, or add some red pepper flakes to give it heat.

Try It!

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a true comfort food. It comes together quickly, is easily adaptable, and bursts with flavor. The next time you’re craving takeout, simply make it at home, and you won’t believe how easy and delicious it is. I assure you, it is going to be a weeknight favorite in your kitchen!