Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic option for busy evenings when you want something quick, filling, and flavorful. The dish is versatile and can be adjusted with your favorite vegetables or protein. The noodles are coated in a rich, savory sauce with the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a comforting meal. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet or wok, meaning minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add the cooked chicken, lo mein noodles, and sauce mixture to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas.
- Different Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even pork if desired.
- Extra Spice: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have lo mein noodles, you can use soba noodles or rice noodles as a substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the noodles from sticking, make sure to rinse them with cold water after cooking. Toss them with a little oil before adding them to the skillet to keep them separate.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet. Fresh vegetables give the dish a better texture and flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. However, you can substitute gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a few teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just cook everything together when you’re ready to eat.
Can I add more sauce to the noodles?
If you prefer more sauce, feel free to double the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Just be sure to balance the flavors so it doesn’t get too salty.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon honey, though the flavor may be slightly different.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), or when it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Can I use another type of noodle for this dish?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables with delicious noodles. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal to satisfy your Chinese food cravings, this recipe is sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and endless variations, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy!
PrintGarlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, savory stir-fry made with tender chicken, vegetables, and lo mein noodles in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make dish features soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Customize with your favorite veggies or protein for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add the cooked chicken, lo mein noodles, and sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated in sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use frozen vegetables, but thaw and drain them first.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra spice.
- Lo mein noodles can be replaced with soba or rice noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Asian-Inspired, Stir Fry
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese