If you’ve ever craved a steaming bowl of saucy, garlicky noodles that taste just like your favorite takeout—but better—this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Best of all? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, start to finish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to beat the takeout blues, this one-pan wonder delivers.

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and perfectly chewy noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet garlic-soy sauce. And don’t worry—if you’re new to cooking lo mein at home, I’ll walk you through every step. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Key Benefits

Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners can feel like a drag. That’s where this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein steps in. It checks all the right boxes:

• Quick and easy: 30 minutes from prep to plate.

• One pan = less cleanup: Who wants a pile of dishes after dinner?

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.

• Delicious leftovers: It reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep.

No need for special tools or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’ve got a skillet, some soy sauce, and garlic, you’re halfway there.

Suitable For

This recipe works for just about everyone:

• Beginners: The steps are straightforward and forgiving.

• Families: Even picky eaters love noodles.

• Meal preppers: It stores and reheats beautifully.

• Budget cooks: Simple, inexpensive ingredients with big payoff.

It’s also easy to tweak if you’re cooking for dietary needs—gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian versions are totally doable with just a few swaps.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

You don’t need a long list of fancy items to make something this tasty. These are pantry staples and fridge-friendly basics that come together in a sauce that’s way more flavorful than anything in a bottle.

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this lo mein to life:

• Chicken – Breast or thigh meat, thinly sliced. Thighs add more moisture and flavor, but both work great.

• Garlic – Don’t hold back. Freshly minced garlic gives this dish its bold signature.

• Soy Sauce – Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt.

• Sesame Oil – Adds that unmistakable nutty depth.

• Oyster Sauce – Brings richness and umami. You can skip it, but it really rounds out the flavor.

• Hoisin Sauce (optional) – Adds a hint of sweetness.

• Ginger – Fresh is best, but ground works in a pinch.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – A touch of heat if you like it spicy.

• Lo Mein Noodles – Or spaghetti or linguine, if that’s what’s in the pantry.

• Vegetables – Carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas give it crunch, color, and freshness.

• Green Onions – For garnish and a mild onion flavor at the end.

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking for different tastes or diets? No problem.

• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Tofu absorbs flavor wonderfully.

• Noodle alternatives: Spaghetti or linguine work perfectly. Rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

• More veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, or zucchini all stir-fry beautifully here.

• No oyster sauce? Add a bit more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for balance.

• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip hoisin for a lighter version.

This recipe is all about balance, but also flexibility. Use what you have, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Best Noodles for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Let’s talk noodles. After all, they’re the heart of the dish.

Lo mein traditionally uses fresh Chinese egg noodles—they’re thick, chewy, and soak up sauce like a dream. If you can’t find them, don’t stress. Spaghetti or linguine are excellent stand-ins. The key is to avoid overcooking them. You want them al dente so they hold up when tossed in the sauce.

For a gluten-free version, rice noodles work well, though they won’t have quite the same chew. Rinse them in cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy setup to pull this off. In fact, you probably already have everything you need.

Must-Have Tools

• Large skillet or wok – High heat and space for tossing everything together.

• Tongs or spatula – Makes stir-frying easy.

• Cutting board and knife – For slicing the chicken and veggies.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press – Speeds things up if you’re short on time.

• Noodle strainer – Helps drain pasta quickly and cleanly.

• Vegetable peeler or spiralizer – Great if you’re adding extra veg like zucchini or carrots.

The best part? This is a one-pan recipe once the noodles are cooked. Less mess, more flavor.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Making Garlic Chicken Lo Mein at home might sound like something best left to your favorite takeout spot—but I promise, it’s easier than you think. Once everything is prepped, it all comes together in one skillet, fast. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right the first time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using traditional lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine, you want them just shy of al dente—they’ll finish cooking when tossed with the sauce.

Tip: After draining, give the noodles a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from clumping.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While your noodles are cooking, whisk up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir it all together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This is where all the flavor lives—garlicky, savory, just a little sweet, with a kick if you like it spicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for 2–3 minutes before flipping.

Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches so the chicken browns instead of steams.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in:

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets

Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still crisp. You want them to hold their texture—not go limp.

Optional: Add a handful of sliced mushrooms or baby spinach here for extra depth and color.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Time to bring it all together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained noodles. Pour the sauce over the top.

Using tongs or a large spatula, toss everything together until well coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles.

You’ll see it transform into that glossy, flavorful dish you’d swear came from a restaurant.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and serve hot. If you like a little crunch, toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of chili oil make a great finishing touch.

Tips for Success

A great stir-fry is all about timing and preparation. Here’s how to set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free cooking session:

• Prep everything before you start: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have your chicken sliced, veggies chopped, and sauce mixed ahead of time.

• Use high heat: A hot skillet gives you that signature stir-fry flavor.

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly underdone noodles hold up better when tossed with sauce.

• Add sauce last: Pour it in once everything is cooked, then toss well so it coats evenly.

• Customize it: Don’t be afraid to use what you have—leftover roasted veggies, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked noodles.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

This recipe makes great leftovers and is totally meal-prep friendly. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

At Room Temperature

Once cooked, serve immediately. If you’re leaving it out for a buffet or potluck, don’t let it sit for more than 2 hours.

In the Refrigerator

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles if they’ve absorbed all the sauce.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions, tightly sealed. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave with a little water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?

Yes, and it works beautifully. Spaghetti or linguine is a great substitute if you can’t find lo mein noodles. Just cook them al dente and follow the same steps.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or just double up on the veggies. Skip the oyster sauce or use a vegan alternative. The sauce is still packed with flavor even without meat.

How spicy is it?

That’s up to you. The base recipe has a gentle heat from red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to dial up or down. Add sriracha, chili oil, or more flakes for a spicy kick.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes. Garlic Chicken Lo Mein holds up really well in the fridge and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner for days. Store in single-serve containers to grab and go.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, you might enjoy these other savory stir-fry and noodle dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor.

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Perfect for seafood lovers.

• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: A fun twist with bold flavor.

• Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: Quick and hearty pasta dinner.

• 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef: A fast, bold noodle fix.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your favorite takeout dish at home—and nailing it. This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort, all in one pan. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for a special occasion.

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