Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how on earth you’ll whip up something delicious, fast, and satisfying? Girl, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. That’s why Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is my go-to lifesaver—and it might just become yours, too.
Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and those irresistible slurp-worthy noodles, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to serve a meal that feels like a little celebration. Plus, it’s brimming with garlicky goodness that makes your kitchen smell like heaven (and might just lure your family out of hiding).
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to keep your sanity intact, this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein brings big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Let’s make magic happen!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Fast & Fabulous: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish—no marathon cooking sessions here!
- Better Than Takeout: Fresher, healthier, and way more flavorful than your favorite takeout joint.
- Veggie-Packed: Sneaks in colorful veggies even picky eaters might gobble up.
- Customizable: Use chicken breast, thighs, or even swap in shrimp or tofu if that’s your jam.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the Lo Mein
- 8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the star of the show!)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Give it a good toss so every piece is coated. Let it hang out and marinate while you tackle the other ingredients. This quick marinade works wonders for keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
2. Cook the Noodles
Bring a big pot of water to a boil and cook your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti—no judgment!) according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain, then toss them with a splash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Set aside.
3. Whip Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and toasted sesame oil. This sauce is your secret weapon—it’s savory, a little sweet, and loaded with umami.
4. Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic (and ginger if you’re using it) and sauté for about 30 seconds—don’t blink, because garlic burns faster than you’d think!
Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender and bright.
6. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in your sauce and toss everything together. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every piece beautifully.
Add in the noodles and green onions. Toss gently to combine, and let it heat through for another minute. Garnish with a few reserved green onions, and you’re ready to serve!
Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Even just 10 minutes makes your chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Prep Everything First: This recipe moves fast once you start cooking—have all your veggies chopped and sauce ready to go!
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper if you like things spicy.
- No Lo Mein Noodles? Spaghetti works like a charm in a pinch.
Fun fact: The first time I made this dish for my family, my kids actually cheered when I said it was for dinner. That’s when I knew it was a keeper.

FAQs About Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, Beef, or even tofu work beautifully in this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. Just adjust the cooking times so your protein doesn’t overcook.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen veggies are a lifesaver for busy nights. Toss them in directly from the freezer and stir-fry until heated through.
Let’s Make Dinner Magical
If your weeknights have been feeling a little chaotic (whose haven’t?), this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein might just be your new secret weapon. It’s quick, deeply flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying—a perfect example of how a simple dish can taste like pure magic.
Give it a try this week, and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Happy cooking—and may your kitchen always smell delightfully garlicky.
More Delicious Recipes to Explore
If you’re craving more tasty meals after making this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, I’ve got plenty of delicious ideas to keep your kitchen exciting. Check out these other reader favorites that pair wonderfully with the flavors and style of this dish:
- Love garlicky Chinese dishes? Don’t miss my savory and saucy Chicken in Garlic Sauce (Chinese) — it’s another weeknight winner bursting with flavor.
- For a creamy twist on garlic and chicken, try my comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken — it’s pure comfort food heaven.
- Keep the noodle vibes going with my luscious Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata — a delightful fusion of tender chicken and creamy cheese.
- Or venture into a spicy, Asian-inspired pasta adventure with my bold and flavorful Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta for a fun dinner twist.
Each of these dishes brings its own magic to the table and might just become your new go-to recipe. Happy exploring!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful stir-fry loaded with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and noodles tossed in a savory garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the Lo Mein
8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup snap peas or snow peas
3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Optional: 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat and set aside while preparing other ingredients.Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic (and ginger, if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in sauce and toss to coat. Simmer 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add noodles and green onions, toss gently, and heat through for 1 more minute. Garnish with reserved green onions and serve!
Notes
Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
Spice lovers can add sriracha or chili flakes for heat.
Spaghetti noodles work well if you can’t find lo mein.
Prep all veggies and sauce in advance—the cooking goes quickly!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg