Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

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Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is that perfect marriage of savory, saucy noodles and tender chicken bursting with garlicky goodness. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, complete with stir-fried veggies, silky lo mein noodles, and a rich soy-based sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a takeout craving or want something fast and satisfying for dinner, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.

The beauty of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein lies in its simplicity. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a bold, flavorful, and customizable meal on your plate. Packed with vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and a mouthwatering sauce, this dish fits weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even next-day lunches. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly earns a spot in your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or even tofu for a meatless version.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour it.
• Better Than Takeout: You control the ingredients, flavors, and portions.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

Before diving into the sizzling skillet of deliciousness, let’s talk tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking Garlic Chicken Lo Mein a breeze and ensures everything comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Must-Have Tools:

• Wok or Large Non-Stick Skillet: This is essential for getting that authentic sear and quick stir-fry action. Its high sides and large surface area let you toss the noodles and veggies without crowding.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision is key when thinly slicing the chicken and chopping vegetables evenly to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
• Cutting Board: A stable, clean surface for prepping your ingredients safely and efficiently.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helps you easily stir, flip, and toss ingredients in the wok without damaging the non-stick surface.
• Large Pot for Noodles: Boil your lo mein noodles separately until just tender before adding them to the wok.
• Colander: To drain your cooked noodles quickly and prevent sogginess.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for preparing and whisking the sauce ingredients together ahead of time.

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Preparation Tips

Making Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is simple, but a few smart tips can really elevate your dish:

• Prep Everything First: Stir-frying moves fast. Chop your veggies, slice the chicken, and mix your sauce before turning on the heat.
• Use High Heat: This locks in flavor and texture quickly, giving that “wok hei” taste (the coveted smoky stir-fry flavor).
• Dry Ingredients Well: Excess moisture can make the stir-fry soggy. Pat your chicken and veggies dry before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook them so they finish cooking in the sauce and absorb more flavor.
• Layer the Sauce: Add it toward the end so it coats everything without burning in the pan.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this savory, saucy, and satisfying dish. These ingredients are easy to find and pack a serious punch of flavor.

For the Lo Mein:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)
• 1 cup bean sprouts (optional but adds crunch)
• 3 green onions, chopped

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for slightly thickening the sauce)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Optional Add-ons: Crushed red pepper flakes (for a kick), sesame seeds, or a dash of rice vinegar for tang.

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Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them in a colander, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and toss with a splash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking. Set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth, minced garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until smooth and set it aside so it’s ready to go when the pan gets hot.

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Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

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Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, and toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry over high heat for 3–4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant. Add the bean sprouts and green onions in the final minute of cooking.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in the garlic sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

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Step 6: Add the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together using tongs or two spatulas. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and everything is well combined.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a light drizzle of chili oil for an extra flavor boost.

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Notes

• Protein Swap: Not feeling chicken? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Noodle Options: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, substitute with yakisoba, ramen (discard the seasoning), or even spaghetti or linguine.
• Sauce Depth: Add a teaspoon of rice vinegar or fresh lime juice at the end if you like a hint of brightness to cut through the richness.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and portion it out for ready-to-go weekday lunches.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan: Crowding the wok or skillet steams the ingredients instead of stir-frying them. Cook in batches if needed to keep everything sizzling and seared.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Mushy noodles will ruin the texture. Cook them al dente and finish them in the sauce to absorb flavor without going soft.
• Skipping the Prep: This recipe moves fast once you start cooking. Make sure everything—sauce, chopped veggies, and sliced chicken—is ready before you heat up the pan.
• Using Too Much Sauce: It’s tempting, but too much sauce can drown the noodles. Stick to the proportions unless you’re making extra servings.
• Not Drying Ingredients: Wet chicken or veggies will prevent browning and lead to a soggy stir-fry. Pat everything dry with paper towels.
• Cooking Chicken Too Long: Thin slices cook quickly—overcooking will make them tough. Remove from the heat as soon as they’re done.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Depending on your soy or oyster sauce brand, salt levels can vary. Always taste before serving and tweak with a splash of soy sauce or sugar if needed.

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What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a complete dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides or small bites can elevate your mealtime into a full-blown feast. Whether you’re setting up a casual dinner or an Asian-inspired dinner spread, these accompaniments bring balance, texture, and flavor to the table.

8 Recommendations

1. Steamed Dumplings
   Soft and juicy, these are perfect to start your meal. Go with chicken, pork, or veggie dumplings dipped in soy-vinegar sauce.
2. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
   Crispy on the outside, filled with veggies and meat on the inside—egg rolls add crunch and that classic takeout vibe.
3. Hot and Sour Soup
   A small bowl before your main dish helps stimulate the palate with its tangy, spicy, and savory balance.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad
   Refreshing, crunchy, and lightly tangy, this salad cuts through the richness of the noodles and resets your taste buds.
5. Fried Rice
   If you’re hosting or serving a big crowd, garlic chicken lo mein and fried rice are an unbeatable combo.
6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy or Chinese Broccoli
   Lightly sautéed greens with garlic or ginger pair perfectly without overpowering the main dish.
7. Crab Rangoon
   These creamy, crispy treats make for a great appetizer and contrast well with the savory noodle dish.
8. Sweet Chili Edamame
   Spicy and slightly sweet, edamame makes a healthy, snackable side that’s fun to eat.

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Storage Instructions

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a dream when it comes to leftovers—it stores well, reheats beautifully, and can even be frozen for future cravings. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

Refrigeration:

• Storage Time: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and revive the noodles. Microwave is also fine, but stir halfway to heat evenly.

Freezing:

• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze lo mein in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Thawing & Reheating: Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or microwave. Note: the texture of the noodles may soften slightly after freezing.

Pro Tip: Freeze in portion sizes for quick, individual meals during busy weeks.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

This dish offers a good balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbs, making it satisfying and relatively healthy when enjoyed in moderation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

### 1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great. Just add it toward the end when mixing with the sauce and veggies to prevent overcooking.

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2. What kind of noodles should I use for Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with yakisoba, ramen (without seasoning packets), spaghetti, or even linguine if needed.

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3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in the sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is vegetarian or replace it with more soy sauce and a touch of sugar.

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4. Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, a gluten-free hoisin sauce, and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or soba made from 100% buckwheat.

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5. Can I add eggs like in fried rice?

Yes, you can scramble an egg or two in the pan before adding the veggies for a more protein-rich and textured dish.

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6. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

After boiling, rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking until you’re ready to stir-fry.

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7. What vegetables go best in this lo mein?

Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and cabbage all work beautifully. Feel free to mix and match depending on what’s in your fridge.

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8. Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. The cooked dish also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

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Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—quick, flavorful, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re trying to impress guests, feed the family, or whip up a last-minute weeknight dinner, this recipe checks every box. With a savory garlic-forward sauce, tender chicken, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s no wonder this is a beloved favorite that tastes even better than takeout.

So grab your wok, toss in those noodles, and savor the magic of homemade Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. You’ll be making this on repeat!

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