Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Obsession

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is more than just another stir-fry—it’s a flavorful, satisfying weeknight staple that balances rich garlic aromas with tender chicken and perfectly sauced noodles. In this guide, I’ll share my personal connection to this dish, break down the ingredients, walk you through every step, and show you how to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular request. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to master Garlic Chicken Lo Mein from scratch.

From College Cravings to Global Inspiration

I remember the first time I tried making Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. I was in college, craving Chinese takeout with a budget that didn’t agree. That night, I took a chance on a simple stir-fry of noodles, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken. It wasn’t perfect—but it sparked something. That dish became a foundation I kept coming back to, refining it each time. Today, it reflects a blend of simplicity and flavor I learned from years of travel and cooking. Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, to me, is comfort food that connects cultures, bringing bold garlic flavor and crispy veggies together in one wok. It’s the kind of meal that makes you stop and appreciate how good homemade can be.

When friends ask what I cook most often, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein tops the list. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it stores well, so leftovers make for the perfect next-day lunch. The garlic, chicken, and noodles speak for themselves, but it’s the stir-fried veggies and just-right sauce that take it over the top.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Obsession

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• Author: recipesloop.com
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a bold, quick, and delicious noodle stir-fry packed with garlic flavor, crisp vegetables, and juicy marinated chicken.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound chicken breasts, sliced

1 Fresno chili, sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

3 tablespoons oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

5 cloves garlic

1 inch ginger, chopped

2 scallions, chopped

2 carrots, julienned

1 red bell pepper, sliced

10–20 snow peas

7 ounces lo mein noodles, al dente

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Instructions

1. Mix chicken with chili, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp oil, cornstarch, and 1 grated garlic clove.

2. Let marinate while prepping other ingredients.

3. Boil noodles, drain, and drizzle with remaining sesame oil.

4. Whisk remaining soy sauce with 1 tbsp oil.

5. Stir-fry chicken until cooked through, remove from wok.

6. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and scallion whites in oil.

7. Add veggies and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

8. Add soy sauce mixture and noodles, toss gently.

9. Return chicken, toss to combine. Top with green scallions.

Notes

Add chili paste for heat. Try with shrimp or tofu. Best served fresh but stores up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, lo mein recipe, easy stir fry

The Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Ingredients You Need

The beauty of Garlic Chicken Lo Mein lies in its straightforward ingredient list. It uses pantry staples with a few fresh components that pack in flavor.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  
• 1 Fresno chili, sliced
  
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
  
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
  
• 3 tablespoons oil, divided
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 5 cloves garlic, divided
  
• 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
  
• 2 scallions, chopped
  
• 2 large carrots, julienned
  
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
• 10–20 snow peas
  
• 7 ounces lo mein noodles, boiled to al dente
  

What makes this dish so crave-worthy is the garlic. It’s not just a background note—it’s the main character. Pairing that with sesame oil and soy sauce creates a base that clings beautifully to the noodles.

And if you love heat, the Fresno chili adds just enough spice to make your tastebuds dance. I’ve tried variations using chicken thigh for richness or adding bok choy for a little crunch. Either way, it holds its own beside similar favorites like Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken or Bang Bang Chicken Bites.

Why Each Ingredient Makes a Difference : Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken breast keeps the dish lean but satisfying. The cornstarch is key—it locks in moisture and helps the chicken brown nicely. Garlic and ginger form the aromatic base, while the chili boosts the flavor with a fresh, light heat.

Snow peas give that classic snap, and the carrots and bell pepper provide color and texture. These vegetables don’t just taste good—they balance the dish nutritionally. For the sauce, sesame oil and soy sauce build umami depth without overwhelming the natural taste of the vegetables and chicken.

Want a twist? Try the same flavor profile with shrimp like in Firecracker Shrimp or swap in tofu for a plant-based variation. Lo mein is all about building layers of flavor in simple steps—and this mix delivers exactly that.

How to Prepare the Chicken for Perfect Texture

Start by marinating the chicken. Mix it with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon oil, the sliced chili, and cornstarch. Grate 1 clove of garlic into the mix. Let that sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Boil the lo mein noodles to al dente, drain, and drizzle with the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. This step gives you time to build flavor in the wok and ensures your noodles stay separate and easy to toss later.

In a wok over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the pieces are opaque and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

This technique, similar to what’s used in dishes like Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, locks in flavor while keeping the meat juicy.

Vegetables and Noodles: Bringing It All Together

Add more oil to the same wok if needed. Mince the remaining four garlic cloves and toss them in with the ginger and the white part of the scallions. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute.

Next, add the bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas. Cook for another five minutes until they’re slightly soft but still vibrant. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir in a sauce made from the remaining soy sauce and oil.

Add the noodles and toss gently to coat. Return the chicken to the wok and mix it all together. The key here is to avoid over-mixing, which can break the noodles or turn the veggies mushy.

Want to go bolder? Stir in a spoon of chili garlic paste or top with toasted sesame seeds like I often do when serving with Jalapeno Peach Chicken.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein the Right Way

Serve Garlic Chicken Lo Mein immediately, while hot and glossy from the pan. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions for a fresh bite. This dish pairs well with a simple side like Lazy French Onion Soup or even something sweet like Carrot Pineapple Cake.

If you’re prepping for guests, plate Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in a wide bowl for easy twirling. Chopsticks optional—but highly recommended. The lo mein noodles are thick enough to grab sauce well, and they shine best when not overcrowded on the plate.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Storage Tips and Easy Customizations

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, use a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.

Want to change things up next time? Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. Try mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas for veggie variation. You can even experiment with the sauce—add hoisin, oyster sauce, or a bit of brown sugar for sweetness.

Some versions I’ve made borrow from my Marry Me Shrimp Orzo recipe by adding chili crisp or roasted garlic. Once you’ve got the technique down, the possibilities are endless.

Conclusion: Bringing Flavor and Joy to Your Kitchen

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the dish I return to time and time again. It’s reliable, flavorful, and flexible enough to suit any craving. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this recipe is a reminder that great meals don’t need to be complicated. Just a few fresh ingredients, a hot wok, and the confidence to get cooking.

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FAQ Section About Garlic Chicken Lo Mein