Easy Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of Chinese food, you'll adore this homemade Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. The stir-fry noodles are coated in a rich sauce with a perfect balance of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce. Add in the tender chicken breast, fresh garlic, and crisp vegetables, and you have a meal that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal dish when you're craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust the veggies and seasonings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz lo mein noodles

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon 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

1. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute, then add the vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles and sauce mixture. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.

• Protein Options:pork for a different protein twist.pork for a You can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or even pork for a different protein twist.

• More Heat: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat in your lo mein.

• Noodle Choices: Swap lo mein noodles for udon, soba, or rice noodles for a different texture.

• Sauce Adjustments: If you like a sweeter flavor, add a little more hoisin sauce. For more savory, increase the soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn. Just make sure to stir-fry them until they're tender-crisp.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and choosing gluten-free noodles.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables will work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and slicing the chicken. However, it’s best to cook the noodles and stir-fry the dish fresh to keep the flavors vibrant.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to give it some heat if you prefer.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little sugar for a similar flavor.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil.

How do I make the noodles less sticky?

After cooking the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. You can also toss them in a bit of oil before using them in the recipe.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or wok to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Can I add more garlic to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra minced garlic to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a simple and flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, savory sauce, and crisp vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this easy stir-fry. Happy cooking!