Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Obsession
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and easy-to-make weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in garlic and chili, stir-fried with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory soy and sesame sauce. This dish balances the richness of garlic and the freshness of vibrant veggies, making it an irresistible meal for any night of the week.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 Fresno chili, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic (4 cloves minced + 1 grated)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 10–20 snow peas
Carbohydrates
- 7 ounces lo mein noodles, cooked al dente
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Others
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken breasts with the sliced Fresno chili, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, cornstarch, and 1 clove of garlic that has been grated. Allow the chicken to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the lo mein noodles until al dente, about 3-4 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain well and drizzle the noodles with the remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking and add a subtle nutty flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. This sauce will be added later during stir-frying to coat the vegetables and noodles.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same wok, add a bit more vegetable oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and the white parts of the scallions until fragrant, roughly 1-2 minutes. This step builds a rich aromatic base for the dish.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat until they become tender yet crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: Pour the prepared soy sauce and oil mixture over the vegetables, then add the cooked noodles. Toss gently to combine and evenly coat the noodles and vegetables with the sauce.
- Reintroduce Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to blend the flavors well and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein to serving plates and garnish with the green parts of the chopped scallions. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Fresno chili or a dash of chili flakes during the marinade step.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Use fresh lo mein or egg noodles if available for more authentic texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to retain their crunch and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a wok or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, Chicken Lo Mein, Easy Lo Mein, Weeknight Dinner, Stir-Fry Noodles, Chinese Takeout Recipe