I used to think of Lo Mein as a lazy takeout choice quick, greasy, and something. I’d scarf down between deadlines. But that changed one quiet weekday morning when I woke up early, craving something warm and savory but without the weight of pancakes or the rush of a smoothie. I wanted noodles. Yes, noodles for breakfast. And not just any noodles I wanted Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, made fresh and steaming from my own skillet.
The kitchen was still wrapped in the golden hush of early light. I had some leftover chicken breast, a few garlic cloves begging to be used, and a nearly-forgotten pack of lo mein noodles tucked in the back of my pantry. Instead of reaching for a frying pan in the evening chaos like usual, I turned breakfast into a moment of calm and creativity.
It quick, energizing, packed with protein, and a hundred times better than cold cereal. One bite into that juicy chicken, glossy noodles, and garlicky goodness, and I knew I had stumbled onto a new favorite breakfast routine.
Short Description
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a quick, savory noodle dish packed with tender chicken breast, golden garlic, and springy lo mein noodles perfect for a satisfying breakfast or a fast, flavorful meal any time of day.
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell pepper, carrots, snow peas)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium pot (for boiling noodles)
- Tongs or cooking chopsticks
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional, for sauce prep)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions (typically 4–5 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a teaspoon of sesame oil and toss to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Garlic
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles on top.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Toss
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and an extra dash of sesame oil. Using tongs, toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot, preferably with a cup of green tea or miso broth for breakfast bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect for breakfast or lunch: A new take on savory morning meals
Loaded with flavor: Garlicky, umami-rich, and satisfying
Customizable: Easily swap in different proteins or veggies
Health-conscious: Light oil use, lean protein, and fiber from veggies
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcooking the noodles
Solution: Watch them closely and rinse immediately after boiling. Use cold water to stop the cooking and prevent mushy texture.
2. Not slicing chicken thin enough
Solution: Slice chicken breast thinly across the grain while it’s still slightly frozen this makes even strips that cook fast and stay juicy.
3. Skipping the rinse step for noodles
Solution: Always rinse cooked noodles to remove excess starch, or they’ll clump and turn sticky.
4. Using raw garlic too early
Solution: Garlic burns fast add it right before vegetables and stir constantly.
5. Adding sauce too late
Solution: Toss the sauce in while everything is hot so it melds and coats the ingredients evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve in shallow bowls with chopsticks or forks for an inviting breakfast.
– Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.
– Pair with a side of fresh fruit or cucumber salad for balance.
– For a heartier meal, serve alongside miso soup or steamed dumplings.
– Make it a brunch spread with iced green tea or citrusy lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen noodles. Avoid the microwave if possible it can dry out the chicken and noodles.
Avoid sogginess: Store noodles and sauce separately if making ahead.
FAQs
1. Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine are great substitutes just rinse well and toss with sesame oil to mimic lo mein texture.
2. What’s the best oil to use for lo mein?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed works well. Sesame oil should be used sparingly for flavor, not frying.
3. How do I make it spicy?
Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
5. How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Rinse with cold water after boiling and toss with a bit of sesame oil before adding to the skillet.
Tips & Tricks
– Marinate your chicken in a splash of soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes beforehand for extra tenderness.
– Pre-chop everything before cooking this dish moves fast!
– Use a wok if you have one; it distributes heat better and helps with the toss.
– Stir-fry at high heat but never walk away constant stirring is key.
– Leftover veggies like mushrooms, cabbage, or zucchini can be thrown in to clean out your fridge.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Sriracha Chicken Lo Mein
– Add 1 tbsp sriracha to the sauce mix.
– Garnish with sesame seeds and extra chopped scallions.
– Expect a bold, tangy heat!
2. Shrimp Garlic Lo Mein
– Replace chicken with 12 oz peeled shrimp.
– Cook shrimp for only 2–3 minutes until pink.
– The result is lighter and seafood-forward.
3. Vegetable Lo Mein
– Omit chicken and double the vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, baby bok choy, shredded cabbage).
– Use vegetarian oyster sauce and vegetable broth to enhance umami.
4. Breakfast Egg Lo Mein
– Add scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top.
– Sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
– This makes it feel more like a noodle-based breakfast bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein surprised me in the best way. What started as an odd craving turned into that I now turn to often especially when mornings need a little something extra. It’s comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and endlessly adaptable.
Truly satisfying about eating warm noodles in the quiet of the early day, like a tiny rebellion against the usual toast-and-coffee routine. Each bite hits all the right notes: chewy, juicy, garlicky, and full of savory depth.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell pepper, carrots, snow peas)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil lo mein noodles for 4–5 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, toss with sesame oil, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Sauté sliced chicken in 1 tbsp oil for 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove from skillet.
Step 3: Sauté garlic and veggies
Add oil, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir-fry vegetables for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Add chicken and noodles to the skillet.
Step 5: Add sauce and toss
Pour in sauces and pepper. Toss everything for 2 minutes until evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Top with green onions and enjoy warm.
