Garlic Chicken Mein: 385 Calorie Unbelievable Meal

Name: Garlic Chicken Mein: 385 Calorie Unbelievable Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 10 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated; 2 cups cabbage, shredded; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 carrots, shredded; 4 green onions, sliced; 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter; Cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil)

by Fatima Garcia

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10 de October de 2025

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Garlic Chicken Mein has been a staple in my kitchen ever since I first tasted it at a small, bustling Chinese restaurant years ago. I remember the incredible aroma of garlic and soy filling the air, and the satisfying chew of the noodles. It was love at first bite! Now, I’ve perfected my own version of this easy ground chicken noodle stir-fry, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that always brings a smile to my face. This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is truly a dish I crave. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Mein

I genuinely believe this Garlic Chicken Mein will become a new favorite in your home. It’s a dish that truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Incredible Flavor: The rich, savory sauce combined with tender chicken and aromatic garlic creates a taste explosion you’ll crave.
Super Speedy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious meal fast.
Packed with Veggies: It’s an easy way to get a generous serving of colorful, crisp vegetables into your diet.
Budget-Friendly: Made with common ingredients, this is an economical choice that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters tend to love these flavorful noodles, making it an easy garlic chicken noodle recipe for everyone.
Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add a touch of spice to this easy garlic chicken noodle recipe.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Mein

To make this irresistible Garlic Chicken Mein, you’ll need a few key Garlic Chicken Mein ingredients. I’ve found that using fresh, quality components really makes a difference in the final taste of these chicken garlic noodles.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed – I always cube them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
1 tablespoon garlic powder – for an extra layer of savory garlic flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
1 tablespoon fish sauce – this secret ingredient adds a fantastic umami depth to the chicken.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – for that warm, zesty kick in the chicken marinade.
10 garlic cloves, minced – yes, ten! This is Garlic Chicken Mein after all, so don’t skimp on the fresh garlic.
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated – for the stir-fry, it brightens up all the vegetables.
2 cups cabbage, shredded – adds a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness.
2 cups broccoli florets – I like to cut them small so they cook quickly.
2 carrots, shredded – adds color and a touch of sweetness.
4 green onions, sliced – both white and green parts, for flavor and garnish.
6 ounces mushrooms, sliced – any type works, I usually use cremini.
2 celery stalks, sliced – for extra crunch and freshness.
8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles – these are my favorite for their chewy texture, but any lo mein will do.
1/4 cup soy sauce – the base of our delicious stir-fry sauce.
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – adds a rich, sweet, and tangy element.
1 teaspoon fish sauce – another dash for that complex umami in the sauce.
1 teaspoon black pepper – for a little warmth and spice.
2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter – this is a game-changer for incredible flavor.
Cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil) – for stir-frying.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Mein

Learning how to make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time. I promise the aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 1: First, prepare your chicken. In a medium bowl, combine your cubed chicken breasts with the garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Next, get your noodles ready. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 ounces of buckwheat lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions, but I always recommend undercooking them by 1-2 minutes. This ensures they stay firm and don’t get mushy during the stir-fry. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your seasoned chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. In the last 2 minutes of cooking the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of the Szechuan garlic butter and half of your minced garlic, sautéing until you can really smell that wonderful fragrance. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, if needed, add another tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the remaining minced garlic and the 2 teaspoons of grated ginger. Sauté for just 1 minute until they are fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 5: Now it’s time for the vegetables. Toss in the shredded cabbage, broccoli florets, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, sliced mushrooms, and sliced celery. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a little bite!
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the undercooked noodles to the pan as well. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, the remaining 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, black pepper, and the rest of the Szechuan garlic butter. Stir-fry everything together over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes. This final stir-fry ensures the noodles are fully cooked and wonderfully coated in that rich, savory sauce. This is what truly makes a fantastic Garlic Chicken Mein.
Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Chicken Mein!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Mein

I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks that truly elevate this Garlic Chicken Mein from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture every single time.

Always prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves fast, and you don’t want to be chopping vegetables while your chicken burns.
Don’t overcrowd your pan or wok. If you have too many ingredients, they’ll steam instead of stir-fry, leading to a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a good quality Szechuan garlic butter. This ingredient makes a huge difference in the overall depth and spice of your Garlic Chicken Mein.
Undercook your noodles slightly. They will finish cooking in the wok with the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors without becoming mushy.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Chicken Noodle Stir-fry?

The real secret to a perfect Garlic Chicken Noodle Stir-fry lies in the high heat and quick cooking. This ensures your vegetables stay crisp-tender and your chicken gets a lovely sear. Also, don’t be shy with the fresh garlic and ginger; they are the stars of this best garlic chicken mein recipe.

Can I make Garlic Chicken Mein ahead of time?

While Garlic Chicken Mein is best served fresh, you can definitely do some prep work in advance. You can chop all your vegetables and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours beforehand. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then just assemble and cook when you’re ready.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Homemade garlic chicken noodles?

The most common mistake with homemade garlic chicken noodles is overcooking the noodles, making them gummy. Another is not having your pan hot enough, which results in steamed, rather than stir-fried, ingredients. Also, remember to constantly stir to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Chicken Mein

Once your flavorful Garlic Chicken Mein is ready, the serving possibilities are endless! I love how versatile this dish is, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a more elaborate meal. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a few additions can truly elevate the experience.

For a simple yet satisfying meal, I often serve this Garlic Chicken Mein directly from the wok, garnished with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant colors of the Garlic Chicken Mein with vegetables make it visually appealing, too.

If you’re looking to round out the meal, a light side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing pairs wonderfully. Another fantastic option is a small bowl of hot and sour soup or some crispy spring rolls to start. The fresh flavors complement the rich garlic soy chicken noodles beautifully.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Chicken Mein

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious Garlic Chicken Mein, so I’ve provided the estimated facts per serving. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it a great option for meal planning.

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 385
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: No data
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 28 g
Sugar: No data
Sodium: No data
Fiber: No data
Cholesterol: No data

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the brand of noodles or type of cooking oil. This quick garlic chicken mein is a satisfying meal.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken Mein

One of the best things about this Garlic Chicken Mein is that it makes for fantastic leftovers! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious meal again without losing flavor or texture. I always make a little extra for lunch the next day.

Once your dish has cooled completely, transfer any leftover Garlic Chicken Mein into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your quick Garlic Chicken Mein again, reheating is simple. For individual portions, I recommend using the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you have a larger amount, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent drying out. This method helps maintain the noodles’ texture and keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Close-up of Garlic Chicken Mein with perfectly cooked noodles, chicken, and colorful vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Chicken Mein

What is Garlic Chicken Mein?

Garlic Chicken Mein is a popular Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring tender pieces of chicken, a generous amount of fresh garlic, often various colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles all tossed in a savory, aromatic sauce. It’s known for its rich garlic flavor and quick preparation, making it a beloved stir-fry option. It’s essentially a delicious and satisfying chicken garlic noodles meal.

Can I use different types of noodles for Garlic Chicken Mein?

Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional for Garlic Chicken Mein, you can certainly experiment. I’ve successfully used ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet), udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just ensure you cook them according to package directions, undercooking slightly, before adding them to your stir-fry for the best results.

How can I make my Garlic Chicken Mein spicier?

If you love a little heat in your Garlic Chicken Mein, there are a few easy ways to spice it up! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger, or stir in some Sriracha or chili oil with the sauce. Another great option is to slice a fresh red chili pepper and add it with the vegetables for a fresh, fiery kick.

What vegetables are best to include in Garlic Chicken Mein?

The beauty of Garlic Chicken Mein is its versatility with vegetables! I love using broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms as they hold up well in a stir-fry. Other great additions include bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, or water chestnuts for extra crunch. Feel free to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand; they all contribute to a delicious and healthy Chinese garlic chicken noodles recipe.

Variations of Garlic Chicken Mein You Can Try

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Chicken Mein is how adaptable it is. Once you have the basic recipe down, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of delicious Garlic Chicken Mein.

Vegetarian Version: Easily transform this into a meat-free dish by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Just press and cube the tofu, then stir-fry it until golden before adding the vegetables.
Spicy Kick: If you crave more heat, try adding a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to your stir-fry sauce, or toss in some thinly sliced fresh chilies with your garlic and ginger. This really enhances the flavor of these Asian garlic chicken noodles.
Shrimp or Beef: Not a chicken fan? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or thinly sliced beef. Cook shrimp for a shorter time, just until pink, and beef until browned.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to load up on more of your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, snow peas, baby corn, and bok choy are all fantastic additions that make for a hearty and colorful Garlic Chicken Mein.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia