If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor but comes together in no time, this Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is the perfect answer. It combines tender cooked chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and perfectly chewy lo mein noodles all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and savory zing. Whether you’re throwing together a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a fuss-free Asian-inspired meal, this recipe promises big taste and minimal effort, making it your new go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color, ensuring that every bite of your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is a delight to the senses. From the sweetness of honey to the crisp freshness of mixed veggies, these straightforward ingredients come together beautifully.
- 1 lb cooked chicken, sliced: Provides protein and a tender meat base that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles: Soft and chewy, they serve as the ideal vehicle for the flavorful sauce and ingredients.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the salty and savory elements.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness that elevates the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a pungent, aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty note for complexity and freshness.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: A colorful mix like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds crunch, nutrients, and vibrant color.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For stir-frying and helping all ingredients meld together without sticking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly balance and enhance all flavors.
- Green onions (optional, for garnish): Provide a fresh, mild bite and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package directions. This sets the stage with the perfect texture—tender yet chewy—which is essential for authentic lo mein. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to prevent any sogginess in your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This brief step unlocks their bold flavors without overwhelming the dish, creating a savory foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Chicken
Add your mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender yet still crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the pre-cooked sliced chicken alongside the honey and soy sauce. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every component is perfectly coated in that quick & sassy sauce.
Step 4: Combine with Noodles
Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles back to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly to allow the noodles to soak up all the rich, flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and cook until heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe warm, garnished with fresh green onions if you like. This simple touch adds a layer of color and a crisp freshness that completes the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation. These garnishes bring a lovely crunch and a pop of green, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This lo mein is hearty enough to be a main course, but if you want to round out your meal, simple sides like steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad work beautifully. Their lightness balances the rich sauce and adds variety to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of sparkle at dinner parties, serve this dish in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of chili oil for heat or scatter freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh herbal note. Pairing it with a side of pickled ginger adds a delightful contrast that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining most of its texture and flavor, which makes it a perfect option for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
While lo mein noodles can be frozen, they might become a bit softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze this dish, separate the noodles and sauce mixture for better texture retention, and use within 1 to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the lo mein gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking and to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving for extended periods as it can dry out the noodles and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles. Adjust cooking times accordingly and be mindful of the different textures.
Is it better to use fresh or cooked chicken?
For convenience and speed, cooked chicken works wonderfully, especially leftovers or rotisserie chicken. However, you can sauté raw chicken pieces before adding the vegetables if you prefer.
How spicy is this Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
As written, this recipe isn’t spicy, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. You can easily add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you like some heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian soy sauce alternative to keep everything deliciously meat-free.
What vegetables work best in this dish?
Mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are classic choices, but feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to suit your taste and what’s fresh in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting charm of a dish that’s both quick and bursting with bold flavors, and this Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy the process and appreciate how simple ingredients can come together in such a delightful way. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. This easy stir-fry dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodles
- 1 lb cooked chicken, sliced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to build flavor.
- Cook Vegetables and Chicken: Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they become tender yet still crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Next, incorporate the cooked sliced chicken, honey, and soy sauce into the pan, stirring well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan. Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is heated through and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the lo mein hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired for an added fresh crunch and color.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken to speed up preparation time.
- Feel free to swap mixed vegetables with whatever you have on hand, such as snap peas or mushrooms.
- For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adjust the honey quantity to control sweetness based on personal preference.
- Ensure noodles are well drained to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
