If you’re searching for a meal that brings big, bold flavors to your weeknight table in under 30 minutes, Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is the dish you need in your life. Imagine springy noodles tossed with tender slices of chicken, a rainbow of crisp veggies, and an irresistible sweet, garlicky sauce with just a little attitude. This is one of those recipes that checks every box: fast, fresh, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular request in your house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something unique, whether it’s savory depth, crunch, color, or that signature honeyed zing. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): These form the foundation, soaking up every drop of the sassy sauce and providing that classic, chewy bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): Sliced thin, the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy—perfect for soaking up flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Gives your chicken that irresistible, lightly crisped exterior.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral and high-heat friendly, it’s ideal for stir-frying.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Bold, aromatic, and absolutely essential for that punchy flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Brings brightness and a subtle heat that lifts the whole dish.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds crunch and a sweet pop of color.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For a slight sweetness and welcome texture.
- Snap peas or snow peas (1 cup): These bring a satisfying snap and vibrant green hue.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The umami backbone, adding savoriness without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): For that signature sweet glaze that makes this lo mein truly sassy.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth, a little sweetness, and a hint of complexity.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Keeps the sauce bright and balanced.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle for rich, nutty aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a hint of heat in their Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Finish with freshness and a little crunch.
How to Make Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil. Add your lo mein noodles or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions—usually about 6 to 8 minutes for perfect, springy noodles. Drain them well and set aside. Giving the noodles a quick rinse under cool water helps prevent them from sticking together while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Thinly slice the chicken breasts so they cook quickly and evenly. Toss the slices with cornstarch until every piece is coated—this simple step guarantees your chicken will have that gorgeous golden crust and stay juicy inside, all ready to soak up the sauce later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and let it sizzle, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes before stirring. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes total until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll be bringing it back soon!
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds so their flavors bloom. Then, add the red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften but still keep their color and crunch. This mix brings freshness and vibrancy to every bite of your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein.
Step 5: Make the Sassy Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the soul of the dish—sweet, tangy, rich, and just a little spicy. Make sure it’s well combined and ready to pour.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and toss everything together over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. The noodles should be glossy and everything should be piping hot. Every bit gets coated in that luscious sauce, making this Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein truly irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Plate up generous portions and shower with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish. These little touches add crunch, color, and a fresh finish that makes the dish pop.
How to Serve Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish—sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein just before serving. If you want to get extra fancy, a handful of microgreens or a sprinkle of chili threads adds even more flair and texture.
Side Dishes
This lo mein is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out the table, light sides work beautifully. Think steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or some roasted broccoli. For a fun twist, serve with a small bowl of miso soup or a plate of veggie spring rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein in big shallow bowls or even family-style on a vibrant platter. For parties, portion the noodles into small cups for easy grab-and-go bites. You can even toss in extra veggies or swap in spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, colorful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to one month. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, try undercooking them by a minute or so if you know you’ll be freezing the dish.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or linguine works perfectly in a pinch. Rice noodles or even udon are great alternatives—just keep an eye on the cooking time so they stay pleasantly chewy.
Is there a vegetarian option for Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Yes! Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press excess moisture out of the tofu and coat it in cornstarch for that same crisp texture. Use vegetarian hoisin sauce to keep it fully plant-based.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. This recipe is super flexible—feel free to toss in broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or whatever is hanging out in your fridge. The more color and crunch, the better!
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can leave them out for a milder dish or bump up the amount if you love heat. Try adding a squirt of sriracha or a few sliced chilies for extra sass.
Do I need a wok to make Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein?
Not at all! A large nonstick skillet or sauté pan works just as well. The key is giving your ingredients enough space to cook quickly and evenly, so don’t crowd the pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about whipping up a restaurant-worthy meal at home, and Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein delivers every time. If you love bold flavors, crisp veggies, and noodles drenched in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick & Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this dish balances sweet and savory notes with a hint of spice, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Noodles and Chicken
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the thinly sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a light, crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, fresh ginger, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss thoroughly over medium heat for 1–2 minutes to ensure the noodles and chicken are fully coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap in broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms as alternatives to the listed vegetables based on availability and preference.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetarian-friendly hoisin sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
- Make sure to toss the chicken with cornstarch evenly for the best texture.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the sodium content while maintaining rich flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
