If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor yet remains comforting and satisfying, this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly sweet and savory garlic sauce, paired with noodles that soak up every bit of that sticky goodness, make this meal an instant favorite for any night of the week. It’s a balance of textures and bold tastes that come together effortlessly, delivering that crave-worthy, homey feeling every forkful deserves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe lies in its simple and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth to the sauce, ensuring the chicken gets crispy and tender, or lending the noodles a flavorful embrace.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dish, giving it that well-rounded umami punch.
- 3 tbsp honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the garlic and ginger perfectly.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings that bold, aromatic character that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 tsp grated ginger: A subtle zing that lifts the sauce and adds warmth.
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional): A little heat to brighten the flavors and add complexity.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps the chicken get crisp on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For frying and creating that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
- 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles): These soak up every drop of sauce and hold the dish together.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and a mild crunch.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional): For a subtle nutty aroma and a final touch of texture.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if you like some heat) in a bowl. This combination forms the heart of your sauce, balancing salty, sweet, and spicy notes that will make your chicken irresistibly flavorful.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Now, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This simple step ensures that when fried, the chicken will develop a crispy exterior that locks in juiciness, giving you incredible texture in every bite.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Warm up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key here—it helps the chicken get a golden crust quickly without absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat every morsel. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken pieces, giving that signature sticky texture.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While your sauce simmers, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using rice noodles or egg noodles, drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to your skillet with the sticky chicken and toss everything together. This allows the noodles to absorb the rich sauce, making each bite bursting with flavor and a perfect harmony of textures.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh, nutty finish that adds a lovely visual and textural contrast to your dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add a fresh brightness and slight crunch, while sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty flavor and an appealing finish. These garnishes bring layers of texture and color that lift the dish from great to stunning.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add some vibrant greens and extra nutrients. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also complement the rich, sticky flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a pop of freshness. For a crowd, present it family-style on a large platter with extra sauce on the side so everyone gets generous helpings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up more sauce over time, so gently toss before reheating to redistribute the flavors evenly.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the noodles in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat until bubbly, then add the noodles and toss to combine. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free soy sauce in this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free soy sauce works perfectly and keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on flavor.
What type of noodles works best?
Both rice noodles and egg noodles are great options. Rice noodles lend a lighter texture, while egg noodles offer a richer, chewier bite—choose based on your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite vegetables and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The sauce remains the star, so it will still be delicious.
How spicy is the dish with red chili flakes?
The chili flakes add just a gentle heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. You can always leave them out or add more depending on your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe holds up well for lunches or dinners during the week, making it a convenient and tasty meal prep option.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe, it’s likely to become one of your go-to dishes for quick, flavorful meals that feel homemade and special. The blend of garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly sauced noodles is just pure comfort on a plate. Don’t wait to enjoy this irresistible combination—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, combined with perfectly cooked noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Noodles and Garnish
- 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using) thoroughly to form a flavorful sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated, ensuring a crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for cooking the chicken properly.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks to the chicken.
- Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Combine Noodles and Chicken: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sticky chicken and toss everything together to combine the flavors well.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the top and serve the dish hot for the best taste.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results or chicken breast for leaner protein.
- Red chili flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
- Cornstarch helps give the chicken a slight crispiness and thickens the sauce.
- Rice noodles or egg noodles both work well; select your favorite.
- Sesame seeds add a nice nutty crunch but are optional.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to keep them firm and not mushy.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
