Picture This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Imagine a comforting bowl of noodles, perfectly coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory garlic sauce, with tender pieces of chicken cooked to perfection. That’s what you get with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles – a delightful dish suitable for any night of the week. I often whip this up when my family craves something quick yet flavorful. It’s the ultimate weeknight win! The blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic not only enhances the chicken but also wraps the noodles in a mouthwatering embrace that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
You’ll love making and eating Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients, it’s also a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Not to mention, kids adore this dish—who can say no to sticky, garlicky goodness? Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a great family dish.
“This was a hit at our dinner table! The sauce was sticky and packed with flavor. My kids couldn’t get enough and asked for seconds!” – A Happy Home Cook
Preparing Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
To make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, you’ll find that the process is straightforward and quick. Begin by preparing your ingredients, ensuring you have everything at hand. This dish comes together in a few simple steps: making the sauce, cooking the chicken, and finishing off by tossing the noodles with the delicious mixture. The result? A satisfying, soul-warming meal ready in no time.
Gather These Items
Before diving into cooking, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Breading: 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Noodles: 8 oz noodles (rice or egg, based on preference)
- Garnish: 2 green onions (chopped) and 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian twist or use gluten-free noodles to fit dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes to create the sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden and fully cooked through, roughly 6–8 minutes.
- Pour your sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat it. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken a bit.
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Once done, drain and toss them with a little oil if desired.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When serving Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, consider a few creative ideas to elevate your meal. Serve it in deep bowls to catch all the saucy goodness, adding bright green onions on top for a fresh crunch. Pair it with a side salad for a refreshing crunch or steamed veggies to round out the meal. For an Asian twist, offer some pickled vegetables alongside for a tangy contrast.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles safely, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it should last about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately from the noodles to maintain their texture. Just heat them separately when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the best results, here are some extra tips I’ve gathered over the years:
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect golden sear.
- If you prefer extra heat, go ahead and increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chilies during cooking.
- For added depth, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the sauce for a tangy kick.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some creative variations for your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles:
- Veggie Boost: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Flavored Noodles: Use egg noodles for a richer taste or opt for zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this take to prepare?
Typically, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance, storing them in the fridge for up to a day.
Are there any gluten-free options?
Absolutely! Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free noodles to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
What can I serve with this dish?
Consider pairing it with steamed vegetables, a fresh Asian slaw, or even some spring rolls for a complete meal experience.
Now that you have all the insights and instructions you need, it’s time to bring this delightful dish to your table! Enjoy the sticky, savory flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free optional
Description
A comforting bowl of noodles coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory garlic sauce with tender pieces of chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 oz noodles (rice or egg)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes to create the sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through, roughly 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Once done, drain and toss them with a little oil if desired.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to get a perfect golden sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg