STICKY GARLIC CHICKEN NOODLES IRRESISTIBLE

I still remember the time I tried impressing a date with a fancy, complicated dinner, only to have it flop spectacularly, while a simple batch of saucy noodles I whipped up afterward was devoured in minutes! That’s the magic of comfort food, and these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate example – a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to create a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds; trust me, this recipe is a guaranteed win!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Okay, let’s be real. We all crave those nights where dinner is quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. This recipe ticks all those boxes and then some. Forget complicated techniques and hours in the kitchen; we’re talking about a flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. But beyond the convenience, here’s what makes these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles so special:

• The Flavor Explosion: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• The Perfect Texture: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a glossy, sticky sauce – it’s a textural masterpiece.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap out the chicken for tofu. This recipe is your canvas!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list; it’s mostly pantry staples! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing noodles:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs also work great for extra flavor!
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Because you can never have too much garlic!

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce: The base of our savory sauce.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky texture.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: More garlic for the win!
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
• 1/4 cup water: To help thin out the sauce.

For the Noodles & Garnish:

• 8 ounces noodles: Spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work well. I personally love using egg noodles for their chewy texture.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish.
• Chopped green onions: For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is super straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer, if you have time).
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
5. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Even though this recipe is easy, a few little tweaks can take it from good to absolutely amazing. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook in batches for best results.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a splash of lime juice for extra tang.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture. Cook them al dente for the best results.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will provide the best flavor.
• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes will help tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
• Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas all work well. Add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked and sauté until tender-crisp.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few variations to get you started:

• Vegetarian Sticky Garlic Noodles: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water and then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the tofu in the same marinade as the chicken and then cook it in the skillet until golden brown.
• Shrimp Sticky Garlic Noodles: Replace the chicken with shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the skillet until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Spicy Peanut Sticky Garlic Noodles: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy peanut flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodles: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side dish that complements the flavors of the noodles.
• Asian Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy salad that adds a nice textural contrast.
• Spring Rolls: A light and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for a warm-weather meal.
• Edamame: A healthy and satisfying snack that’s packed with protein.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Try these amazing Honey Glazed Veggies for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• If you’re looking for another noodle dish, check out these Sticky Beef Noodles.
• For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, try these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
• Craving more garlic chicken? You’ll love this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
• And if you love pasta, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a must-try!
• For an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal, make this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.

How to Store and Reheat

These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to the noodles to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this recipe:

• Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, you can use any type of noodle you like. Spaghetti, linguine, ramen noodles, or even rice noodles all work well.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and gluten-free soy sauce (tamari).
• Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas all work well. Add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked and sauté until tender-crisp.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the noodles and combine everything in the skillet.
• Can I freeze this recipe? I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.

Printable Recipe Card

Here’s a handy printable recipe card for you to keep in your kitchen!

[PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD]

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as I do! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Irresistible

These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles are coated in a glossy, flavorful garlic sauce, creating a guaranteed crowd-pleaser ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for chicken marinade
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for chicken marinade
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated for chicken marinade
• 1 clove garlic, minced for chicken marinade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced for sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 ounces noodles spaghetti, linguine, egg noodles, or ramen
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Large pot
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Colander

Method

 

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
5. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of honey. Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or sriracha. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.