Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

This dish is one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals. The combination of tender chicken, sticky-sweet sauce, and noodles makes it incredibly satisfying. The garlic and ginger add a warm depth of flavor, while the honey and soy sauce create that irresistible sticky glaze. I love making this dish when I want something comforting but still light and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how easy this recipe is to prepare and how little time it takes from start to finish. The chicken becomes perfectly coated in a sticky garlic sauce that clings to the noodles, giving every bite a burst of flavor. I also enjoy that I can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes. Whether I use rice noodles or egg noodles, it always turns out delicious, and it’s a dish that satisfies my cravings for something both savory and slightly sweet.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

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 noodles or egg noodles)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. I coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly covered.
2. I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes if I want extra heat.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, I pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring until it thickens and coats the chicken in a sticky glaze.
5. While the chicken cooks, I prepare the noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
6. I add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated in the sticky garlic sauce.
7. I garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and around 20 minutes to cook, so in about 30 minutes I have a complete meal ready to enjoy.

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp or beef to change things up. If I want more vegetables, I add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. For a nuttier flavor, I sprinkle toasted peanuts or cashews on top. I also like to switch between rice noodles and egg noodles depending on what I have in my pantry.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I prefer using the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles and revive the sauce. The microwave works too, but stirring halfway helps keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, I often use chicken thighs because they stay juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breast works just as well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

I replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables to make a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

What type of noodles work best?

I like using rice noodles for a lighter feel, but egg noodles make the dish heartier. Both work great.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while cooking.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, I simply leave out the chili flakes if I don’t want heat.

Can I double this recipe?

I often double it when cooking for family or friends. I just make sure to use a large enough skillet or wok.

What vegetables can I add?

I like adding broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

I usually cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

I toss the drained noodles with a little oil before mixing them into the sauce to keep them from clumping.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing because the noodles can become mushy, but the chicken and sauce freeze well if stored separately.

Conclusion

I love making sticky garlic chicken noodles because it’s quick, flavorful, and versatile. The sweet and savory sauce brings everything together, and I can adjust the recipe to suit my mood or what I have on hand. It’s one of those meals that feels special without requiring much effort, and it always hits the spot.

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