If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat, you’re going to adore this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe. This vibrant meal brings together tender chicken coated in a luscious, sticky garlic sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of noodles. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends when you want to wow them with bold, satisfying flavors. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the tender chicken to the punchy garlic and the smooth, glossy sauce, every ingredient is essential.
- Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Choose your preferred cut for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds deep umami and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Provides that signature sticky glaze and a gentle sweetness that complements garlic perfectly.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star of this dish, delivering a robust and aromatic burst of flavor.
- Grated ginger (1 tsp): Adds a zingy freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Red chili flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who like a bit of heat, it gives just the right kick.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps create that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken when it cooks.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for stir-frying the chicken to a golden crisp.
- Noodles (8 oz, rice or egg): Your base for carrying all that delicious sauce and chicken.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional): A final touch of nutty crunch and to elevate the presentation.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce
Start by mixing soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if you want some heat) in a bowl. This combination is what transforms simple ingredients into a sticky, savory-sweet masterpiece. The balance here is key — the soy sauce lends depth, honey brings stickiness and sweetness, and garlic infuses everything with its unmistakable aroma.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This step is vital because the cornstarch will crisp up when fried, creating a beautiful contrast to the saucy glaze you’ll add later. It also helps the sauce stick to the chicken deliciously.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to create a sizzle as soon as the chicken hits the pan. This heat jumpstarts the crisping process that makes the chicken wonderfully textured.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the coated chicken pieces to your skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure each piece cooks evenly and develops a golden-brown crust on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through and irresistibly crispy at this point.
Step 5: Add and Thicken the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring it well so every morsel is coated. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into that signature sticky glaze. This is where the magic happens — the sauce adheres perfectly, enveloping the chicken in flavor.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the chicken simmers in sauce, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you choose rice or egg noodles, draining and setting them aside keeps them ready to join the party right on cue.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with your sticky chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles absorb every bit of that garlicky, sticky goodness. This step ensures every forkful bursts with flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Finish
To finish, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the dish. These final touches lend freshness, a pop of color, and a subtle crunch that elevates this dish from tasty to truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add pops of color and texture. If you want to mix it up, try adding thinly sliced red chili or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for an herby brightness that cuts through the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas creates a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe in colorful bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. You could also use a ring mold to shape the noodles neatly on the plate, then nestle the chicken on top for an elegant touch that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some sauce over time, so it’s best to enjoy within this window for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe, separate the chicken and noodles before freezing. Place them in separate containers or freezer bags to maintain optimal texture. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and noodles in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sticky sauce and prevent the noodles from becoming too mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice and egg noodles work beautifully, you can substitute with soba, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be mindful of cooking times and how much sauce the noodles might absorb.
Is this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick if you include the red chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your taste. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the chili flakes altogether.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so the tofu is golden and the mushrooms are tender.
How do I ensure the sauce is sticky and thick?
The combination of cornstarch on the chicken and simmering the sauce after adding it to the pan helps create the sticky texture. Make sure to give it enough time to thicken on gentle heat without rushing.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and chop your ingredients ahead, and even coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking. However, for the best texture, it’s ideal to cook and combine everything fresh right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is one of those delightful meals that brings comfort, excitement, and ease to your table all at once. Whether you’re feeding busy weeknight appetites or entertaining friends, this dish hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every sticky, garlicky bite!
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
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a savory and sweet dish featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful garlic-ginger soy sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. This quick and easy recipe combines the satisfying textures of tender chicken and chewy noodles, with a sticky, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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 that will coat the chicken and add a sticky, sweet and savory glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated to help create a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Heat Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps nicely.
- 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 chicken and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become sticky.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. This step runs concurrently to maximize efficiency.
- Combine Noodles and Chicken: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sticky chicken and toss everything together to ensure the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the top before serving hot for added freshness and a subtle crunch.
Notes
- Use either chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to stay juicier.
- For a spicy kick, keep the red chili flakes; omit for a milder dish.
- Rice noodles provide a gluten-free option when paired with gluten-free soy sauce.
- Cornstarch coating helps create a slight crispiness on the chicken.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
