Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful meal that tastes like takeout but feels homemade, these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the answer.
Juicy chicken, chewy noodles, and a glossy garlic-soy-honey sauce come together in just 20 minutes for an irresistible dinner that satisfies every craving. Inspired by bold Asian flavors, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes in a one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
It’s simple, impressive, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your weekly rotation.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 20 minutes |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
| Course: | Main Course |
| Cuisine: | Asian |
| Method: | Stir-Fry |
| Diet: | Halal |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Calories: | 420 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Restaurant flavor at home: Sticky garlic sauce coats every noodle for that irresistible takeout-style taste.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults both love the sweet-savory flavor combo.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or swap proteins for endless variations.
- One-pan simplicity: Easy to make, easy to clean up, and perfect for busy schedules.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a sticky, garlicky soy-honey sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ 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)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to make the sauce.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and chicken.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Use tamari and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more nutrition.
Tofu, shrimp, or beef can be used instead of chicken.
Toss noodles with oil after draining to prevent sticking.
Increase cornstarch or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ 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)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness or breasts for leaner results. |
| Soy sauce | Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option. |
| Honey | Balances the salty soy sauce with natural sweetness. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic gives the best depth of flavor. |
| Noodles | Rice noodles soak up sauce beautifully, while egg noodles give a springy bite. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring constantly until thickened and sticky, about 2–3 minutes.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss lightly with a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sticky garlic sauce and chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Toss noodles with oil right after draining to prevent clumping.
- Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- For extra vegetables, add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Control the heat: Cook on medium-high to sear the chicken without burning the garlic.
- Adjust the sauce: Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
- Thicken perfectly: Simmer a few minutes longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch if needed.
- Garnish wisely: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles: Skip the chicken and load up on veggies for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Garlic Noodles: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Beef or Shrimp Version: Swap in sliced beef or shrimp for a different protein twist.
- Peanut Garlic Noodles: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for creamy richness.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to three days. Cooked chicken and noodles can be stored separately and reheated together before serving. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without noodles) for up to a month.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot in deep bowls with extra lime wedges or chili oil on the side. Pair with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a balanced meal.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with iced green tea or sparkling lemon water. For a heartier spread, serve alongside Asian Chicken Pasta or vegetable dumplings.
If you love easy, flavorful dinners, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. It’s a comforting, hands-off meal with tender chicken, sweet honey garlic glaze, and perfectly cooked vegetables, an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or beef work wonderfully with this sauce.
2. What type of noodles work best?
Rice noodles, egg noodles, or lo mein noodles all work great—use what you have on hand.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little more cornstarch or simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, toss in your favorites like broccoli, peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
6. How do I make it spicier?
Increase chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil or sriracha at the end.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or wok to keep everything cooking evenly.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 420 kcal |
| Protein: | 28g |
| Carbohydrates: | 44g |
| Fat: | 15g |
| Saturated Fat: | 3g |
| Fiber: | 2g |
| Sugar: | 14g |
| Sodium: | 820mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary depending on the ingredients used. For personalized dietary advice, please consult a nutritionist.
Author’s Note
Hola! This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I’m craving something bold and comforting. It reminds me of weekend nights experimenting in my Florida kitchen, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. The sweet garlic sauce and tender noodles make this one a family favorite every single time.
Final Thoughts
These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sticky satisfaction. They come together quickly, making them ideal for any weeknight craving or casual gathering.
