If you love quick, flavorful dinners, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles will become your new favorite weeknight recipe. These noodles are tossed in a sticky soy-garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced — all ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. It combines tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a glossy honey-garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re craving takeout-style noodles or need a fast, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes
- Flavorful: A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and garlicky
- One-Pan Friendly: Fewer dishes, more flavor
- Customizable: Adjust spice, add veggies, or make it vegetarian
- Better Than Takeout: Fresh, simple ingredients you control
Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
For the Sticky Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Noodles
- 8 oz egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional – like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli)
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Soy Sauce: You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar works too.
- Chicken: Tofu or tempeh make great plant-based alternatives.
- Oil: Use avocado or olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
- Add-ins: Stir-fry vegetables or even cashews can boost nutrition and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2 – Coat and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crisp around the edges, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 3 – Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken.
Step 4 – Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to medium. Let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 3–5 minutes. Stir occasionally to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 5 – Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until they’re fully coated in the sticky sauce. If the sauce is too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed for better browning.
- Thicken Naturally: Let the sauce reduce on its own instead of adding extra starch.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before mixing with noodles — adjust honey or soy as needed.
- Customize Heat: Chili flakes are optional — start small and build up.
- Add Veggies: Stir-fry carrots, peppers, or snap peas for color and crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Sticky noodles taste best fresh and hot.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Garlic Chicken Noodles: Add 1 tsp chili paste or sriracha.
- Sweet Teriyaki Style: Replace honey with teriyaki sauce and omit chili flakes.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter for creamy richness.
- Lemon-Garlic Noodles: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a light Asian cucumber salad or miso soup.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds, lime wedges, or crushed peanuts for texture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended — noodles tend to lose texture once thawed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 760mg |
(Values are approximate and based on a 4-serving yield.)
FAQ About Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat both, then toss with fresh noodles before serving.
2. What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles, lo mein, or rice noodles all work well. Choose based on your texture preference — egg noodles are chewier, rice noodles are lighter.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red chili flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or a spoon of sambal oelek for heat lovers.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.
5. What can I serve with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles?
Pair it with stir-fried vegetables, Asian slaw, or a light soup for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes — fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavors. Try it once, and it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles | Quick & Savory Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in a sweet-salty sauce — perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/2 tsp chili flakes
8 oz noodles
2 green onions
1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Cook noodles per package and set aside
2. Coat chicken with cornstarch
3. Fry chicken in oil until golden
4. Whisk sauce ingredients together
5. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer
6. Add noodles, toss to coat
7. Top with green onions and sesame seeds
Notes
Substitute tofu for a vegetarian option
Add veggies for color and crunch
Use tamari for a gluten-free version
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
