There is nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, flavorful noodle dish that feels like a hug on a plate, and this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe offers exactly that. Combining tender, juicy chicken with the irresistible blend of sweet honey and savory soy sauce, plus a punch of garlicky goodness, it’s a quick and straightforward meal that packs serious comfort and deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with a loved one, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that makes every bite memorable and crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe starts simple but each ingredient plays its own vital role in shaping the flavors and texture. From the tender chicken breast giving it protein and substance, to the noodles providing a chewy base, every addition enhances the dish beautifully.
- 200g chicken breast, sliced: Lean and tender, the chicken soaks up all the flavors while staying juicy.
- 200g noodles: Your carb powerhouse, noodles create the perfect canvas to carry the sticky sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that unmistakable rich aroma and savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami and salty balance essential for that sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings natural sweetness that creates the signature sticky coating on the chicken and noodles.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral base for sautéing chicken and garlic evenly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that transforms the dish into something special.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other beautiful flavors.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: A fresh and colorful finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they’re tender but still have a pleasant bite. Once done, drain and set them aside while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until each piece is browned and cooked through. You’ll want to get a nice sear so the chicken stays juicy but develops good texture.
Step 3: Add the garlic
Introduce the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken, sautéing it for one to two minutes. This quick step releases its fragrant oils and infuses the chicken with rich flavor that forms the dish’s savory backbone.
Step 4: Stir in soy sauce and honey
Pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring everything together so the chicken pieces become nicely coated. The honey will start to caramelize lightly, creating that delicious sticky texture this recipe is known for.
Step 5: Combine noodles with chicken mixture
Add the cooked noodles directly into the pan. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles soak up the savory-sweet sauce, making every strand bursting with flavor and a hint of stickiness.
Step 6: Finish with sesame oil and seasoning
Drizzle sesame oil over the noodles for its distinctive nutty aroma. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the dish perfectly before plating.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Top your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and vibrant pop of color. Serve it hot, and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions are the classic way to finish this dish, adding not only color but a mild oniony brightness. You can also experiment with toasted sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Because the noodles and chicken are packed with rich flavor, lighter vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad make excellent sides. They offer a refreshing contrast and keep the meal balanced and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to jazz things up, serve the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a handheld treat. Alternatively, plating it in a large, shallow bowl with extra green onions and a drizzle of chili oil gives it an elevated and inviting look perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover noodles keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze only the chicken mixture without the noodles to maintain texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture, tossing occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the noodles from drying out or turning mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to ensure the perfect texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Can I substitute chicken breast with other proteins?
Definitely. Thinly sliced chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu all work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavors and textures to the dish.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, and use soy sauce with no added fish ingredients for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What if I don’t have honey on hand?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or even agave nectar. Each option will add a different kind of sweetness but keep that signature sticky quality.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is a true weeknight hero—simple enough to throw together quickly, yet rich with layers of flavor that make it so satisfying. Whether you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, or just downright delicious, this dish never fails to hit the spot. I really encourage you to give it a try and see how such humble ingredients can come together to create pure magic on your plate.
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast slices, aromatic garlic, and a deliciously sticky sauce made with soy sauce and honey. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors tossed with tender noodles and finished with a hint of sesame oil and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 200g chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Noodles
- 200g noodles
Garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat the oil: In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sauce: Stir in the soy sauce and honey, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Toss noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together so the noodles absorb the sauce and chicken flavors.
- Season and finish: Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles and chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh and colorful garnish before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use any type of noodles you prefer, such as egg noodles, ramen, or spaghetti.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the honey amount to your desired level of sweetness.
- Ensure garlic is cooked just until golden to avoid bitterness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
