Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate comfort food that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in one easy dish. Imagine tender chicken coated in a glossy, garlicky sauce tossed with perfectly cooked noodles — every bite bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory goodness. This is one of those dishes that looks restaurant-worthy yet comes together in under 30 minutes. I once tried swapping the soy sauce for tamari, and the flavor was just as rich with a hint of extra depth. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or craving something indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are quick, flavorful, and highly customizable. They deliver that perfect balance of sticky sweetness and savory spice, all while being easy enough for busy evenings. You don’t need fancy ingredients — just a handful of pantry staples to create something that tastes like your favorite takeout, only better.
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Addictive
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky garlic soy glaze, tossed with noodles and veggies. Sweet, savory, and a little spicy — this takeout-style meal is ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss chicken slices with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic and onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked noodles, and toss everything together until evenly coated and sticky.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti — any type of noodle works great.
- Add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra veggies.
- For extra heat, add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless chicken breast or thighs – Tender and juicy, the perfect protein base for this noodle dish. Thighs add a little extra flavor and richness.
Noodles – Use egg noodles, ramen, or rice noodles; they all work beautifully to soak up the sauce.
Garlic – The star of the dish, giving that irresistible aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with the sticky glaze.
Soy sauce – Brings deep umami and saltiness; tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free version.
Honey – Adds that signature stickiness and a natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce.
Brown sugar – Enhances the caramelized flavor of the sauce, giving it that glossy, mouthwatering finish.
Rice vinegar – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Chili flakes or sriracha (optional) – For those who love a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the noodles and chicken.
Sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and a layer of depth to the flavor profile.
Green onions – Brings freshness and color to the finished dish.
Sesame seeds – A perfect garnish that adds light crunch and enhances the visual appeal.
Directions
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and a splash of water to create the sticky sauce base. Set it aside.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir continuously until it thickens and turns glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it well in the sticky sauce.
Add the cooked noodles, tossing everything together so the sauce coats each strand evenly. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Garlic Chicken Noodles
Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for a fiery kick that complements the sweet sauce.
Veggie-Packed Noodles
Toss in stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Peanut Garlic Noodles
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty variation.
Teriyaki Garlic Chicken Noodles
Use teriyaki sauce in place of soy sauce and honey for a more mellow sweetness.
Shrimp Garlic Noodles
Swap chicken for shrimp — they cook quickly and pair beautifully with the sticky garlic glaze.
Vegan Version
Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Extra Crunch
Top with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added texture.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Add a knob of butter at the end for an ultra-rich, silky finish.
Sweet and Sour Twist
Add a splash of pineapple juice and bell peppers for a tangy variation.
Lemon Garlic Noodles
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of noodles?
Yes, egg noodles, ramen, or rice noodles all work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the noodles are best enjoyed fresh as they absorb the sauce quickly.
3. Can I use leftover chicken?
Definitely — leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly.
4. Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace chicken with tofu or vegetables.
5. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the honey and brown sugar slightly and add a splash more soy sauce.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari and rice noodles instead of soy sauce and wheat-based noodles.
7. What oil is best for stir-frying?
Use a neutral oil like canola, peanut, or light sesame oil for best results.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli make great additions.
9. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy — a dish that satisfies every craving in one bowl. It’s quick, easy, and full of bold Asian-inspired flavors that taste even better than takeout. Whether for a weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence, this recipe guarantees a deliciously sticky, flavorful experience every time.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!