Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the kind of meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe brings together tender chicken, glossy noodles, and a rich garlic sauce that clings to every strand, creating a deeply satisfying dish. I like making this on busy evenings when I want something homemade but comforting and filling. The balance of savory, slightly sweet, and garlicky notes makes it appealing to both adults and younger eaters. I tested this recipe with different noodles, and I found that medium-thickness egg noodles or wheat noodles work especially well because they absorb the sauce beautifully. What truly sets this dish apart is the sticky garlic sauce, which coats the chicken and noodles evenly without being heavy. It is a versatile recipe that works equally well as a weeknight dinner or a casual meal to share with family.
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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: A Bold and Comforting Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken and noodles tossed in a sweet, savory, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer until thick and sticky.
- Add cooked chicken and noodles; toss well to coat evenly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use thigh meat for juicier chicken.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast provides a lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the garlic sauce well when sliced thinly.
Noodles
Noodles form the base of the dish. Egg noodles or wheat noodles are ideal for holding the sticky sauce.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential for building bold flavor. Finely minced garlic distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, forming the savory backbone of the sauce.
Honey
Honey brings a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic and soy sauce while contributing to the sticky texture.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar enhances the caramelized flavor and deepens the sauce’s richness.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that complements the garlic and chicken.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is used for cooking the chicken evenly without overpowering the flavors.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it the glossy, sticky consistency.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness and a mild bite, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and rounds out the savory elements.
Directions
Begin by cooking the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking water.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. Add the cooked noodles and toss until fully coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved noodle water to loosen the sauce slightly.
Finish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
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
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making it suitable for a quick dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a small splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are easy to customize based on preference or dietary needs. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and texture. I tested a version with chicken thighs, which resulted in a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. For a spicier dish, a small amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes works well. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu or mushrooms can replace the chicken. You can also switch noodles for rice noodles or spaghetti in a pinch. Each variation keeps the dish comforting while allowing flexibility.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from chicken, carbohydrates from noodles, and balanced fats from oils. Sugar content can be adjusted by reducing honey or brown sugar if desired.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Chicken Slicing
Slice chicken thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Garlic Timing
Add garlic after chicken to prevent burning.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust thickness with noodle water as needed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, but ensure they are loosened before adding to the sauce.
What noodles work best?
Egg noodles and wheat noodles hold sauce well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but spice can be added easily.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they add extra richness.
How do I prevent sticky noodles from clumping?
Toss with sauce immediately after adding.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to noodle texture.
What vegetables pair well?
Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers are excellent.
Can I reduce sweetness?
Yes, adjust honey and sugar to taste.
Conclusion
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a dependable, flavorful recipe that combines ease with comfort. With its glossy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite for quick, satisfying meals at home.
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