Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors with simple ingredients. It combines tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky garlic sauce with soft noodles. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests. There are many ways to enjoy this dish, and its versatility means you can adjust it to suit your taste. Let’s explore everything about this tasty recipe!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it is incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need fancy cooking skills or complicated techniques. Just a few mixing bowls, a skillet, and some basic ingredients will get you to a mouthwatering meal in no time.
Second, the flavors are amazing. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a sticky sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and noodles. The hint of heat from the chili flakes adds an exciting twist, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder taste.
Third, this dish is very filling. It has protein from the chicken and carbs from the noodles, making it a complete meal. You can also add your favorite vegetables or toppings to make it even healthier and more colorful.
Finally, it’s adaptable! You can easily modify the recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal taste. With options for different proteins and noodles, you can create your unique version of this dish.
HOW TO MAKE Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Making Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a straightforward process. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a wonderful dish ready in no time. Below, you’ll find the ingredients needed and the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start cooking, gather the following equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Strainer or colander
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 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)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to make the sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps the chicken get crispy.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until it is golden and cooked through, which will take about 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken well. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sticky sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
After cooking, serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles hot. You can place the noodles on a large plate or in individual bowls. For added appeal, top the dish with fresh herbs, extra green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This gives a nice presentation and enhances the dish’s flavor. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a light salad for a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
If you have leftovers, you can easily store them for later. Place the leftover Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat. If needed, add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, freeze the dish. Place the cooled noodles and chicken in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in a skillet until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles can be served with various sides to enhance your meal. Consider adding:
- A side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a nutrient boost.
- A simple cucumber salad for freshness.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls for a crunchy side.
- Soy sauce or hot sauce on the table for extra flavor.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to mix things up with these variation ideas:
- Add Veggies: Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for an extra crunch and color.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Noodle Choices: Try different noodles like udon, soba, or whole wheat noodles to change up the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes red chili flakes, but it’s optional. If you want it mild, simply omit the chili flakes.
4. What can I substitute for honey?
If you need a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
To save time, you can prepare certain parts of this recipe ahead:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken with cornstarch and part of the sauce the night before. Store it in the fridge. This helps flavors penetrate the chicken.
- Chop Aromatics: Mince garlic and grate ginger ahead of time. Store them in sealed containers.
- Cook Noodles Ahead: You can cook the noodles a few hours ahead. Toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can have your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles ready even faster on a busy day! Enjoy this flavorful dish with friends and family, and let the delicious taste bring smiles all around.
These flavorful noodles pair beautifully with our chicken lo mein recipe for those who love Asian-inspired chicken and noodle dishes. For more garlic-packed options, serve them alongside our creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe to showcase different garlic preparations. The sticky sauce technique also works wonderfully with our beef and broccoli stir fry when you want to apply similar flavors to different proteins.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to make the sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat well and let it simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with chicken and sauce. Toss to combine and coat the noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.