Delicious sticky garlic chicken noodles served in a bowl garnished with green onions.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Welcome to Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, the kind of dish that hugs your taste buds and does most of the heavy lifting while you pretend you planned dinner all along. If you need a perfect sidekick, try this cheesy garlic bread recipe I found earlier for maximum carbs and minimum shame.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe hits all the good notes. It gives you sticky, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken and the noodles like it has commitment issues. It cooks fast, which means you will not apologize to anyone for ordering food because you actually made something. It is also forgiving. Drop the garlic? Fine. Overcrowd the pan? No big deal. It still tastes great. Plus, it is plain fun to say out loud while stirring. Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. Try saying that three times and not wanting to eat it immediately.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Pick thighs if you want juicier vibes.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce. Salt energy in a bottle.
  • 3 tbsp honey. Sweetness and stick factor.
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced. Don’t be shy.
  • 1 tsp grated ginger. Fresh if you can swing it.
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional). Use if you like a tiny kick.
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch. The secret for that sticky, almost-crispy finish.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Neutral and reliable.
  • 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles). Your call. Both play nice.
  • 2 green onions, chopped. Fresh pop at the end.
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional). For looks and crunch if you care.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using) thoroughly to form a flavorful sauce.
  2. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a sticky, crispy texture when cooked.
  3. Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for frying the chicken.
  4. Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat all pieces. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set them aside.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sticky chicken and toss well to evenly distribute the sauce and chicken throughout.
  8. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the top for a fresh finish and extra flavor before serving hot.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not coating the chicken with cornstarch. If you skip this you lose the glorious sticky-crisp texture. That texture is the whole personality of the dish.
  • Crowding the pan. If you jam in too much chicken it will steam instead of sear. Searing gives golden bits and flavor. You want flavor.
  • Letting the sauce burn. Keep the heat in check. If it starts to smoke, you went a step too dramatic.
  • Overcooking noodles. Soggy noodles are sad noodles. Cook them al dente and toss them with the sauce quickly.
  • Using only jarred garlic. Fresh garlic hits differently. Jarred is fine in a pinch but not as punchy.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • No chicken? Swap in tofu or shrimp. Tofu soaks up flavor like a sponge, shrimp cooks super fast and looks fancy.
  • No honey? Use maple syrup or brown sugar for that sweet note. FYI, maple gives a slightly deeper flavor.
  • Out of cornstarch? Use arrowroot or a little flour as a backup. Cornstarch gives the silkiest glaze though.
  • Want more veg? Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. I like adding greens for color and crunch.
  • Need gluten free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
  • Want smoky heat? Use a dash of smoked paprika or chili oil. Not traditional but fun.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q Why does my sauce not stick to the chicken?

  • Did you skip the cornstarch bath? That stuff creates the glue. Also simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken properly.

Q Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

  • Sure. Cook the chicken and noodles separately and store them in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet, toss with sauce, and try not to drool in public.

Q Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

  • Technically yes, but fresh garlic packs more flavor. If you use jarred go easy on the amount and taste as you go.

Q How spicy will it be with chili flakes?

  • Mild unless you go wild. Start with 1/2 tsp and adjust. You control the fire level like a boss.

Q Can I make this vegetarian?

  • Absolutely. Firm tofu works great. Press it, coat it with cornstarch, and pan fry until golden.

Q How do I make it saucier?

  • Double the sauce amounts and add a splash of water or chicken stock when simmering. Simmer a little longer until it coats everything the way you like.

Q What noodles are best?

  • Egg noodles give a chewy comfort vibe. Rice noodles make it lighter and gluten free. Both are winners.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

You have now unlocked a quick, sticky, garlicky dinner that looks impressive but does not require a cape. This dish balances sweet, savory, and a little heat in a way that makes people ask for seconds without awkwardness. Keep your prep simple, watch the pan, and feel free to get creative with veggies and heat. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You earned it.

Conclusion

If you want to compare variations or get visual inspiration check out this 20 minute Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles from Half Baked Harvest which offers a faster take. For a version that keeps things classic and glossy see this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles from Gourmet Martha for ideas on finishing touches. If you prefer set it and forget it methods try this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe for an easy slow cooker approach.

Print
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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles


  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Description

A quick and tasty dish featuring sticky, glossy sauce, chicken, and noodles that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using) thoroughly to form a flavorful sauce.
  2. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat all pieces. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set them aside.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sticky chicken and toss well to evenly distribute the sauce and chicken.
  8. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the top before serving hot.

Notes

Perfect for meal prep and can be customized with vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: sticky chicken, garlic noodles, quick dinner, easy recipe, Asian cuisine

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