Nothing beats a flavorful, satisfying meal after a busy day, and sticky garlic chicken noodles fit the bill perfectly. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and perfectly sauced noodles for a dish that’s both comforting and quick to make.
With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have this sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold, savory garlic flavor balanced with a sticky, slightly sweet sauce.
- Uses simple pantry staples and common ingredients.
- Flexible enough to customize with your favorite veggies or protein.
- Comforting and filling, great for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the sticky garlic chicken noodles. The quantities serve about 4 people.
- 8 ounces dried egg noodles or ramen noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
YOUR NEXT FAVORITE RECIPE STARTS HERE
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sticky garlic sauce.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the noodles and stir in sliced green onions. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they will continue cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Make the sauce ahead and keep it warm while cooking chicken and noodles for faster assembly.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sticky garlic chicken noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s stickiness and prevent the noodles from drying out.
You can also freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stove or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work best for their texture, you can substitute with rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to rinse cooked noodles under cold water after draining to remove excess starch. Toss them with a little oil before adding to the sauce to keep them separated.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?
This recipe is great for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed. Keep any garnishes separate until serving to maintain freshness.