Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a beloved dish, combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles. This easy-to-follow recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and homemade.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare a sweet and savory garlic sauce quickly.
- Achieve perfectly sticky chicken with a cornstarch coating.
- Combine tender chicken and noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Enjoy a flavorful, easy recipe ready in just 35 minutes.
This dish brings joy. It is simple to create. The flavors truly pop. A family favorite awaits. Dinner just got easier.
Making Delicious Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Prepare to create a truly irresistible meal right in your own kitchen: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. This recipe is designed for both flavor and convenience, promising a dish that will quickly become a household favorite. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, coated in a glistening, savory-sweet garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles. It’s an ideal option for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend cooking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort.
What makes this dish special?
What sets these sticky garlic chicken noodles apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and slightly crispy from a quick pan-fry, while the sauce, rich with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice, clings beautifully to every piece. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami notes that awaken the palate. Unlike many takeout versions, making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, ensuring a fresh and vibrant taste every time. For another fantastic chicken dish that balances flavors, check out our Easy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
Quick and easy recipe overview
The journey to these delightful noodles is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll begin by preparing your chicken, cutting it into bite-sized pieces and giving it a light cornstarch coating for that perfect crisp. While the chicken cooks to golden perfection, you’ll whisk together the simple yet powerful garlic sauce ingredients. Then, it’s a matter of combining everything in one skillet – the cooked chicken, the luscious sauce, and your prepared noodles – tossing until every strand is coated in the sticky goodness. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh garnishes brings the dish to life. This entire process is designed to be efficient, making it possible to have a wholesome, flavorful meal on the table in about 35 minutes, a perfect example of a quick weeknight dinner solution.
Gather Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Noodles
The success of any great recipe begins with having all your components ready. For our irresistible sticky garlic chicken noodles, you’ll find that the ingredient list is quite accessible, featuring pantry staples and fresh items that are easy to find. Taking a few moments to gather and measure everything before you start cooking, also known as mise en place, will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. This approach helps ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps and keeps your focus on the culinary craft.
All the chicken and sauce items
For the star of our dish, you’ll need about one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs often provide a more tender and juicy result, but breast meat works perfectly well too. The key to the sticky texture and slight crispiness comes from cornstarch, which will be used to coat the chicken. Our deeply flavorful sauce relies on a combination of liquids and aromatics: soy sauce (low-sodium is often preferred to control saltiness), sweet honey or maple syrup, fragrant minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and a touch of heat from red chili flakes. You’ll also need a little sesame oil for depth and a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for cooking. For those who enjoy a richer garlic flavor in their chicken, consider exploring our recipe for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce.
Noodles and garnish needed
The noodle component is versatile. You can opt for traditional egg noodles, ramen noodles (discarding the seasoning packet), or even spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have on hand. Aim for about 8-10 ounces of dry noodles. Fresh noodles often cook faster and absorb sauce wonderfully. Don’t forget the garnishes, which add both flavor and visual appeal. Freshly chopped green onions (scallions) provide a mild oniony bite and a splash of color, while toasted sesame seeds offer a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. Having these ready to go will ensure your finished dish looks as appealing as it tastes. For more cooking inspiration and visually stunning dishes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Prep Chicken for Best Sticky Noodles
Proper preparation of the chicken is a crucial step in achieving the desired texture and ensuring an even cook throughout your sticky garlic chicken noodles. Taking the time to execute these preliminary steps correctly will significantly impact the final quality of your dish, making the chicken tender on the inside with a delightful exterior.
Cutting chicken pieces evenly
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes or strips. The importance of even sizing cannot be overstated; it ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, you risk having some chicken overcooked and dry while others are still undercooked. After cutting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for the cornstarch to adhere properly and for the chicken to brown beautifully, rather than steam in the pan.
Coating chicken with cornstarch
Once your chicken is evenly cut and patted dry, it’s time for the cornstarch coating. Place the chicken pieces into a medium bowl, then sprinkle a tablespoon or two of cornstarch over them. Toss the chicken thoroughly, using your hands or a spoon, until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. The cornstarch serves several vital purposes. First, it helps to create a delicate, slightly crispy crust on the chicken when it’s pan-fried, which contributes to the satisfying texture of the finished dish. Second, it acts as a thickening agent for the sauce later on, helping it cling to the chicken and noodles, giving the dish its signature “sticky” quality. This coating is what helps transform simple chicken into a truly special component of this meal.
Create the Flavorful Garlic Chicken Sauce
The sauce is undeniably the heart of these sticky garlic chicken noodles, imparting the rich, sweet, and savory notes that define the dish. Crafting this sauce is surprisingly simple, yet it yields a depth of flavor that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows you to focus on cooking the chicken and noodles without interruption, streamlining your entire cooking process.
Mixing soy sauce and honey
In a medium bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the foundational elements of your sauce: soy sauce and honey. The soy sauce provides the essential umami and saltiness, forming the savory backbone of the sauce. Using a low-sodium variety gives you more control over the overall salt content, allowing you to adjust to taste. Honey, or maple syrup for a vegan alternative, introduces a delightful sweetness that balances the savory notes and contributes to the “sticky” texture. The ratio of these two ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect harmony of sweet and salty. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly combined and the honey has fully dissolved into the soy sauce, creating a smooth base for the other flavors.
Adding garlic, ginger, chili flakes
Now, it’s time to infuse the sauce with its aromatic and spicy character. To the soy sauce and honey mixture, add a generous amount of freshly minced garlic. Fresh garlic offers a pungent, robust flavor that dried garlic simply cannot replicate. Next, incorporate freshly grated ginger. Ginger adds a warm, zesty, and slightly peppery note that brightens the entire sauce and complements the garlic beautifully. Finally, for those who appreciate a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red chili flakes. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your spice preference, from a subtle warmth to a more fiery kick. A dash of sesame oil can also be added at this stage for an extra layer of nutty aroma. Whisk everything together until well combined. This prepared sauce can even be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making your weeknight cooking even faster.
Cook Chicken Until Golden Brown
With your chicken prepped and your sauce mixed, the next step is to cook the chicken to perfection. This stage is vital for developing flavor and texture, ensuring the chicken is tender on the inside and beautifully golden and slightly crisp on the outside. Proper cooking technique here will make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of your sticky garlic chicken noodles.
Heating oil in a skillet
Begin by placing a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat for a minute or two before adding your cooking oil. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, is ideal for this application. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan – usually about 1-2 tablespoons. Once the oil is shimmering and a drop of water sizzles instantly when flicked into the pan, it’s ready for the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Sautéing chicken until done
Carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side to allow a beautiful golden-brown crust to form. Resist the urge to constantly stir or flip the chicken during this initial phase, as it hinders browning. Once one side is golden, use tongs to flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. There might be some delicious crispy bits left in the pan; these can often add extra flavor to your sauce or can be carefully removed if preferred. For another flavorful chicken dish with a kick, try our Fiery Dragon Chicken.
Sauce Thickens on the Chicken
This is where the “sticky” magic truly happens. After your chicken is perfectly cooked, the next step involves bringing that incredible garlic sauce to life and ensuring it coats every piece of chicken with a luscious, glossy finish. This stage transforms the individual components into a cohesive, flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pouring sauce over cooked chicken
Once you’ve removed the cooked chicken from the skillet, you might notice some fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pan – this is pure flavor! You can optionally drain any excess oil if there’s a significant amount, but leaving a little will contribute to the richness. Return the cooked chicken to the same skillet over medium heat. Now, carefully pour your pre-mixed garlic, ginger, and honey-soy sauce directly over the chicken. The aromatics will immediately begin to release their intoxicating scent, filling your kitchen with anticipation. Ensure all chicken pieces are submerged or coated as evenly as possible with the liquid sauce.
Simmering until sauce is sticky
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. As it heats, the cornstarch residue from the chicken (and any additional cornstarch in the sauce itself, if you added it) will begin to work its thickening magic. Stir the chicken constantly or gently toss it in the sauce to ensure even coating and to prevent any sticking. Continue to simmer for 2-4 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens to a beautiful, glossy, and sticky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. It should cling to the chicken pieces, rather than being thin and watery. Watch it carefully, as it can thicken quickly. Once it reaches that perfect sticky glaze, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent over-reduction. This is the moment your sticky garlic chicken truly comes into its own, ready to be combined with the noodles. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on Instagram!
Prepare Your Noodles Perfectly
While the chicken is getting sticky and delicious, it’s the ideal time to cook your noodles. The key to a successful noodle dish is ensuring the noodles themselves are cooked to perfection – al dente, never mushy – and ready to absorb the flavorful sauce. The type of noodle you choose can influence the final texture, but the cooking method remains largely consistent.
Cooking noodles per package
The best advice for cooking any type of noodle, be it egg noodles, ramen, linguine, or spaghetti, is always to follow the package instructions. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water not only seasons the noodles from the inside out but also helps prevent them from sticking together. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add your chosen noodles. Stir gently to separate them, especially if they are fresh or clumped. Cook for the recommended time, usually between 3 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness and type of noodle. It’s always a good idea to taste a noodle a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up to ensure it has the desired texture – firm to the bite but not hard.
Draining and setting noodles aside
As soon as your noodles reach that perfect al dente texture, immediately drain them in a colander. It’s important to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting your delicious sauce later on. Resist the urge to rinse most types of noodles (unless specified by the package, like for rice noodles), as rinsing can wash away the starches that help the sauce adhere. If you’re not combining them with the chicken immediately, you can toss them with a tiny amount of sesame oil or olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while they wait. Set the drained noodles aside, ready to be introduced to the irresistible sticky garlic chicken. This methodical approach ensures that every component of your dish is prepared to its peak before coming together in a flavorful symphony.
Combine Noodles with Sticky Chicken
This is the exciting moment where all your carefully prepared components come together to form the complete and utterly satisfying dish. The combination of the tender, sauce-coated chicken and the perfectly cooked noodles creates a textural and flavor experience that is truly more than the sum of its parts. This step is about integrating everything seamlessly, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Adding noodles to the skillet
Once your chicken is coated in the thick, sticky garlic sauce and your noodles are perfectly cooked and drained, it’s time to unite them. Reheat the skillet with the saucy chicken over low to medium heat, if it has cooled down. Then, add the prepared noodles directly into the skillet with the chicken. The warmth from the skillet will help the noodles absorb the sauce effectively. Ensure you have enough room in your skillet to toss everything comfortably without spilling. If your skillet is too small, you might consider transferring the chicken and noodles to a larger mixing bowl for this step, then transferring back to the skillet for serving if desired.
Tossing everything together gently
Using a pair of tongs or two large spoons, gently but thoroughly toss the noodles and chicken together. The goal is to coat every strand of noodle and every piece of chicken evenly with that glossy, flavorful garlic sauce. Take your time with this step, ensuring the sauce distributes well and the noodles don’t break apart. You’ll see the noodles transform, soaking up the vibrant color and rich aroma of the sauce. Continue tossing for a minute or two, allowing the noodles to warm through and fully integrate with the flavors. Once everything is beautifully coated and piping hot, your sticky garlic chicken noodles are ready for their final flourish before serving. This methodical approach ensures that the dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, reflecting the care you put into its creation.
Garnish and Serve Your Garlic Chicken
The final touches can truly elevate a dish, turning a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. Garnishes not only add visual appeal but also contribute fresh textures and vibrant flavors that complement the richness of the sticky garlic chicken noodles. This step is quick but essential for a complete and satisfying presentation.
Topping with green onions
Once your sticky garlic chicken noodles are perfectly tossed and ready to serve, transfer generous portions into individual serving bowls or a large communal platter. Then, it’s time for the first garnish: freshly chopped green onions, also known as scallions. Sprinkle a generous amount of the bright green tops over the hot noodles. The fresh, crisp bite of green onions provides a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken and soft noodles. Their mild, slightly pungent flavor also cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a refreshing element to each spoonful. Beyond flavor, the vibrant green color offers a beautiful visual pop, making the dish even more appealing. It’s an easy way to add a touch of freshness and professional presentation to your homemade meal.
Sprinkling sesame seeds on top
To complete the garnish, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the green onions and noodles. Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch that adds another layer of texture to the dish. Their subtle flavor enhances the overall Asian-inspired profile of the garlic sauce. You can use white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or a mix of both for added visual interest. If you only have raw sesame seeds, a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes will bring out their best flavor. The combination of green onions and sesame seeds isn’t just for looks; it actively contributes to the deliciousness, making every bite of your sticky garlic chicken noodles a multi-sensory delight. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Quick Tips for Sticky Garlic Noodles
While the basic recipe for sticky garlic chicken noodles is straightforward, a few quick tips can help you customize it to your liking, enhance the flavors, or make it even more efficient. These small adjustments can transform the dish, ensuring it perfectly suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
How to adjust the spice
The spice level in sticky garlic chicken noodles is easily adjustable to cater to everyone’s palate. The primary source of heat in this recipe comes from red chili flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to add more chili flakes. You could also introduce a dash of Sriracha sauce or a finely minced fresh red chili (like a bird’s eye chili) along with the garlic and ginger for a more intense heat. Remember to taste the sauce before adding the chicken and noodles, and adjust accordingly. Adding a pinch of black pepper at the end can also provide a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect spice balance.
Adding extra vegetables
Incorporating extra vegetables is an excellent way to boost the nutritional value and add more texture and color to your sticky garlic chicken noodles. Popular choices include thinly sliced bell peppers (any color), shredded carrots, snap peas, broccoli florets, or even baby spinach. You can stir-fry tougher vegetables like broccoli or carrots in the skillet after cooking the chicken (or in a separate pan) for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. Softer vegetables like spinach can be wilted directly into the sauce with the chicken just before adding the noodles. This ensures the vegetables retain some of their texture and vibrant color. Adding vegetables not only makes the dish more wholesome but also transforms it into a more substantial and colorful one-pan meal. Consider adding them for a truly satisfying and well-rounded main course.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional profile of your meals can be helpful for maintaining a balanced diet. While home-cooked meals often offer better control over ingredients compared to takeout, it’s good to have an idea of what goes into your body. Please note that the exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. The following information is an estimated nutritional breakdown for a single serving of sticky garlic chicken noodles, assuming a standard serving size and typical ingredients.
Calories and protein per serving
A typical serving of sticky garlic chicken noodles, prepared with chicken breast and standard egg noodles, is estimated to contain approximately 450-550 calories. This provides a significant energy boost, suitable for a main meal. The protein content is notably high, primarily due to the chicken, which is an excellent source of lean protein. You can expect around 30-35 grams of protein per serving. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, making this dish a filling and beneficial option for those looking to meet their protein goals.
Fat, carbs, and sodium data
In terms of macronutrients, the fat content typically ranges from 15-20 grams per serving, depending on the type of oil used for cooking and whether chicken breast or thigh meat is chosen. Chicken thighs will naturally yield a slightly higher fat content. The carbohydrate content, largely from the noodles and the honey in the sauce, is estimated to be around 50-60 grams per serving. This provides sustained energy. Finally, the sodium content can vary significantly, primarily influenced by the amount of soy sauce used. With low-sodium soy sauce, a serving might contain approximately 800-1000 mg of sodium. If regular soy sauce is used, this number could be higher. It’s always a good idea to monitor sodium intake and opt for low-sodium alternatives where possible, especially if you are watching your salt consumption.
Enjoy Your Easy 35-Minute Meal
After all your efforts, from gathering ingredients to perfectly coating your chicken and combining everything with the savory sauce, the best part has arrived: savoring your homemade sticky garlic chicken noodles. This dish isn’t just about the incredible taste; it’s also about the convenience and satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal swiftly and efficiently.
Perfect for weeknight dinners
One of the greatest advantages of this sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe is its suitability for weeknight dinners. In a mere 35 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that easily outshines most takeout options. The quick preparation time means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening. It’s an ideal solution for busy individuals or families who want to eat well without the fuss. The process is streamlined, from the quick chicken prep to the rapid sauce thickening and noodle cooking, making it manageable even after a long day. Say goodbye to the dilemma of what to cook and hello to a reliable, delicious meal that fits perfectly into a hectic schedule.
Delicious family-friendly option
Beyond its speed, these sticky garlic chicken noodles are a fantastic family-friendly meal. The flavors are universally appealing – a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice that can be adjusted to suit even the pickiest eaters. Kids generally love noodles and the tender, flavorful chicken, making it a hit around the dinner table. Plus, because it’s homemade, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s a wholesome and nutritious option for everyone. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, encouraging family members to gather and share a delicious meal together. So go ahead, serve up a generous portion, and watch it disappear. This recipe proves that delicious, satisfying, and quick family meals are absolutely achievable, fostering happy culinary memories.