If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comforting textures, then Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is exactly what you need on your table tonight. This recipe brings together tender chicken coated in a luscious, sticky garlic sauce that perfectly clings to every strand of noodles, making every bite an irresistible delight. The harmony of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a hint of zingy ginger creates a sauce that’s so good you’ll want to slurp every last drop. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends, these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are sure to become one of your go-to favorites.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. Fresh garlic and ginger bring aromatic warmth, honey adds natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce, and the cornstarch gives the sauce that signature sticky texture. Let’s take a closer look at everything you’ll need to make this dish shine.

Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Choose boneless and skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and juicy bites.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides the salty, umami foundation that enhances every flavor in the dish.
Honey (3 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the garlic and soy sauce.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic is the star, infusing the sauce with its rich and pungent aroma.
Grated ginger (1 tsp): Gives a gentle spicy warmth and depth to the sauce.
Red chili flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): A touch of heat that wakes up the palate, but completely optional if you prefer mild flavors.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce and coats the chicken beautifully for that sticky finish.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): A neutral oil great for stir-frying without overpowering the dish.
Noodles (8 oz): Rice or egg noodles both work well, providing the perfect chewy base to soak up the whole sauce.
Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh, crisp, and adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional): Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and lovely visual contrast.

How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes in a bowl. This mixture will become the luscious, sticky sauce that gives the dish its incredible flavor and glossy finish. The balance of sweet and savory elements here is what makes the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles so unforgettable.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Take those bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in cornstarch until each piece has a light, even coating. This step is crucial because the cornstarch helps create a delicate crust on the chicken when cooked, and it thickens the sauce later on for that signature stickiness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken and cook it until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This stage seals in the juices and gives the chicken a lovely texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender noodles.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce with Chicken

Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir everything together to make sure each piece is generously coated. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings sticky and glossy to the chicken and the pan. This step locks in all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles well to prevent sogginess and set them aside, ready to soak up that incredible sauce.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Chicken

Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the succulent chicken and sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that the noodles are well coated and infused with that sticky garlic goodness. This is where all the magic comes together in a perfect, mouthwatering bite.

How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the finished dish just before serving. These garnishes add a fresh crunch and visual appeal that elevate the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles from simple to spectacular. Plus, the sesame seeds lend a subtle nutty aroma that complements the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. These sides add vibrant color and crisp textures that pair wonderfully with the rich, sticky noodles, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little fancy, serve the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra texture. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side to brighten the flavors just before eating. Presentation is all about highlighting the dish’s glistening sauce and inviting aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up even more sauce overnight, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to separate the chicken and noodles from any garnishes first. Freeze the cooked chicken and noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the noodles, but the flavors will remain intact.

Reheating

Reheat the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken moist and the noodles from sticking together, maintaining the dish’s delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which makes your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles even more mouthwatering.

What kind of noodles work best?

Rice noodles or egg noodles both work beautifully in this recipe. Rice noodles give a lighter texture, while egg noodles are a bit chewier and heartier. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red chili flakes for those who like a little heat, but you can easily leave them out if you prefer a mild, sweet-savory flavor profile.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your noodles are gluten-free, such as rice noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I get the sauce perfectly sticky?

The secret lies in coating the chicken with cornstarch and simmering the sauce after adding it to the chicken. This thickens the sauce nicely and makes it beautifully cling to every piece and noodle.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are one of those recipes that bring comfort, flavor, and ease all in one bowl. The combination of sticky, savory sauce with tender chicken and satisfying noodles is truly a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep coming back to. So give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a delicious, easy-to-make main course featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory and sweet garlic-ginger sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles. This dish combines the flavors of soy sauce, honey, and a hint of chili flakes for a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken and noodles, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and aroma.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if using. Mix well to create the sticky sauce base.
Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This helps to create a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce later.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky.
Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Toss Noodles with Chicken Sauce: Add the cooked noodles directly to the skillet with the sticky chicken and sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are fully coated and combined with the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat.
Adjust the red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
Use rice noodles for a gluten-free version, ensuring the soy sauce used is also gluten-free.
For added vegetables, consider stir-frying bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots with the chicken.
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetarian soy sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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