Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Did you hear about that incredible dish that transforms a busy weeknight into a mouthwatering experience?” If you love homemade meals but are craving something quick and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. This dish brings together tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a heavenly honey-soy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight, this recipe not only comes together in a flash but also makes for a delightful crowd-pleaser at casual gatherings. Plus, with a gluten-free option available, it caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Let’s dive into the magic of Garlic Chicken Noodles! Why Are Garlic Chicken Noodles a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: These Garlic Chicken Noodles come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for those busy weeknights when you’ve got little time to spare. Flavor Explosion: The sticky honey-soy sauce creates a crave-worthy glaze that perfectly melds with the tender chicken and chewy noodles. Versatile and Customizable: Swap in your favorite protein, like shrimp or tofu, or add seasonal vegetables to enhance the dish and make it your own. Gluten-Free Option: Using tamari and gluten-free noodles means everyone can enjoy this hearty meal without worry. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Elevate your meal rotation with these Garlic Butter Chicken or consider a hint of spice with Chicken Ramen Garlic for even more delicious inspiration! Garlic Chicken Noodles Ingredients For the Chicken Chicken Breast – The star protein; feel free to use pre-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal. For the Noodles Noodles – Choose rice noodles, egg noodles, or spaghetti based on your preference for a satisfying base. For the Sauce Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; this gives the dish its signature garlicky kick. Soy Sauce – Provides umami and saltiness; look for tamari as a tasty gluten-free option. Honey – Adds a lovely sweetness and helps create that sticky consistency; maple syrup can also work well here. Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent; adjusting the amount can give you the sauce thickness you desire. For Optional Veggies Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots) – Boost nutrition and texture; feel free to get creative with seasonal choices. Cooking Essentials Oil – A small amount prevents noodles from sticking and adds flavor; toss noodles in oil post-cooking. Add your own twist to the dish with these flavorful Garlic Chicken Noodles that are sure to quickly become a favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Chicken Noodles Step 1: Cook Noodles Begin by boiling a large pot of water over high heat. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to the package instructions—typically 3 to 7 minutes—until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and toss them lightly with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together. Step 2: Sauté Chicken In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken becomes golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Step 3: Add Garlic When your chicken is perfectly cooked, add minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves) to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it, as this can make the dish bitter. Step 4: Mix Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. Once combined, pour this mixture over the sautéed chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken, and allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes. Step 5: Combine Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sticky sauce and heated through. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes for everything to blend beautifully. Step 6: Add Veggies If you opted for vegetables, now is the time to stir them into the mix. Add your choice of cut bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are vibrant and just tender yet still crisp. Step 7: Serve Remove the skillet from heat and prepare to serve your vibrant Garlic Chicken Noodles! Transfer to bowls and garnish with optional sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a delightful finish. Enjoy the warm, sticky goodness of this dish right away! Make Ahead Options Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the honey-soy sauce up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor infusion. Additionally, cook noodles and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the marinated chicken and garlic, stir in your prepped sauce, and add the noodles and any desired vegetables. This approach keeps the dish just as delicious while saving you precious time on busy weeknights! Variations & Substitutions for Garlic Chicken Noodles Customize your Garlic Chicken Noodles to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these delightful variations! Seafood Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick and tasty seafood twist. Sauté until just pink and tender for delightful results. Plant-Based Delight: Replace chicken with tofu for a scrumptious vegetarian version, absorbing the sauce for delicious flavor. Beef Option: Swap in thinly sliced beef for a heartier take, and sear until cooked through to bring a different intensity to the dish. Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure everyone can enjoy this meal without worry. Veggie Boost: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition; they add a nice crunch and bring freshness. Spice It Up: For a kick, include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce, elevating your noodles with a delightful heat that excites the palate. Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that perfectly complements the garlic and sweetness of the honey. Explore various toppings as well! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or green onions can add that extra pop of flavor you’ll love. For more inspiration, try these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken options or mix in a hint of garlic with Savory Garlic Butter recipes to keep mealtimes exciting! Expert Tips for Garlic Chicken Noodles Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce mix for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor before cooking. High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when sautéing to achieve a nice sear on the chicken, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your Garlic Chicken Noodles. Fresh Garlic Only: Always opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced; it provides a stronger flavor and aroma that elevates the dish. Avoid Overcooking Veggies: Add vegetables towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their crunchiness and vibrant color. Thick Sauce Tip: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer or adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency. How to Store and Freeze Garlic Chicken Noodles Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze Garlic Chicken Noodles as the reheating may alter the noodle texture. Instead, consider freezing the sauce and pre-cooked protein separately for quick meals later. Preparation Tips: For meal prep, store the sauce and vegetables separately from the noodles. Combine just before serving for optimal freshness. Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a bit of oil or water, helping to restore the sticky texture of the sauce without overcooking the noodles. What to Serve with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles When you’re ready to create a memorable dining experience, consider these delightful pairings that will elevate your meal. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls add a refreshing crunch that beautifully contrasts the sticky noodles. They’re perfect for balancing flavors and bringing a vibrant touch to your plate. Crispy Edamame: A bowl of warm, salted edamame provides a satisfying texture that’s both healthy and fun to eat. These little green gems pack a protein punch and add a delightful bite to your meal. Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: This cool and tangy salad complements the rich flavors of the garlic chicken noodles, offering a refreshing counterbalance that brightens each bite. Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with sesame oil and garlic, these green beans bring an extra layer of savory flavor that resonates with the theme of the meal, tying the whole dining experience together. Pan-Seared Bok Choy: With its tender leaves and crunchy stems, bok choy can be quickly sautéed and served as a nutrient-rich side that pairs beautifully with the sticky chicken flavor. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat adds a touch of tropical sweetness to wrap up your meal. The rich creaminess of coconut-infused rice with fresh mango balances the savory elements of the garlic chicken noodles perfectly. Chilled Green Tea: This refreshing drink cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience and complementing the garlic flavors without overshadowing them. Fortune Cookies: As a fun and whimsical end to the evening, these classic treats add a playful touch that keeps everyone smiling while they share their fortunes. Embrace these pairings to create a delightful meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a flavorful adventure! Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right garlic for this recipe? Absolutely! Fresh garlic cloves are your best bet, as they provide a robust flavor that enhances the dish beautifully. When selecting garlic, look for firm bulbs without any dark spots or sprouting. A good rule of thumb is to choose bulbs that feel heavy for their size and have a papery, unbroken skin. How should I store leftovers and how long do they last? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the sauce and prevent any sticking. A gentle reheating will keep your Garlic Chicken Noodles tasting fresh! Can I freeze Garlic Chicken Noodles? I recommend not freezing the assembled dish, as reheating can lead to soggy noodles. But don’t worry! You can freeze the sauce by cooking it down and letting it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze any pre-cooked protein separately for future meals. What can I do if my noodles are sticking together? Very good question! If you find your noodles are sticking post-cooking, drenching them lightly in oil is a must. After cooking, toss them in a small amount of oil immediately, as this coats them and prevents clumping. Another tip is to ensure they are cooked al dente, so they retain structure and flexibility. Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce? Yes, absolutely! To make your Garlic Chicken Noodles gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. Ensuring your noodles are clearly labeled as gluten-free can also make this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. Can I add more vegetables to the dish? The more, the merrier! Feel free to get creative with your veggies; bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are great options. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them colorful and crisp. You can use frozen veggies too—just toss them in during the last few minutes as well to heat them through! Delicious Garlic Chicken Noodles You Can Whip Up Quickly Garlic Chicken Noodles are a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a sticky honey-soy sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AsianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Chicken Breast Pre-cooked chicken can also be used for faster preparation.For the Noodles8 ounces Noodles Rice noodles, egg noodles, or spaghetti can be used.For the Sauce3-4 cloves Garlic Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari for gluten-free option.2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup can also be used.1 tablespoon Cornstarch Adjust for desired sauce thickness.For Optional Veggies2 cups Vegetables e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots.Cooking Essentials1 tablespoon Oil Prevents noodles from sticking. Equipment large potColanderLarge skilletsmall bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBoil a large pot of water over high heat. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with oil.In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour over the sautéed chicken, stir well and let bubble for 2 minutes.Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce, heating through for about 1 to 2 minutes.If using vegetables, stir them into the mix and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until vibrant and just tender.Serve immediately, garnished with optional sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg NotesConsider marinating chicken for extra flavor and add vegetables towards the end to maintain their crunchiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
