I love how this dish brings bold flavor to the table with very little effort. These sticky garlic chicken noodles come together with tender chicken, a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce, and noodles that soak up every drop. It’s one of those recipes I make when I want something comforting, filling, and full of flavor without spending hours cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it’s quick, reliable, and always satisfying. I like how the sauce turns glossy and sticky, coating both the chicken and noodles perfectly. It works well for busy weeknights, yet it still feels special enough to serve when I want something a little more exciting than my usual dinners. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with different noodles or spice levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces rice noodles or egg noodles
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
I start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, I mix the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes until everything is well combined.
Next, I place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them with the cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This helps the chicken cook up golden and allows the sauce to cling later.
I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the chicken and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned.
I then pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir well. I let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky and glossy.
While the sauce is thickening, I cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain them well, and set them aside. I add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. I finish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, cook time is about 15 minutes, and the total time comes to around 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes use chicken thighs when I want extra juiciness, or chicken breast for a leaner option. When I want more vegetables, I add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process. For extra heat, I increase the red chili flakes or finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. I also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken?
I use either chicken breast or thighs depending on what I have on hand. Both work well and absorb the sauce nicely.
Are Rice Noodles Or Egg Noodles Better?
I like rice noodles for a lighter texture, while egg noodles make the dish feel heartier. I choose based on my mood or pantry.
How Sweet Is The Sauce?
I find the sweetness balanced, not overpowering. When I want it less sweet, I slightly reduce the honey.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
I often make it ahead and reheat it the next day. The flavors deepen, which makes leftovers just as enjoyable.
Can I Make It Spicier?
I add more red chili flakes or a spicy sauce if I want extra heat. It’s easy to adjust to taste.
Conclusion
These sticky garlic chicken noodles are a recipe I truly enjoy making again and again. The combination of tender chicken, sticky sauce, and flavorful noodles makes this dish comforting, satisfying, and dependable. It’s the kind of meal I know will always be a hit at my table.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory garlic soy sauce, served with noodles that soak up every drop. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave something bold and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces rice noodles or egg noodles
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Set aside.
In another bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or breasts for a leaner option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a more complete meal.
Adjust heat level by increasing or reducing chili flakes.
Reheat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce.
Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option (ensure soy sauce is GF too).
