Name: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles); 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough for a weekday meal, the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is here to save the day. This dish perfectly balances savory soy, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic, all clinging lovingly to tender chicken pieces and slippery noodles. With just a handful of simple ingredients and under 20 minutes of your time, you get a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that never fails to impress. Whether you want a quick dinner fix or a dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers the kind of satisfying, saucy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface, showing nine items: on the left, three green onions with white bulbs, beside them a small dish of light brown sesame seeds, and above, a bowl filled with pale pink pieces of raw chicken. Centered is a wooden board with two blocks of off-white ramen noodles with a slightly curly texture. To the right are four bowls: a small dark bowl with a bit of brown liquid, a small bowl with white flaky salt, a bowl of white powder flour, and a bowl of beige sesame seeds. Above are two small glass bottles with cork stoppers, one containing a pale yellow liquid and the other a dark soy-like liquid. A small cluster of fresh ginger root sits near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how a few straightforward ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant and flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role—from the punchy garlic to the sweet honey glaze—ensuring the noodles and chicken are irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces work best for quick cooking and even saucing.
1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone giving depth and umami to the dish.
3 tbsp honey: Adds a perfect sticky sweetness that balances the savory tones.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and flavor significantly.
1 tsp grated ginger: Introduces a fresh zing and warmth.
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick with their noodles.
2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps create that luscious, thick sauce everyone loves.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying and making sure everything cooks evenly.
8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles): Your choice—both soak up the sauce beautifully.
2 green onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a subtle crunch at the end.
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional): For a toasty nutty finish and extra texture.

How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes in a bowl. This mixture is what transforms plain chicken and noodles into a flavor explosion, so ensure all your ingredients are fresh for the best result. The balance between salty, sweet, and spicy is what sets this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe apart.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This step is the secret behind that irresistible sticky texture, as the cornstarch helps thicken the sauce while creating a slight crust on the chicken once cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. That perfect sear locks in juices, making every bite tender and juicy.

Step 4: Add and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens to that gloriously sticky consistency that clings to every morsel. This step is where the magic truly happens!

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Meanwhile, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you go with rice or egg noodles, make sure to drain them well and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. This keeps your noodles nice and separate and ready to soak up that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with your saucy chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly so every noodle is slicked with that amazing sticky garlic glaze. This part is pure joy as the colors, textures, and aromas come together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. These small additions elevate the dish with an added pop of color, freshness, and texture that’s just heavenly.

How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of curly, glossy golden-brown noodles mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken. The noodles and chicken are coated evenly with a savory sauce. On top, there are scattered bright green chopped scallions and light tan sesame seeds adding texture and color contrast. Resting on the edge of the bowl is a pair of dark brown wooden chopsticks. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the green onions and sesame seeds are classic, feel free to get creative. A squeeze of fresh lime or a handful of chopped cilantro can brighten things up beautifully. For a spicy touch, drizzle some chili oil or scatter extra red chili flakes on top.

Side Dishes

This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed bok choy, garlic sautéed green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad. These light, fresh veggies balance the richness of the noodles and add nutrition and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles inside carved-out bell peppers or on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves for a wrap style bite. You can also sprinkle crushed peanuts or toasted cashews on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost that takes this dish to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles will continue to soak up the sauce, so it’s best to enjoy them within 2 to 3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that noodles sometimes change texture after thawing. If freezing, separate the chicken and sauce from the noodles if possible, and reheat them later, mixing them together right before serving for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the noodles from becoming too mushy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, beef, or even tofu work great with this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly without overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce with tamari and choosing gluten-free noodles. This makes it friendly for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The red chili flakes are optional, so you can easily control the heat level. Leaving them out yields a mild, garlicky-sweet dish, while adding them gives a nice gentle kick.

Can I add vegetables to the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe?

Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas not only add color and texture but also boost the nutrition. Toss them in during the cooking process for a vibrant, well-rounded meal.

What type of noodles works best?

Rice noodles or egg noodles both shine here, as they absorb the sauce beautifully. Pick the kind you prefer or have on hand, and remember to toss them with a little oil after cooking to keep them from sticking together.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and flexible enough to suit any pantry or craving. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dish for busy nights, dinner parties, or whenever you want a bowl of saucy, garlicky happiness.