IRRESISTIBLE STICKY GARLIC CHICKEN NOODLES

Imagine twirling tender noodles coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory garlic sauce, dotted with juicy pieces of chicken – that’s what awaits you with these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. This recipe is your answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas: quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to create a dish so good, everyone will be begging for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Noodles:

• 1 lb noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)

For the Sticky Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Let’s Get Cooking: Preparing the Chicken

First, we’ll get the chicken ready. This step is crucial because marinating the chicken, even for just a few minutes, will make it extra tender and flavorful.

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. While the chicken is marinating, you can prep the other ingredients. This is one of the secrets to making these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles a true one pot quick meal, saving time and effort.

Crafting the Irresistible Sticky Garlic Sauce

The sauce is the heart and soul of this dish! This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
2. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl until smooth. This will help thicken the sauce.

Don’t be tempted to skip the rice vinegar; it adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s bring it all together! This recipe is designed to be easy and efficient, so you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a perfect example of easy dinners that don’t compromise on flavor.

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. If you want to make this a true one-pot meal, cook the noodles at the end in the sauce, adding water as needed.
2. While the noodles are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand is glistening with that delicious sticky garlic goodness!
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Noodle Nirvana

Even the best recipes can be improved with a few insider tips! Here are some of my favorite tricks for making these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles absolutely perfect.

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Nobody likes mushy noodles! Cook them al dente for the best texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
• Add Veggies: For a healthier and more colorful dish, add some chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the skillet along with the chicken.
• Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding the chicken and noodles.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

If you’re looking for another delicious noodle recipe, why not give Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles a try? It’s another fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Shrimp Version: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Different Noodles: Experiment with different types of noodles, such as udon, soba, or rice noodles.
• Peanut Sauce: Add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.

These Delicious Noodle Recipes are a great way to explore new flavors and create unique dishes that your family will love.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

While these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas for side dishes to create a complete and balanced meal:

• Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that complements the richness of the noodles.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw with a light vinaigrette.
• Spring Rolls: A classic appetizer that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes.
• Miso Soup: A warm and comforting soup that’s easy to make.

And if you’re in the mood for more chicken recipes, be sure to check out Honey Garlic Chicken Mac – another crowd-pleaser!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles store well and reheat beautifully.

• Storage: Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the noodles in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the noodles seem dry.

Reheating in a skillet helps to maintain the texture of the noodles, ensuring they are just as delicious as the first time.

Looking for some complimentary meals? Chinese Pepper Steak or maybe Chicken Ramen Stir Fry might be right up your alley!

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Let’s face it, we all crave easy and delicious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s why these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are such a hit! They’re quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables.

For another twist on a chicken dinner, you might enjoy Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

So next time you’re looking for a fast and flavorful dinner option, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!