STICKY GARLIC CHICKEN NOODLES IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine twirling perfectly cooked noodles around your fork, each strand coated in a luscious, sticky garlic sauce, studded with tender pieces of chicken. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, promising a symphony of savory and sweet flavors. These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience, and I’m here to guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece in your very own kitchen – trust me, you can do this!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)

For the Sticky Garlic Sauce:

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

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds a ton of flavor right from the start. Set aside for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, while you prepare the other components.

2. Cook the Noodles:

   Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This pasta water is liquid gold! The starch in it helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce:

   In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). This is where the magic happens! The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors creates the irresistible sticky garlic goodness.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

5. Combine Everything:

   Pour the sticky garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving that perfect sticky consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

6. Add the Noodles:

   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Make sure every strand of noodle is glistening with that amazing sauce!

7. Garnish and Serve:

   Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles! Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Okay, let’s be real, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Sauce Too Thin? If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, make sure your cornstarch slurry is well mixed and that you’re cooking it over medium heat while stirring constantly. A little extra cornstarch slurry (just a tiny bit!) can also do the trick.
• Chicken Sticking to the Pan? Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd it. Cooking in batches helps maintain the pan’s temperature and prevents sticking.
• Noodles Too Sticky? If your noodles are clumping together, try tossing them with a little sesame oil after draining. This prevents them from sticking and helps them absorb the sauce more evenly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether. If you like it spicy, add a pinch more!

Variations and Adaptations: Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for added nutrients and texture.
• Protein Power: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even ground pork.
• Noodle Swap: Try using ramen noodles, udon noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to suit your taste preferences.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Flavor

This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also based on sound culinary principles. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. And the cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, allowing it to cling to the noodles and create that irresistible sticky texture. Consider exploring similar flavor profiles in a Honey Garlic Chicken Mac for another delicious meal!

Perfect For: Lunch Or Dinner Ideas and More!

Looking for quick and satisfying Lunch Or Dinner Ideas? This recipe is a winner! It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a great option for meal prepping – simply cook the chicken and noodles separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This recipe falls under the Meals That Start With D category since dinner is obviously a possibility. And if you are looking for other Noodle Meal Ideas, this one is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It definitely deserves a spot on your list of Super Noodles Recipes!

More Noodle Inspiration

If you’re craving more noodle goodness, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• For a quick and easy meal, try Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles – it’s simple yet incredibly flavorful.
• Craving something cheesy? The Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
• If you’re in the mood for a comforting pasta dish, try the Garlicky Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• For an Asian-inspired noodle dish, the Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a must-try.
• And for a light and flavorful option, consider the Chicken And Zucchini Pasta.

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to making irresistible Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles! With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles feature tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles coated in a luscious, savory-sweet garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It’s a flavorful and irresistible dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Pot for noodles
• Colander
• Stirring spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for chicken marinade
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for chicken marinade
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for chicken marinade
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger for chicken marinade
• 8 ounces noodles spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
• Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
• Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
• Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Combine Everything: Pour the sticky garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
• Add the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add more reserved pasta water. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. To prevent noodles from sticking, toss with a little sesame oil after draining. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots can be added. Chicken can be substituted with shrimp, tofu, or ground pork. Try using ramen, udon, or zucchini noodles. Adjust sweetness by changing the brown sugar and honey amounts. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.