Description
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. For instance, you can use whatever noodles you have on hand—whether that’s ramen, egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Similarly, the sauce is forgiving enough to adapt to your preferences, whether you like things a bit sweeter, a bit spicier, or somewhere in between. As a result, this recipe becomes your own personal creation every time you make it.
Ingredients
Complete Ingredients List for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Chicken Noodles:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) noodles of choice (ramen, egg noodles, or rice noodles)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sticky Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Chicken Noodles
Preparing the Chicken and Noodles
- Marinate the Chicken: First, in a medium bowl, toss the sliced chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Then, mix well to coat every piece evenly. Finally, let this sit while you prepare the other components—even 10 to 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package directions. However, drain them just before they’re fully cooked because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Afterward, rinse briefly under cold water to prevent sticking, then toss with a tiny bit of sesame oil. Subsequently, set aside.
- Prepare the Sticky Sauce: Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch slurry. If you like heat, also add the red chili flakes now. Then, set this sauce aside—you’ll add it to the pan later.
Cooking the Sticky Garlic Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Then, add the marinated chicken in a single layer—importantly, don’t overcrowd the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Finally, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Garlic Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Subsequently, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—however, be careful not to let it brown too much or it will become bitter. Then, pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Watch as it transforms into a glossy, sticky glaze over 2 to 3 minutes.
Combining and Serving the Garlic Noodles
- Combine Everything: Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Additionally, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until every strand is coated in that beautiful sticky garlic sauce. As a result, the sauce should cling to the noodles and chicken, creating a glossy finish that looks almost lacquered.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, transfer to serving bowls and top generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and at peak deliciousness. Consequently, your family will be asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first bowl!
Important Notes for the Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- First and foremost, don’t skip the cornstarch in the marinade—it creates a velvety texture on the chicken and helps it develop a light crust when cooked.
- Additionally, cook the garlic briefly over medium heat to prevent burning. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will consequently ruin the sauce.
- Furthermore, if your sauce isn’t thickening enough, let it simmer a bit longer or alternatively add a touch more cornstarch slurry.
- Moreover, for extra flavor depth, add a teaspoon of dark soy sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Finally, leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
Nutritional Information for Garlic Chicken Noodles
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1,250mg
- Sugar: 12g
Presentation Tips for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Presentation matters, especially when you’ve put love into a dish. Therefore, serve your sticky garlic chicken noodles in wide, shallow bowls to show off that beautiful glossy sauce. Additionally, the contrast of a white bowl against the deep amber noodles makes for a stunning visual. Moreover, always garnish just before serving—the bright green scallions provide a fresh color pop, while the sesame seeds add elegant speckling. Finally, for an extra restaurant touch, place a few chicken pieces on top rather than mixed in, and drizzle a bit of extra sauce over them for that professional gleam.
Notes
Recipe Variations and Substitutions for Sticky Garlic Noodles
Protein Swaps for Garlic Noodles
While chicken thighs provide the most flavor and juiciness, you can easily substitute chicken breast, shrimp, beef strips, or firm tofu. For instance, for shrimp, cook them only 2 to 3 minutes per side. Similarly, for a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed, adding it after the sauce has thickened.
Noodle Options for This Garlic Chicken Recipe
Rice noodles create a lighter dish, while egg noodles offer more heartiness. Likewise, lo mein noodles or udon are excellent choices too. Even spaghetti works in a pinch—although it’s not traditional, it absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Dietary Adjustments for Sticky Garlic Noodles
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or alternatively substitute with hoisin sauce). Similarly, for lower sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut the amount by a third. Additionally, for keto, serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Vegetable Additions for Your Garlic Chicken Noodles
Feel free to add broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, snap peas, shredded carrots, or baby corn. However, remember to add firmer vegetables with the chicken and softer ones in the last few minutes of cooking. As a result, every vegetable will be perfectly cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Can I make this sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the components ahead—specifically, marinate the chicken, prepare the sauce, and cook the noodles. However, store them separately and combine when ready to serve. The assembled dish is best eaten fresh because the noodles can absorb the sauce and consequently become a bit soft when stored.
How do I prevent my noodles from clumping together?
First, rinse your cooked noodles briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, toss them with a small amount of sesame oil. This creates a light coating that prevents sticking without affecting the final flavor.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce in this garlic noodles recipe?
Hoisin sauce is the best substitute, although it’s slightly sweeter. Alternatively, you can also use a combination of soy sauce and a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami depth. Furthermore, vegetarian oyster sauces made from mushrooms are also available.
Can I freeze leftover sticky garlic chicken noodles?
Yes, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. The texture of the noodles may soften slightly; however, the flavor remains excellent.
How spicy is this dish?
As written, this recipe is not spicy at all. The chili flakes are optional and provide just a subtle warmth. However, if you love heat, increase the chili flakes or alternatively add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil when serving.