1. Introduction 🍜
If you love bold flavors and quick dinners, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles will win your heart fast. This dish brings together tender chicken, slurp-worthy noodles, and a glossy garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly sticky in the best way.
It’s inspired by Asian takeout flavors but made right at home, using simple pantry ingredients. One pan, big flavor, and total comfort food vibes — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
2. Ingredients (Exact Measurements + Recommendations)
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for crisp, saucy coating)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
For the Sticky Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman or La Choy work great)
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
For the Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or spaghetti
- Water + salt (for boiling)
Aromatics & Extras
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances 🧰
Get these ready before you start:
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Medium pot (for boiling noodles)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Colander
4. Preparation Steps (Nice & Easy)
- Slice the chicken into thin strips so it cooks fast and stays juicy.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Boil noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions.
💡 Pro Tip: Prep everything before turning on the stove. This recipe moves fast.
5. Cooking Instructions (Sticky Perfection!)
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sticky garlic sauce. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Add cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat.
- Add noodles and gently toss everything together. Cook 1–2 minutes until noodles soak up the sauce.
- Turn off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
✨ Secret Tip: If sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tbsp noodle water to loosen it.
6. Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Garnish with green onions & sesame seeds
- Serve hot in a bowl with:
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- A side of cucumber salad
- Chili oil or sriracha for extra heat
This dish is great on its own, no sides required.
7. Additional Tips & Variations 🌟
- Make it spicy: Add chili paste or extra red pepper flakes
- Veggie boost: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots
- Gluten-free: Use tamari + rice noodles
- Low sugar: Swap honey for maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener
- Meal prep: Keeps well for 3 days in the fridge
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | ~820 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients used.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully here.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without noodles).
Q: What noodles work best?
Egg noodles or lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti works in a pinch.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat noodles, reduce sugar, and add more veggies.
10. Wrap-Up 🎉
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Sweet, garlicky, saucy, and comforting — this recipe proves you don’t need takeout menus to enjoy restaurant-style noodles at home.
Fun fact: Sticky-style noodle dishes are popular across many Asian cuisines because they cling to flavor — and that’s exactly why this one hits so hard.
