I still remember the first time I tossed together a skillet of sticky garlic chicken noodles. The aroma of sizzling garlic took me back to Nonna’s kitchen, where every dish was a love letter written with simple ingredients. These noodles aren’t just quick comfort food; they’re the kind of meal that gathers people around the table with eager smiles. Whether you call them chicken noodles or garlic chicken noodles, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and garlicky notes in a way that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sticky garlic chicken noodles deliver everything a busy cook wants: bold flavor, minimal fuss, and universal appeal. You’ll love how the tender chicken soaks up a glossy garlic-soy sauce that clings to every strand of noodle. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet flexible enough to work as a quick lunch. Kids adore the mild sweetness, while adults appreciate the hint of spice you can easily adjust.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can make it as a weeknight lifesaver or dress it up with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for guests. And if you’ve enjoyed cozy bowls like crockpot chicken corn chowder, this noodle dish will be your next go-to comfort recipe.
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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Sticky garlic chicken noodles are a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner with tender chicken, glossy garlic-soy sauce, and chewy noodles.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp oil (sesame or vegetable)
1 cup broccoli florets or bell peppers
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, vinegar, and pepper flakes in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in skillet, add chicken, and cook until golden and done. Remove and keep warm.
4. Add garlic to skillet and sauté until fragrant.
5. Return chicken, add noodles, and pour sauce. Toss until coated.
6. Serve hot with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu.
Use rice noodles and tamari for gluten-free.
Add extra veggies like snap peas or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
To keep this recipe approachable, everything you need can be found at your local grocery store.
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil (sesame or vegetable)
- 1 cup broccoli florets or bell peppers (optional for crunch)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
If you’re a fan of sweet-and-savory combinations, this dish has the same comforting balance you’ll find in recipes like dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken.
How to Make It
- Cook the noodles: Boil according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, vinegar, and pepper flakes.
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: Add garlic to the same skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine everything: Return chicken, toss in noodles, and pour over sauce. Stir until noodles are glossy and coated.
- Serve: Top with sesame seeds and green onions for crunch.
It’s as straightforward as making cheesy garlic chicken wraps, yet the sticky sauce makes it taste like restaurant-quality comfort.
Tips and Variations
- Protein swaps: Try shrimp, beef strips, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Noodle choices: Lo mein gives authenticity, but spaghetti works in a pinch.
- Veggie boost: Toss in carrots, snap peas, or bok choy for extra nutrition.
- Heat factor: Add chili paste or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Meal prep: Make a double batch—the noodles reheat beautifully for lunch.
If you’re looking for another flexible dish, you’ll enjoy how recipes like smothered chicken and rice also adapt easily to your pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of noodles works best for sticky garlic chicken noodles?
Lo mein or egg noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or linguine work just fine.
Can I make garlic chicken noodles ahead of time?
Yes, they store well for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just skip the red pepper flakes, and kids will enjoy the sweet garlic sauce.
For another family-approved dish, check out street corn chicken rice, which is just as crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
Sticky garlic chicken noodles are the kind of meal that feels indulgent without taking hours. The glossy sauce, tender chicken, and chewy noodles strike a balance between comfort and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this dish will quickly join your weeknight rotation. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got dinner solved.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
