The Delightful Dish You’ll Want on Repeat
Have you ever found yourself craving something that bursts with flavor yet is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight? Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is that dish for me! This savory-sweet meal combines tender chicken, delicious noodles, and a mouthwatering garlic sauce, making it the perfect dinner choice. For those who appreciate a balance of quick preparation and gourmet taste, this recipe won’t disappoint. Plus, who can resist the allure of a sticky, glazed sauce that hugs each noodle and piece of chicken?
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why settle for takeout when you can recreate this irresistible dish at home? Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is not only budget-friendly and quick to prepare but also kid-approved, making it a fantastic option for family meals. It comes together in just under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something comforting and wholesome.
"This is hands-down my family’s new favorite dinner. It’s packed with flavor and takes less than half an hour to prepare!" – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Let’s break it down. This recipe is straightforward and follows a few simple steps, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. First, you’ll mix your sauce, toss the chicken in cornstarch for that extra crispiness, and then cook everything together in one skillet. It’s as simple as that!
Gather These Items
To execute this delightful recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Feel free to make substitutions; if you’re out of honey, maple syrup works equally well. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, mix your soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes to create a delicious sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, making sure they’re evenly coated for that desirable crunch.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, for about 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and give it a good stir to coat. Let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Cook the noodles according to the package’s instructions, then drain them. Toss with a little oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Add the noodles to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving matters! For a standout presentation, serve your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in shallow bowls, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a crunchy contrast. If you want to enhance your meal further, serve it alongside a light miso soup.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store, place the cooled noodles and chicken in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish; just keep in mind that the noodles may lose some of their texture upon reheating. Always ensure proper food handling to avoid waste and spoilage.
Pro Chef Tips
- Marinate the chicken for an hour in the sauce before coating it in cornstarch for added flavor.
- For more crunch, add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the skillet when cooking the chicken.
- If you don’t have cornstarch handy, a dusting of flour will work, though the texture may be slightly different.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Swap in shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
- Add some chopped pineapple or bell peppers for a sweet-and-savory twist.
- Use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does this dish take to prepare?
A: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
A: Absolutely! Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even whole-grain varieties work well.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months but be aware that the noodles’ texture may change.
Now that you’ve got the scoop on Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, are you ready to bring this delicious dish into your kitchen? Dive in and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces You can use either chicken breast or thighs.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 3 tbsp honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes Optional for added heat.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch For coating the chicken.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For cooking the chicken.
Noodles and Garnish
- 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix your soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes to create a delicious sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, making sure they are evenly coated for that desirable crunch.
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until it's golden brown and cooked through, for about 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and give it a good stir to coat. Let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes to thicken.
Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to the package's instructions, then drain them. Toss with a little oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Add the noodles to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
