Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner? These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are going to be your new favorite! Juicy, tender chicken bites are stir-fried to perfection, then tossed in a glossy, sticky garlic sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little spicy. Combined with chewy noodles and fresh veggies, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes—making it ideal for busy nights.

Inspired by Asian street food flavors, this recipe uses simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, honey, and chili flakes to create a deeply flavorful sauce. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just bold, crave-worthy flavors in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these sticky garlic chicken noodles always deliver. They’re better than takeout, cost less, and you can easily customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Get ready for a one-pan dinner that’s fast, easy, and absolutely irresistible. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want it on repeat all week!

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What Makes These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Special?

• Sweet, Savory, & Spicy Sauce – A perfectly balanced sticky garlic glaze that coats every noodle.

• Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

• Better Than Takeout – Fresher, healthier, and cheaper than ordering noodles from your favorite spot.

• One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan or wok.

• Customizable Flavors – Make it mild, spicy, or packed with extra veggies to suit your taste.

Pro Tip: For the stickiest, glossiest sauce, reduce the sauce on medium heat until it clings perfectly to the chicken and noodles.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 lb) – Thighs stay juicier, but chicken breast works too. You can substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu.

• Noodles (10 oz) – Egg noodles, rice noodles, or spaghetti work well here.

• Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – The hero of the sauce! Use fresh garlic for the boldest flavor.

• Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – Adds salty, umami depth. You can mix light and dark soy for richness.

• Honey (3 tbsp) – Balances the savory soy sauce and makes the glaze sticky. Maple syrup works as a substitute.

• Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness.

• Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – Optional, but adds gentle heat. Swap for sriracha if you like it spicier.

• Cornstarch (2 tsp) – Helps thicken the sauce and makes it glossy.

• Vegetables (optional) – Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are perfect additions.

• Sesame Oil (1 tsp) – A finishing drizzle for nutty aroma and authentic flavor.

• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – For garnish and crunch.

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How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Boil 10 oz noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

2. Drain and toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

3. Cut 1 lb chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

5. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce

6. In the same pan, add 5 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Add ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp chili flakes, and ½ cup water.

8. Stir in 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until glossy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

9. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss to coat.

10. Add the noodles and stir until everything is evenly covered in the sticky sauce.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more soy for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

12. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

13. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Best eaten immediately; do not leave out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in sealed containers.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Garlic Noodles – Add sriracha, chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes.

• Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.

• Extra Veggies – Toss in bell peppers, bok choy, or broccoli for a healthy boost.

• Peanut Twist – Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.

• Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free rice noodles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add it during the final toss to avoid drying it out.

2. What noodles work best?
Egg noodles are perfect, but spaghetti, ramen, or even udon work beautifully.

3. Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the honey to 2 tbsp or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener.

4. How do I make it extra sticky?
Simmer the sauce longer on low heat—it will naturally thicken and coat the noodles.

5. Can I double the sauce?
Yes, especially if you love extra saucy noodles. Just double every sauce ingredient proportionally.

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Conclusion

These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and better than takeout. With juicy chicken, chewy noodles, and a sticky-sweet garlic glaze, every bite bursts with addictive flavor. Try it once, and you’ll keep it on rotation for busy nights when you need something quick but amazing.

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