Why You’ll Love Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes:

It’s quick and easy — ready in about 20 minutes.
The sauce is bold and flavorful with a perfect sweet‑savory balance.
It’s adaptable — swap proteins or add veggies to suit your taste.
Perfect for family meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces
soy sauce
honey
garlic cloves, minced
grated ginger
red chili flakes (optional)
cornstarch
vegetable oil
noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)
green onions, chopped
sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to create the sauce.
Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and toss to combine.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian option: replace chicken with tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Spicy kick: increase the amount of red chili flakes or add sriracha sauce.
Nutty flavor: add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamier texture.
Different noodles: use udon, soba, or even spaghetti noodles based on what you have.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use pre‑cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes. Simply add pre‑cooked chicken to the skillet when combining with the sauce and noodles to heat through.

What type of noodles works best?

Rice noodles or egg noodles work well, and you can even use spaghetti if that’s what you have.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead, but it’s best combined and served fresh.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

To make it gluten‑free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten‑free.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Increase the amount of cornstarch or simmer the sauce longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing isn’t recommended because the noodle texture can change upon reheating.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make great additions.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes. Shrimp, beef, or tofu can be used instead of chicken.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss the cooked noodles with a bit of oil before adding them to the skillet.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating isn’t required, but you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and adaptable dish that brings together savory garlic, sweet honey, and tender chicken with noodles in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or sharing it with others, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.