Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a delightful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful sauce and noodles. It is a dish that can satisfy your cravings for something sweet, savory, and packed with taste. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this scrumptious meal in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how easy it is to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. First, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and noodles. Second, it’s a quick and easy meal. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a piping hot dish ready to serve. This is a major win for those who lead busy lives but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Plus, with its attractive presentation and rich flavors, it is perfect for impressing guests. It’s a well-rounded dish that is sure to be a hit at the table.
Finally, using easily available ingredients makes this recipe accessible to everyone. No need to hunt for rare items—you’ll likely find everything you need at your local grocery store.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Making Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is quite simple. Follow the detailed steps below to ensure your chicken and noodles turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this delicious dish:
- 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 (either rice noodles or egg noodles)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles:
Make the Sauce: Start by taking a bowl and mixing together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if you choose to add some heat. Stir everything well so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
Prepare the Chicken: Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in cornstarch. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. This step will help the chicken become crispy when cooked.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add Sauce to Chicken: Now it’s time to pour the sauce you made earlier over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken nicely.
Cook the Noodles: While the chicken cooks, boil a pot of water and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Combine Noodles with Chicken: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together. Make sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and combined with the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles immediately while they are hot.
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Servicing Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles can be a delightful experience. You can serve it in large, shallow bowls or on platters for a family-style meal. A simple garnish of chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top will elevate the dish’s appearance and taste.
You can pair the noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with a chilled beverage like iced tea or your favorite soft drink. This dish can also be divided into smaller portions for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
How to Store Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Once you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up as it may thicken in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. Place them in a freezer-safe container before freezing. They can remain frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the noodles overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in a skillet or microwave.
Tips to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
To ensure your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles turn out great, consider the following tips:
Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and honey for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will make the chicken even more tasty.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Try to avoid using powdered versions if possible.
Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches. This allows the chicken to sear properly and achieve that golden brown color without steaming.
Adjust Spice to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili flakes to make the dish spicier or milder based on your preference. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Keep an Eye on the Sauce: The sauce will thicken quickly, so keep stirring it to avoid burning. If it becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation
You can easily adapt Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
Veggies Added: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
FAQs
1. Can I make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best taste.
2. Can I use any type of noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any noodles you like, including traditional egg noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles. The key is to follow the cooking instructions on the package.
3. What can I serve with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles?
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even some spring rolls for a complete meal.
By following this guide, you can create Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles that are sure to be a favorite in your home. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful meal!
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
- Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken and coat the chicken.
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.