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Plate of delicious sticky garlic chicken noodles garnished with scallions

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

These sticky garlic chicken noodles are a quick and savory dish featuring tender chicken chunks coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce with slippery noodles, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Thighs are juicier.
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch For light crisping.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil Or other high-smoke-point oil.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 3 tbsp honey Maple syrup works in a pinch.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger Fresh for best flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes Optional.
  • 8 oz noodles Rice noodles or egg noodles both work.
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds Optional, for finishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Toss with the cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
Cooking
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Fry until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on size. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant — don’t let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the soy sauce and honey, then sprinkle in the red chili flakes if using. Stir and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and becomes glossy.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked noodles. Toss quickly to coat everything in the sauce and heat through, about 1–2 minutes. If the sauce needs thickening, stir in a small cornstarch slurry and cook another 30–60 seconds.
  5. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For vegetarian, swap chicken for pressed firm tofu. Use a cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.