Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Cooking at home can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding activities. It allows you to be creative, explore new flavors, and share delicious meals with family and friends. One dish that stands out for its tasty flavors and quick preparation is Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. This dish combines juicy chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and soft noodles, making it a favorite for many.
Why Make This Recipe
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings happiness to your table. First, it is a great way to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Another reason to try this recipe is the incredible taste. The sticky sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic adds a wonderful combination of sweetness and umami to the chicken. The garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma, and the ginger adds a hint of warmth, making every bite a delightful experience.
This recipe is also customizable for various dietary needs. You can choose either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference, and if you want to adjust the spice level, you can add or leave out the red chili flakes. Furthermore, the use of noodles allows for versatility; you can use rice noodles or egg noodles based on what you have at home.
Lastly, this meal is not only delicious, but it is also filling and satisfying. With protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the noodles, it is a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table happy and full.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
To prepare Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, follow these simple steps. This easy recipe will yield a tasty dish within a short amount of time.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles:
- 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)
Directions
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using). Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined. This sauce will give the chicken its sticky and flavorful coating.
Coat the Chicken: Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and place them in a separate bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and mix well until each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Allow the chicken to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown on the outside. Stir occasionally to cook the chicken evenly on all sides.
Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the sauce will start to thicken.
Prepare the Noodles: While the chicken is simmering, follow the package instructions to cook your noodles. Typically, fresh noodles will take a few minutes, while dried noodles may take longer. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside.
Combine Noodles and Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, add the drained noodles into the skillet. Toss everything together so that the noodles are well coated with the sticky garlic sauce and the pieces of chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, take your chopped green onions and sprinkle them over the dish. If you like, you can add sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Serve your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles can be served as a complete meal on its own. You can plate it nicely in a large bowl or a shallow plate for a more elegant presentation. To enhance your meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This way, you can add some greens to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
If you want to add more color, you can toss some steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds extra nutrients but also makes the dish visually appealing.
You can also enjoy this dish with some extra soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili sauce on the side. This way, everyone can customize their portions to their liking.
How to Store Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, it stores well in the fridge. To store:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.
- If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will greatly enhance the flavors of your dish. Avoid using powdered forms if you can.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you like your food spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add some sliced fresh chilies to the mix.
- Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will let the chicken absorb more of the sauce’s flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Always check your noodles a minute or two before the package time is up. They should be firm but not mushy, as they will continue to cook slightly with the heat of the chicken.
Variation
If you’re looking to change things up, consider these variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just follow the same cooking instructions for the tofu, or sauté the vegetables until crispy.
- Noodle Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles, such as udon, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add Nuts: For some crunch, throw in some chopped peanuts or cashews when you serve the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! You can use shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Be sure your noodles are also gluten-free if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Just cook everything together when you’re ready to serve.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a wonderful dish packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any dinner. Try it today and enjoy the deliciousness!
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sprinkle cornstarch over the bite-sized chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- While the chicken simmers, cook your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked, add the drained noodles into the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.