You don't need an expensive grocery haul to create a meal that tastes like it cost $20 at a trendy noodle bar. These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate proof that pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and plenty of fresh garlic can create pure magic. By using affordable chicken thighs and standard pantry aromatics, you can whip up a glossy, restaurant-style stir fry that satisfies your deepest cravings without breaking the bank. It's cheap, cheerful, and incredibly delicious.
This sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe works as an easy weeknight dinner, a slow cooker comfort meal when you prep it in the morning, or a simple garlic chicken noodles recipe that's endlessly customizable. Whether you're making sticky garlic chicken noodles slow cooker style for hands-off cooking or whipping up easy sticky garlic chicken noodles on the stovetop, this family-friendly dinner delivers. The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce blend, honey garlic flavor, toasted sesame oil, and lo mein noodles creates saucy noodles with garlic sauce that taste better than takeout. Perfect for sticky garlic chicken noodles healthy variations and chicken noodles soup recipe adaptations.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- My Top Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Variations on Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Equipment for Making Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Storage Tips for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Adam's Tip for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- FAQ About Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Ready in 20 minutes. From start to finish, this quick 20-minute dinner comes together faster than ordering delivery, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and savory perfection. The sweet-and-savory sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and lots of garlic for that addictive honey garlic flavor everyone craves.
- One pan, minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one skillet or slow cooker, which means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your saucy noodles.
Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
This simple ingredient list creates restaurant-quality saucy noodles with garlic sauce.
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Noodles:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles (or linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sticky Garlic Sauce:
- 7 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 cups broccoli florets or snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- A few drops of Tabasco for extra heat
Why These Ingredients Matter
Boneless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Chicken thighs stay tender even when cooked quickly, and they absorb the sweet-and-savory sauce better than chicken breasts, making them perfect for this sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe.
Lo mein noodles have the perfect texture. These thick, chewy noodles hold up to the garlic sauce and don't get mushy. You can also use linguine or spaghetti if lo mein noodles aren't available.
Soy sauce and oyster sauce create depth. The soy sauce and oyster sauce blend adds savory umami flavor, while the honey and brown sugar balance it with sweetness. The toasted sesame oil adds a nutty finish.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 4 to 6 minutes). Drain and toss with a little toasted sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the sticky garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat the oil. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken. Add the boneless chicken thighs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring to get a nice sear, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and ginger. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn.
- Add vegetables (if using). If you're adding broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, toss them into the skillet now and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the sauce. Pour the sticky garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the chicken and noodles. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked lo mein noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are fully coated in the sweet-and-savory sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Finish with sesame oil. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the saucy noodles and toss to combine. This adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately. Divide the sticky garlic chicken noodles among bowls and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds. Add a few drops of Tabasco or extra sriracha if you want more heat.
Quick Tip: Don't overcook the noodles in the boiling water. They'll finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce.
My Top Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Adjust the heat level. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha and add more to taste. You can also add Tabasco or red pepper flakes for extra kick.! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic doesn't have the same punch as fresh garlic. Mince it yourself for that bold honey garlic flavor.
Don't skip the cornstarch slurry. This simple mixture of cornstarch and water is what makes the garlic sauce thick and sticky enough to cling to the noodles.
Toss the noodles with sesame oil after draining. This prevents them from sticking together while you cook the chicken and make the sauce.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made these noodles, Adam watched me toss everything together in the skillet and said, "Mom, it smells like the Chinese restaurant we went to last time!" I told him that's the idea, but these taste even better because they're homemade. When I plated the sticky garlic chicken noodles, he grabbed his chopsticks and started twirling up a big bite.
"Whoa, these are SO good! The noodles are sticky and the chicken is really juicy. Can we have this every week?" I laughed and told him we could definitely make it again. Grandma Viola tried a bite and nodded. "This is smart cooking. You made restaurant food at home in one pan. The sauce is sweet and garlicky, and the noodles are cooked perfectly. This is a keeper."
If you love quick Asian-inspired dinners, try our Firecracker Ground Chicken. It's another 20-minute favorite.
Substitutions for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Boneless chicken thighs: Use boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Lo mein noodles: Swap with linguine, spaghetti, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet).
- Honey: Use brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar for the sweet-and-savory sauce.
- Oyster sauce: If you don't have oyster sauce, use hoisin sauce or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce.
Variations on Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe (Stovetop): Follow the recipe above for a quick 20-minute dinner, perfect for easy sticky garlic chicken noodles and simple garlic chicken noodles recipe.
- Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Slow Cooker: Place raw chicken thighs, garlic sauce ingredients, and vegetables in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, then add cooked noodles and toss before serving, ideal for sticky garlic chicken noodles slow cooker and slow cooker comfort meal.
- Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Healthy: Use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons, and add extra vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers for sticky garlic chicken noodles healthy.
- Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe PDF: Print this recipe and save it as a PDF for easy reference in the kitchen, great for garlic chicken noodles recipe pdf and simple garlic chicken noodles recipe.
- Chicken Noodles Soup Recipe: Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the sauce, simmer for 10 minutes, then add the noodles and chicken for a soup version, perfect for chicken noodles soup recipe and family-friendly dinner.
If you're craving more creamy pasta, check out our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It's another comforting favorite.
Equipment for Making Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Large skillet or wok: For cooking the chicken and tossing the noodles. A 12-inch skillet works best.
- Large pot: For boiling the lo mein noodles.
- Small bowl and whisk: For mixing the sticky garlic sauce ingredients.
- Tongs or wooden spoon: For tossing the saucy noodles with the chicken.
Storage Tips for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce as they sit, so add a splash of soy sauce or water when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing.
- Reheating tip: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and cook the noodles fresh when you're ready to serve.
For more bold chicken dishes, try our Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. It's another crowd-pleaser.
Adam's Tip for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
"Use chopsticks to eat these! It makes it more fun. And if the sauce gets stuck at the bottom of your bowl, use a spoon to scoop it up because it's too good to waste!"
FAQ About Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
How to make sticky garlic chicken noodles?
To make sticky garlic chicken noodles, cook boneless chicken thighs in a hot skillet until golden, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger, then add a sweet-and-savory sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce blend, honey, and sriracha. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the garlic sauce, then toss in cooked lo mein noodles and the chicken. Finish with toasted sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe takes about 20 minutes and creates saucy noodles with honey garlic flavor, perfect for easy sticky garlic chicken noodles and simple garlic chicken noodles recipe.
How to make simple chicken noodles?
Simple chicken noodles are easy to make. Cook your choice of noodles (lo mein, linguine, or rice noodles) according to package directions. In a skillet, cook bite-sized pieces of chicken until golden, then add garlic and your favorite sauce (like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey for a sweet-and-savory sauce). Toss the cooked noodles with the chicken and sauce until everything is coated. This simple garlic chicken noodles recipe works for quick weeknight dinners and can be customized with vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, great for family-friendly dinner and sticky garlic chicken noodles healthy variations.
What kind of noodles are used for garlic noodles?
The best noodles for garlic noodles are lo mein noodles because they're thick, chewy, and hold up well to the garlic sauce. You can also use linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles if lo mein noodles aren't available. Fresh noodles work best because they have a better texture, but dried noodles are perfectly fine for sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe. Cook the noodles until al dente, drain, and toss with a little toasted sesame oil to prevent sticking before adding them to the saucy noodles, ideal for honey garlic chicken noodles and garlic noodles with chicken.
What is the secret ingredient in Chinese noodles?
The secret ingredient in Chinese noodles is often toasted sesame oil, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. Another key ingredient is the soy sauce and oyster sauce blend, which creates that signature sweet-and-savory sauce with deep umami flavor. For sticky garlic chicken noodles, adding a cornstarch slurry helps the garlic sauce become thick and glossy, making it cling to the noodles. Fresh garlic and ginger also make a huge difference, giving the saucy noodles that authentic honey garlic flavor found in restaurant-style chicken garlic noodles and garlic butter noodles with chicken.
For a slow cooker version, check out this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Proof that simple ingredients make the best meals is right here in this bowl. These budget stir-fry noodles are a testament to the power of a good sauce! If you loved how easy this was on your wallet and your schedule, please leave a 5-star rating below. Your support helps me keep sharing affordable, high-flavor recipes with home cooks everywhere!
If you try this sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe, you'll see why it's become one of my most-requested weeknight dinners. Whether you're making easy sticky garlic chicken noodles on the stovetop or trying sticky garlic chicken noodles slow cooker for a hands-off meal, this family-friendly dinner delivers every time. The combination of tender boneless chicken thighs, chewy lo mein noodles, and that addictive sweet-and-savory sauce with honey garlic flavor makes this dish unforgettable. The saucy noodles with garlic sauce and toasted sesame oil taste better than takeout. Make it for your next busy evening and enjoy the ease of simple garlic chicken noodles recipe. For more quick dinners, try our Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles:
recipe
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok A wide pan helps the noodles cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- Large pot For boiling the noodles.
- Small mixing bowl For whisking the garlic sauce.
- Tongs or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, optional
- 4 green onions sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 7 tablespoon soy sauce
- 4 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles until just al dente. Drain and toss with a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, black pepper, and the cornstarch mixed with water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat slightly and add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook just until fragrant.
- Pour the garlic sauce into the skillet and simmer, stirring gently, until thick and glossy.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss until everything is well coated. Finish with toasted sesame oil.
- Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu if needed.
- Use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is one of those dinners my daughter always asks for again, and that’s how I know it belongs in our family cookbook.
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