Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a deliciously savory and sweet dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sticky, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked noodles for an irresistible meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Cook the noodles according to the package directions, salting the water generously.
5. Step 5: Drain the noodles well and toss immediately with the sesame oil. Set aside.
6. Step 6: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
8. Step 8: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
10. Step 10: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and noodles are heated through.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of heat to your preference.
• Use fresh ginger for the best flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
• Try swapping oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a slightly different taste profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, lo mein noodles are traditional but you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine if preferred.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds depth and umami to the dish but it’s optional. You can omit it or substitute with hoisin sauce for a similar flavor.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken thighs tossed with lo mein noodles in a sticky, savory garlic sauce. This recipe balances sweetness, tanginess, and a subtle heat, making it an ultimate flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Noodles

• 1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Sauce and Garnish

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated, which helps the chicken develop a crispy texture when cooked.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning.
3. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the pieces are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
4. Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions in generously salted boiling water. Drain the noodles well once cooked.
5. Drain and Toss: Immediately toss the drained noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking and impart a nutty flavor. Set the noodles aside.
6. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
7. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
8. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
9. Add Chicken and Noodles: Return the cooked chicken and the sesame oil-coated noodles to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly with the sticky garlic sauce.
10. Heat Through: Continue cooking the combined mixture for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well melded.
11. Serve: Serve the sticky garlic chicken noodles immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results than chicken breasts.
• Oyster sauce is optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor.
• You can adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Lo mein noodles are preferred for authenticity, but spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well too.
• Ensure the cornstarch is dissolved completely in the sauce to avoid lumps.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.

Keywords: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, Asian chicken noodles, garlic chicken recipe, lo mein recipe, easy chicken noodle stir fry, quick dinner, savory chicken noodles