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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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