We all have those nights when cooking feels like a chore—but what if I told you dinner could be on the table in just 20 minutes and taste like it came from your favorite takeout spot? Enter Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles—the saucy, slurpy, sweet-meets-savory meal that will make you forget about delivery.
This dish is everything you want in an Asian chicken noodles recipe: tender bites of chicken glazed in a sticky garlic soy sauce, tangled up in perfectly coated noodles that cling to every bit of flavor. It’s comforting, bold, and oh-so-easy.
If your weeknights are busy but your taste buds are adventurous, this stir-fry recipe will be your new go-to. Quick, flavorful, and full of that irresistible glossy sauce—it’s happiness in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
This weeknight noodle dinner is simplicity at its best—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. The soy sauce and honey create that signature sweet-and-salty stickiness, while garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. Best of all? It comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is as quick as the cooking time.
You can customize it too! Swap noodles for rice, throw in your favorite veggies, or add a little extra chili for a fiery kick. However you serve it, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a 20-minute Asian-inspired stir-fry that combines tender chicken, glossy garlic soy sauce, and slurp-worthy noodles for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. With just one skillet and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy noodle dish that rivals your favorite takeout — fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
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3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp (5 g) grated ginger
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½ tsp (1.25 g) red chili flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
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2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
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8 oz (225 g) noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles)
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 tsp (3 g) sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
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Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
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Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch to lightly coat for extra crispiness.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
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Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Combine and Serve: Add noodles to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sticky garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting chili flakes.
Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken.
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of soy sauce or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry / Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
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3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp (5 g) grated ginger
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½ tsp (1.25 g) red chili flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
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2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
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8 oz (225 g) noodles (rice or egg noodles)
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 tsp (3 g) sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
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Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if using). Set aside—this glossy sauce is the heart of the dish. -
Coat the Chicken:
Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch to create a light, crispy coating. This helps the sauce stick perfectly later. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. -
Add the Sauce:
Pour your sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens into that irresistible sticky glaze. -
Cook the Noodles:
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Combine & Serve:
Add noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles soak up all that garlicky goodness. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
That’s it—your garlic soy noodles are ready to be devoured!
Cooking Tips for the Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
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Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to crispy chicken that holds onto the sticky sauce.
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Go Bold on Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor—avoid powdered substitutes if you can.
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Make It Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make this dish even more vibrant and filling.
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Use the Right Noodles: Egg noodles give that chewy restaurant-style texture, but rice noodles work great for a gluten-free option.
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Control the Heat: Love it spicy? Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Prefer mild? Skip the spice entirely.
And pro tip: don’t resist licking the spoon after tossing the noodles—it’s practically a rite of passage.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, it was one of those “throw-it-together-and-hope-for-the-best” nights. I had some chicken, a few pantry staples, and a craving for takeout. Ten minutes later, my kitchen smelled like heaven—sweet garlic, soy, and ginger mingling in the air.
Now, this has become one of my most-loved weeknight recipes. My kids call it “sticky chicken magic,” and honestly, they’re not wrong. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet simple—a cozy bowl that cures bad days and satisfies every craving.
What to Serve with Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can turn it into a feast with a few quick add-ons:
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Crispy spring rolls or potstickers for that restaurant vibe.
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Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame for something light and refreshing.
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Fried egg on top—because everything’s better with a runny yolk.
Pair it with a cold sparkling water with lime or a light white wine, and you’ve got yourself the perfect weeknight noodle dinner.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
To reheat:
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Stovetop: Add a splash of water or soy sauce and stir-fry until heated through.
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Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
These noodles don’t freeze well (the sauce can separate), but they reheat beautifully for next-day lunches—if there’s any left!
FAQs About Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and follow the same method.
What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles or rice noodles are perfect, but spaghetti works in a pinch!
Can I meal prep this?
Yes—cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then toss with fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat.
Is it spicy?
Only a little! Skip the chili flakes for a kid-friendly version, or double them if you like it hot.
A Sticky, Sweet Goodbye
There’s something magical about Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles—the way the sauce clings to each strand, the tender bites of chicken, that balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky perfection. It’s comfort food with an Asian twist that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
So the next time you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and downright satisfying, skip the takeout app and grab your skillet. This stir-fry recipe will remind you that the best meals are often the simplest—and the stickiest.
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