Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: Make your easy weeknight dinner tonight! Quick, savory, and packed with tender chicken, glossy noodles, and delicious garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz ramen noodles (discard flavor packet), or similar egg noodles
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
- The Sticky Garlic Sauce:
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh Finishing Touches:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional Flavor Kicks:
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken & Noodles:: First off, slice your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Don’t make them too small, or they’ll get lost in the noodles, but not too big either, we want fork-friendly morsels. Then, get your noodles cooking according to package directions. I always, always forget to salt the water for noodles, but don’t be like me! A good pinch of salt in the boiling water makes a difference. Drain them well and set aside.
- Whip Up the Sticky Garlic Sauce:: While your chicken is getting ready, let’s make that glorious sticky garlic chicken noodles sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Don’t forget to crush and mince that garlic well; we want maximum flavor here! In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This step is super important, or you’ll have lumpy sauce, and nobody wants that.
- Sear the Chicken:: Now, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of neutral oil, like canola or vegetable. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear – we want some nice golden-brown bits! Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and beautifully browned. Oh, the smell of that searing chicken, it just gets me every time!
- Bring on the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Sauce:: Once the chicken is cooked, pour your prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens! As the sauce heats, slowly pour in your cornstarch slurry while stirring. Watch it thicken right before your eyes – it’s so satisfying! Keep stirring until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken beautifully, about 1-2 minutes. This is crucial for those truly sticky garlic chicken noodles.
- Combine & Toss:: Now for the fun part! Add your cooked and drained noodles directly into the skillet with the chicken and the luscious sticky garlic sauce. Using tongs, toss everything together until the noodles are completely coated. Make sure every strand gets a good hug from that amazing sauce. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, flinging a noodle or two out of the pan, but it’s all part of the fun, right?
- Garnish & Serve:: Once everything is coated and heated through, transfer your sticky garlic chicken noodles to serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. If you like a little kick, a sprinkle of chili flakes is always a good idea. Take a moment to admire your handiwork – the glossy noodles, the tender chicken, the vibrant green onions. It smells incredible, doesn’t it? Enjoy it warm, right off the stove!