Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Flavorful Dinner Delight

January 5, 2026May 4, 2025 by Chef Tavio

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 300g chicken breast, sliced thinly

– 250g rice noodles

– 4 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

– 2 tablespoons honey

Additional Ingredients

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided

Garnishes

– 3 green onions, chopped for garnish

– Sesame seeds, for garnishing

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sticky garlic chicken noodles taste great and are easy to make. You need fresh chicken breast, which I slice thinly for quick cooking. The rice noodles add a nice texture. I use soy sauce for salty flavor and honey for sweetness.

For extra flavor, garlic and ginger are key. I chop garlic finely and grate fresh ginger. These ingredients make a fragrant sauce. I also add colorful vegetables like red bell pepper and broccoli. They add crunch and nutrition.

To finish, I garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. They bring brightness and a nice look to the dish. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances everything. Each ingredient plays a role in making these noodles a delicious dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Noodles

Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water is bubbling, gently add 250g of rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are just tender. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. This step keeps them from getting mushy. Set the noodles aside in a colander.

Marinating the Chicken

Next, prepare the chicken for marinating. Take 300g of thinly sliced chicken breast. In a mixing bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Mix well so the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients. This helps the chicken soak in the flavor.

Making the Sauce

For the sauce, gather your ingredients. You will need 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. In a small bowl, whisk these together. This mixture will create a rich and sticky sauce that adds great taste to the dish.

Stir-Frying the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. When the oil looks shiny, add the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be bright and crisp but still tender. This adds color and crunch to your dish.

Combining All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained rice noodles along with the garlic-ginger sauce. Gently toss everything together over medium heat. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Heat until everything is warm, which usually takes a couple of minutes.

Serving and Garnishing

Once mixed well and heated, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the sticky garlic chicken noodles hot in individual bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice texture and flavor contrast. For a fun presentation, you can arrange the green onions in a neat layer on top.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Noodles Perfectly

To cook noodles just right, follow these steps:

– Avoiding mushy noodles: Start with a large pot of boiling water. Add the rice noodles and stir. This keeps them from sticking. Cook until they are firm but tender, known as al dente.

– Testing for doneness: Check the noodles a minute before the package time ends. They should be soft but still have a little bite. Drain them right away and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking.

Enhancing Flavor

For a flavorful dish, marinating and choosing the right soy sauce matter:

– Tips for marinating: Use one tablespoon of soy sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Add salt and pepper for basic seasoning. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This builds flavor in the chicken.

– Best types of soy sauce to use: I recommend using a good quality soy sauce. You can try both light and dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce gives saltiness, while dark adds depth and color.

Presentation Advice

Making your dish look good is key to enjoying it:

– Visual appeal and garnishing: Use colorful veggies to make your dish pop. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds a fresh look and extra crunch.

– Creating layers with ingredients: When serving, start with the noodles. Add chicken and veggies on top. This layers the flavors and makes the dish look more inviting.

Variations

Protein Options

You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Tofu or shrimp work great here.

– Tofu: Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Cook it for 8-10 minutes until golden.

– Shrimp: Use large shrimp, cooking them for 3-5 minutes until pink.

Choose your protein based on your taste or diet. Each option brings its own flavor.

Vegetable Additions

Adding more veggies makes the dish colorful and healthy. You can try carrots or snap peas.

– Carrots: Slice them thin and add them with the bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

– Snap Peas: Toss them in during the last minute of cooking for a sweet crunch.

Season these veggies with a pinch of salt or a splash of soy sauce for a flavor boost.

Sauce Modifications

Adjusting the sauce can change the entire dish. You can tweak the sweetness or spice level.

– Sweetness: Want it sweeter? Add more honey. If you like it less sweet, cut back on the honey.

– Spice: To spice things up, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a little and taste.

These small changes let you create a meal that fits your mood. Experiment and have fun!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, first let the sticky garlic chicken noodles cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep flavors fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the noodles may lose their taste and texture.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat noodles is in a pan. Heat a small amount of water or oil. This keeps the noodles moist. Stir them gently over low heat until warm. Avoid using a microwave if you can. Microwaving can make the noodles soggy and chewy.

Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze for up to three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. This helps keep the noodles from getting mushy when you reheat them.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles. Look for rice noodles made from brown rice or other gluten-free grains. They work well and taste great. You can also try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Rinse and drain them as you would with regular noodles.

How can I make this dish low-calorie?

To cut calories, use less honey or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener. You can also reduce the amount of sesame oil. Use lean chicken breast and add more vegetables like spinach or carrots. They add volume without many calories. Serve smaller portions, too. This way, you enjoy the dish while keeping it light.

What side dishes go well with sticky garlic chicken noodles?

A simple side salad pairs nicely. A fresh cucumber salad with lime juice brightens the meal. Steamed edamame adds protein and fiber. You can also serve grilled asparagus or sautéed bok choy for extra greens. These sides balance the flavors and add variety to your dinner.

This recipe for sticky garlic chicken noodles combines simple ingredients to create great flavor. You learned how to cook noodles, marinate chicken, and mix everything together. I shared tips on cooking and presentation for a beautiful dish. Feel free to use different proteins and veggies to suit your taste. With the right storage, you can enjoy this meal later too. Cooking should be fun and easy, so try it out and make it your ow