Savory, saucy, and packed with flavor, these sticky garlic chicken noodles come together in just 30 minutes. Tender strips of chicken are stir-fried with a fragrant garlic sauce and colorful veggies, then tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for a comforting meal I can whip up on any busy weeknight.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this dish hits every craving: sweet, salty, garlicky, and just the right amount of sticky. The balance between juicy chicken and silky noodles wrapped in a glossy sauce makes it irresistibly satisfying. It’s versatile enough that I can easily toss in extra vegetables or adjust the spice level. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz (225 g) noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles)
I start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. I drain and set them aside.
In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chicken broth. This is the rich, sticky sauce that brings everything together.
I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Then, I add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, around 5–7 minutes. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic until fragrant — about 30 seconds — adding a little more oil if needed.
I toss in the onion and bell pepper, cooking them until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
The chicken goes back into the pan, followed by the sauce. I stir everything to combine and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
I add the noodles and toss well, making sure they’re coated evenly in that sticky sauce and heated through.
Finally, I season with black pepper and adjust the flavors as needed.
I serve it hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2 to 3 servings — perfect for a cozy dinner or for lunch with leftovers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
I often mix things up depending on what I have in the fridge. For more heat, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce. Sometimes I throw in veggies like broccoli, shredded carrots, or snow peas for a pop of color and crunch. If I want to go gluten-free, I use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap in gluten-free noodles. It’s easy to make this recipe my own.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I usually do it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too — just cover the noodles and heat for 1–2 minutes until warm.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
I like adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce to give it a nice kick. Adjust the amount to match how much heat I’m craving.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely. I’ve tried this with shrimp, beef strips, and even tofu. I just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein I choose.
What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are my go-to for their chewy texture, but rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch work well. I just make sure not to overcook them.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! I find it reheats really well, and it stays tasty in the fridge for a few days. I store it in portioned containers for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze sticky garlic chicken noodles?
While I prefer them fresh, I’ve frozen leftovers before. I recommend reheating in a skillet with a splash of broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Conclusion
Sticky garlic chicken noodles are a delicious, fuss-free option when I want something flavorful and quick. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and customizable ingredients make it a reliable favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe always delivers.
