Name: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles); 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

I am so excited to share this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe with you because it has quickly become one of my absolute favorite quick dinners to whip up. The combination of tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly sticky, garlicky sauce paired with silky noodles is just irresistible. It’s like taking a short trip to comfort food heaven right in your own kitchen. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded how such simple ingredients can come together to create something truly crave-worthy.

Why You'll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

One of the things that makes this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe stand out to me is the incredible balance of flavors. The sweetness from the honey blends beautifully with the salty soy sauce and the vibrant punch of fresh garlic and ginger. If you enjoy a little heat, the optional red chili flakes bring just the right spark to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the dish. I love how every bite feels satisfying and full of depth.

What truly amazes me is how easy this recipe is to prepare – it’s a total game-changer on busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that feels special but doesn’t stress you out. The technique of coating the chicken with cornstarch to get that beautifully crisp and sticky texture is a little trick I adore, and I think you will too once you try it.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles feel perfect for so many occasions in my home. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a weeknight, serving friends at a casual dinner, or just craving something comforting after a long day, this recipe is always a winner. I also appreciate that it’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a fast favorite in your rotation as well.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. There are four raw chicken pieces on a small white wooden tray on the right side. Above them, an onion and two garlic cloves sit together. To the left, three green onions lay side by side. In the middle, seven small white bowls hold different ingredients: a dark brown sauce, a light yellow oil, a light-colored spice, some red chili flakes, shredded yellow egg, white sesame seeds, and a dark soy sauce. The colors range from light yellows and whites to dark browns and reds. Everything is arranged in a clean, organized way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe really lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in adding flavor, texture, or color to the final dish, and you’ll be surprised at how these basic pantry staples come together.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken breast or thighs: I prefer dark meat thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too.
Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty umami base for the sauce.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the garlic and soy perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key for that bold, aromatic punch.
Grated ginger: Brings brightness and a slight warmth to the flavor profile.
Red chili flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick in their noodles.
Cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy, sticky coating on each chicken piece.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying and getting that perfect sear on the chicken.
Noodles: I like rice noodles or egg noodles for their texture and ability to soak up the sauce.
Green onions: Freshly chopped for a vibrant, crunchy garnish.
Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a lovely nutty note and a bit of extra texture.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if you’re using them. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 2: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken get that deliciously crispy exterior that holds the sticky sauce so well.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to give the chicken a nice golden color without burning it.

Step 4: Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for a deep golden brown color and be sure the chicken is cooked through – juicy inside and crisp outside.

Step 5: Pour the pre-mixed sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and becomes that perfect sticky glaze clinging to the chicken.

Step 6: While the chicken simmers, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender. Drain them promptly to avoid any sogginess and set aside.

Step 7: Add the cooked noodles directly to the skillet with the sticky chicken. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so the noodles absorb all that amazing sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles piping hot, and get ready for compliments!

Servings and Timing

This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for a few days. The total prep time is minimal, roughly 10 minutes to chop and get your sauce ready. Cooking takes about 20 minutes, including frying the chicken and preparing the noodles. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed, which means you can dig in right away and enjoy every sticky, garlicky bite while it’s fresh and hot.

How to Serve This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with noodles coated in a dark, glossy sauce. The noodles are twisted and held by a pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand on the right side. Scattered on top are small pieces of bright green chopped scallions and a few cooked shrimp with a light orange color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this dish straight from the skillet for that warm, rustic feel. It pairs so well with simple sides like steamed or stir-fried vegetables—broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy bring a lovely fresh crunch that balances the sticky richness. A crisp cucumber salad can also add a refreshing contrast that I find irresistible.

For presentation, I often garnish with a little extra chopped green onion, a scatter of sesame seeds, and sometimes a wedge of lime on the side for a bright citrus twist. Serving in a shallow bowl makes it easy to enjoy the noodles enveloped in sauce with every forkful. Portion sizes can be generous since it’s quite filling, but if you’re serving at a party, mini bowls or even lettuce wraps with the chicken noodles spooned inside can be a fun way to mix things up.

When it comes to drinks, I love pairing this recipe with a cold lager or a crisp, chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to lift the flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling ginger ale or a fresh iced green tea works beautifully too. The dish is best served hot or warm, which really brings out the sticky texture and luxurious garlic aroma, making each mouthful a true delight.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to customize. For example, swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu works wonderfully if you want to change up the protein. I’ve even used thinly sliced beef with great results. If you prefer gluten-free, just choose tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles to keep the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

If you’re watching your sugar intake or want a vegan version, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and substitute the chicken with crispy fried tempeh or seitan. To vary the flavor profile, adding a splash of rice vinegar or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce can give the noodles a bold tang or extra spice punch that I absolutely love experimenting with.

For cooking methods, I sometimes bake or air-fry the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to achieve that crispy, sticky finish with less oil. It’s a fantastic option for a lighter meal without sacrificing texture or taste. No matter which variation you try, the core technique of mixing the sticky garlic sauce with the noodles always delivers satisfying results.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, you’ll be glad to know that leftovers store really well. I recommend using an airtight container to keep the noodles and chicken fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the noodles from drying out and locks in the flavors. It’s best to keep any garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds separate and add them fresh after reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I find the texture of the noodles can suffer a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the noodles in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them separately before combining.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I prefer reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through, watching not to overcook the chicken. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the noodles clump and lose their lovely texture. Adding fresh green onions or a pinch of sesame seeds after heating gives the dish that fresh finish I love.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rice noodles and egg noodles are my favorites here, you can use thin spaghetti, ramen noodles, or even udon depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times based on the package instructions to ensure the noodles are tender but not mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, definitely. Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want gluten-free vegan options. The sticky garlic sauce works beautifully with plant-based proteins, too.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding extra red chili flakes is the easiest option. You could also mix in a bit of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce before cooking the chicken. Fresh sliced chilies as garnish make a great addition if you love heat.

What if I don’t have cornstarch; can I use something else?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to get a similar crispy coating on the chicken. They both work well for creating that sticky, crunchy texture when fried.

Can I prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce and cornstarch mix for up to a few hours in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed in advance and stored separately. This makes the actual cooking process even faster and lets the flavors develop nicely.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe a try because it has truly become a beloved go-to in my kitchen. It’s quick, packing a ton of flavor with minimal fuss, and brings both comfort and excitement to the dinner table. Once you make it, I’m confident it will be one of those dishes you want to serve again and again. Happy cooking and enjoy every sticky, garlicky bite!