Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a dish that brings together the mouthwatering flavors of succulent chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfectly complemented by tender noodles and aromatic garlic. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re eager for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to adore Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup—your favorite! The combination of chicken and noodles offers a satisfying bite that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Moreover, the marinade of soy sauce, honey, and garlic makes every bite burst with flavor, leaving you wanting more. It’s a family-friendly dish that is not only easy to prepare but also allows for flexibility with ingredients, making it adaptable to your taste.
Ingredients
To whip up a scrumptious batch of Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey (for that perfect balance of sweet and savory)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (to enhance the flavor profile)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for that delightful crispiness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 oz noodles (rice or egg noodles, whichever you prefer)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for crunch)
Each ingredient contributes to a rich tapestry of flavors. The juicy chicken pieces mixed with the rich, glossy sauce create a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these straightforward steps to create your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and optional 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes until combined. This mixture will serve as the yummy sauce for your dish.
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Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This technique helps to achieve that iconic crispy texture.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This will create a beautiful, crispy exterior while ensuring tenderness inside.
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Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the homemade sauce over your golden chicken and stir well to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and wraps around the chicken perfectly.
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Prepare the Noodles: While the sauce is thickening, cook your 8 ounces of noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated.
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Garnish: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch before serving.
Enjoy your plate of Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, which promises to satisfy your cravings for something savory, sweet, and oh-so-delicious!
Tips & Tricks
- For added color and nutrition, consider throwing in some vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli while cooking. They will add a nice crunch and complement the dish!
- If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add a dash of sriracha.
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes prior can intensify the flavor even more!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles can be served on its own, but for a complete meal, pair it with steamed vegetables or a light salad. A refreshing cucumber salad can balance the richness of the dish perfectly. For beverage options, try a chilled iced tea or a light beer—both complement the flavors beautifully!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming four servings):
- Calories: 412
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Storing Tips & Variations
Leftover Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture.
Variations:
- Swap out chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki or sweet and sour, to change up the flavor.
- For those who are gluten-sensitive, consider using gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.
Conclusion
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish promises not just to fill you up but to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors. Don’t wait too long—grab your ingredients and try this recipe for yourself!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before coating it with cornstarch and cooking.
2. What type of noodles should I use?
You can use either rice noodles or egg noodles, depending on your preference. Both work wonderfully!
3. Is there a substitute for honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.
4. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The red chili flakes are optional, so feel free to omit them for a milder taste.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, combining them with noodles just before serving.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
For the chicken and noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz noodles (rice or egg noodles) Whichever you prefer
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For frying
- 2 tbsp cornstarch For crispy texture
- 2 green onions, chopped For garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds Optional for crunch
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey For sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 1 tsp grated ginger To enhance flavor
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes Optional, for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red chili flakes until combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until coated.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the coated chicken.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat; allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- While the sauce thickens, cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing gently to combine.
Serving
- Serve garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.