Savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles You’ll Crave Tonight: A Quick and Delicious Dish
Short introduction
Savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a delightful Asian-inspired meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and soft noodles in a sticky sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is not only satisfying but also quick to make, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but craving something tasty.
Why you’ll love it
This recipe is more than just delicious; it’s packed with benefits. The combination of chicken and vegetables offers a healthy dose of protein and essential nutrients, while the garlic brings a savory aroma that elevates the dish. With its sticky sauce, you’ll find this meal incredibly satisfying and crave-worthy. Moreover, it’s customizable with your favorite proteins and veggies, ensuring that it suits your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast (can substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu)
- 8 oz Thin egg noodles (rice noodles or spaghetti are great alternatives)
- 4 cloves Garlic (fresh cloves deliver essential aroma and flavor)
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp Honey (swap with maple syrup for a different note)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (increase amount for a stickier consistency)
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil (can use vegetable or canola oil if needed)
- 2 cups Vegetables (like bell peppers and snap peas; add any favorites you have on hand)
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have chicken on hand, shrimp, beef, or tofu can make for great substitutes, adding a different flavor and texture to the dish. For the noodles, you can use rice noodles or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. When it comes to vegetables, feel free to toss in whatever you love or need to use up, like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. You can also adjust the sweetness and saltiness by changing the amount of honey or soy sauce.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Mince the garlic and chop your choice of vegetables. This will help everything cook evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Cook the noodles
Boil water in a pot and cook the thin egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add garlic and vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and your chopped vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch with a little water to create a smooth sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine, allowing it to thicken.
Step 6: Combine everything
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce until everything is well-coated and heated through. Cook for an additional minute or two for the flavors to meld.
Success tips
- Ensure that the skillet is hot enough before cooking the chicken to get a good sear.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it can turn bitter if browned too much.
- If you want a stickier sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency.
How to serve
Serve the Savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & reheating
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce, making sure it stays nice and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use other meats in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Q2: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure the noodles are certified gluten-free.
Q3: What other vegetables can I use?
You can add broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or any of your favorite vegetables.
Q4: Can I prepare this in advance?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time and cook them right before serving.
Q5: Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha if you like some heat!
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish provides a hearty balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a meal that can keep you satisfied for hours. The vegetables offer a great range of vitamins and minerals, depending on what you choose to include.
Conclusion
Savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again. With its ease of preparation and flexibility in ingredients, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Try it tonight and see for yourself how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home!
Links to related recipes
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Easy Teriyaki Chicken
- Garlic Butter Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Sesame Noodle Salad
- One-Pan Chicken and Rice
Savory Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast Can substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu
- 8 oz Thin egg noodles Rice noodles or spaghetti are great alternatives
- 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves deliver essential aroma and flavor
- ¼ cup Soy sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free option
- 2 tbsp Honey Swap with maple syrup for a different note
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Increase amount for a stickier consistency
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil Can use vegetable or canola oil if needed
- 2 cups Vegetables Like bell peppers and snap peas; add any favorites you have on hand
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Mince the garlic and chop your choice of vegetables.
Cooking
- Boil water in a pot and cook the thin egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and your chopped vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch with a little water to create a smooth sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine, allowing it to thicken.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce until everything is well-coated and heated through. Cook for an additional minute or two for the flavors to meld.