There’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of glossy noodles coated in a sticky garlic sauce, with tender chunks of chicken, a hint of spice, and that irresistible sweet-savory balance. If you’ve ever craved takeout but wanted something fresher, more affordable, and just as delicious this Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is exactly what you need.
This dish is quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for entertaining, and customizable so you can adjust the flavors to your perfect level of garlicky goodness. Plus, it uses simple pantry ingredients to create that restaurant-quality flavor at home.
What Is Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a stir-fried noodle dish featuring juicy pieces of chicken tossed in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce. The sauce often includes soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar (or honey), and sometimes chili for heat. The noodles soak up all the flavors while staying slightly chewy, creating the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Think of it as the love child of honey garlic chicken and Asian stir-fried noodles—it’s indulgent, sticky, and comforting while still being fresh and vibrant thanks to green onions and sesame seeds.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Better Than Takeout: Bold, garlicky, glossy noodles in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Quick & Easy: One pan, no complicated steps.
- Crowd Pleaser: Loved by kids, adults, and even picky eaters.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, veggies, or spice levels to your taste.
How Does It Taste?
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles hits all the right flavor notes:
- Garlicky: With fresh minced garlic cooked until fragrant.
- Sweet & Savory: The sauce has that irresistible balance of salty soy sauce and caramelized sweetness from sugar or honey.
- Umami-Rich: Soy sauce and chicken combine for that deep, satisfying flavor.
- Slightly Spicy: A hint of chili (optional) keeps it exciting.
- Fresh Finish: Green onions and sesame seeds brighten the dish.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean protein to keep you full.
- Garlic: Naturally boosts immunity and heart health.
- Soy Sauce: Provides minerals and umami depth.
- Noodles: Carbs for energy (choose whole wheat or rice noodles for healthier options).
- Optional Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots add fiber and vitamins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or chili paste (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Protein Swap: Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.
- Noodle Options: Use ramen noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Spice Level: Add sriracha, chili oil, or fresh sliced chilies.
- Extra Veggies: Snow peas, mushrooms, cabbage, or baby corn.
- Sauce Twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
How to Make
- Cook Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and let it bubble until glossy and thick.
- Combine: Add chicken and noodles back into the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in sticky garlic sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
What to Serve With
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, snow peas).
- Fresh cucumber salad for crunch.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls.
- A side of miso soup or wonton soup.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Cook garlic gently—burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
- Double the sauce if you love extra saucy noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Chicken won’t brown properly.
- Too much soy sauce: Can overpower the dish; balance with sweetness.
- Skipping cornstarch slurry: The sauce won’t have that signature glossy, sticky texture.
- Overcooking garlic: Always cook garlic until just fragrant, not browned.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 1 month (reheat with a splash of water).
- Reheat: Stir-fry on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of soy sauce to refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies.
What noodles work best?
Lo mein or egg noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or ramen works too.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Store in portions for quick grab-and-go lunches.
How do I make it spicier?
Add sriracha, chili oil, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 480
Protein: 30g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 980mg
Conclusion
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—fast, flavorful, and customizable. It’s everything you love about takeout noodles but fresher, cheaper, and tailored to your taste. With tender chicken, chewy noodles, and that addictive sticky garlic sauce, this dish is destined to become a regular at your dinner table.
Next time you’re craving noodles, skip the delivery app and whip up this recipe—you’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying it is!
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: A Takeout-Style Favorite You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry with juicy chicken, chewy noodles, and a sticky garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and addictive.
Ingredients
8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Add chicken and cook until golden brown; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes.
4. Mix cornstarch with water; add to sauce and simmer until glossy.
5. Return chicken and noodles to the skillet. Toss well until coated.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Double the sauce for extra saucy noodles.
Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
Keywords: sticky garlic chicken noodles, homemade takeout noodles, Asian garlic chicken recipe, garlic noodle stir fry, quick weeknight dinner
