Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles – Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and comforting dinner, these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles will become your new go-to. Packed with juicy chicken, chewy noodles, and a glossy garlic sauce that clings to every strand, this dish delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are one of those meals that feel restaurant-quality but are made with simple pantry ingredients. The magic is in the sauce – a blend of garlic, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and a touch of chili for heat. Everything comes together in one pan, making it a stress-free weeknight dinner option.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can toss in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. You can swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu. And the best part? The sticky garlic sauce works with almost anything.

Whether you’re craving cozy comfort food, looking for a crowd-pleaser, or just want something quick and satisfying, these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles hit the spot. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself cooking them on repeat.


What Makes This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Special?

  • Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Homemade takeout – Skip the delivery and enjoy better-than-restaurant flavor.

  • Sticky garlic sauce – Sweet, salty, garlicky, and coats the noodles beautifully.

  • Flexible ingredients – Works with chicken, shrimp, beef, or even plant-based proteins.

  • One-pan convenience – Less mess, less cleanup.

This recipe combines the bold flavors of Asian-inspired garlic noodles with the ease of a home-cooked stir fry. The quick cooking method means your chicken stays tender while the noodles soak up every drop of that glossy sauce. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this takeout favorite at home anytime.


Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.

  • Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for deep flavor. Use 4–5 cloves, finely minced.

  • Soy sauce – Adds salty umami depth. Use light soy for saltiness, dark soy for color.

  • Honey or brown sugar – Brings the sticky sweetness that balances the garlic and soy.

  • Noodles – Egg noodles or wheat noodles work best. Rice noodles are a gluten-free option.

  • Vegetables – Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add color and crunch.

  • Chili flakes or sriracha (optional) – For a mild kick of heat.

  • Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings to every bite.

  • Sesame oil – Adds nutty aroma (a little goes a long way).


How To Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

  1. Cook the noodles
    Boil noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

  2. Prep the chicken
    Cut chicken into bite-sized strips. Season with a little salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of soy sauce.

  3. Cook the chicken
    Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the sauce
    In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cornstarch slurry if needed.

  5. Combine everything
    Return chicken to the pan. Add noodles and toss to coat in the sticky garlic sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is glossy and well combined.

  6. Finish and serve
    Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, straight from the wok.

(Tip: If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of noodle cooking water to loosen the sauce.)


Storage Options

  • Room temperature: Best eaten immediately. Don’t leave out for more than 2 hours.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately.

  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the noodles.


Variations and Substitutions

  • Shrimp noodles – Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for just 2–3 minutes.

  • Beef version – Thinly sliced flank steak works beautifully.

  • Vegetarian option – Use tofu or mushrooms instead of meat.

  • Spicy kick – Add more chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced red chilies.

  • Seasonal veggies – Try zucchini in summer or bok choy in winter.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rice noodles instead of egg noodles?
Yes, rice noodles work well and make the dish gluten-free if you also use tamari instead of soy sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from burning?
Cook garlic on medium heat and add liquid quickly. Stir constantly to avoid sticking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Assemble with noodles just before serving.

Why are my noodles clumping?
Toss drained noodles with sesame oil to keep them from sticking before mixing with sauce.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook chicken in batches so it sears instead of steaming.

Is this spicy?
Not unless you add chili. Keep it mild or spicy depending on preference.


Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate quick-fix dinner – flavorful, comforting, and endlessly customizable. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-style meal in half an hour. Try this recipe tonight and see how fast it disappears from the table. Don’t forget to share your version – I’d love to hear how you make it your own!


Print

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles – Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

  • Author: Elysia Rowan
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 20min
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken thighs or breasts, sliced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz egg noodles

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • Vegetables of choice (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)

Instructions

  • Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Sear chicken in a wok until golden. Remove.

  • Sauté garlic, add soy sauce and honey. Thicken with cornstarch.

  • Return chicken, add noodles, and toss to coat.

  • Serve hot with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Protein: 28g

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