Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

By:

Emily Hart

| Posted on:

March 1, 2026

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles with a savory sauce and crispy vegetables

Recipes

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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a quick, tasty meal with soft noodles and sticky, garlicky chicken. The sauce is sweet and savory and clings to the chicken and noodles. If you like quick noodle dishes, you can also try the crispy garlic chicken noodles recipe for a different texture and crunch.

Why make this recipe

It cooks fast.
It needs few ingredients.
It tastes like takeout but is home made.
Kids and adults both enjoy it.

How to make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Follow simple steps: cook the noodles, brown the chicken, make the sticky sauce, and toss all together. Work in order so the sauce clings to the noodles and chicken.

Ingredients :

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
8 oz noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Directions :

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles per package instructions. Drain and toss with a little oil to keep them from sticking.
While the noodles cook, pat the chicken dry and place in a bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the pieces and toss until lightly and evenly coated. Shake off excess.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to let it brown. Flip pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 2 to 4 more minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the soy sauce, honey, and red chili flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked noodles and use tongs to fold everything together, allowing the sauce to cling to the noodles and chicken. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes so the noodles absorb some sauce.
Remove from heat, top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

How to serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add extra chopped green onion on top. You can add a squeeze of lime for brightness or a side of steamed vegetables for more color.

How to store Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Cool to room temperature.
Put in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or heat in the microwave until hot.

Tips to make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Pat the chicken dry so the cornstarch sticks well.
Do not crowd the pan when browning the chicken. Work in batches if needed.
Use a little oil on the noodles after draining to stop them from sticking.
For a different finish, check a crispy garlic chicken noodles version to learn crisping tips.
Taste the sauce and add more honey or soy to match your sweet-salty balance.

Variation (if any)

Make it spicy: add more red chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a change.
Swap honey for brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully, pat dry, then follow the same steps.

Q: What noodles work best?
A: Rice noodles or egg noodles both work well. Use what you like or have on hand.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook and store it, but the noodles may soak up sauce. Gently reheat with a splash of water.

Q: Is cornstarch necessary?
A: Cornstarch helps make the chicken slightly crisp and helps the sauce stick. You can skip it but the texture will change.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make it gluten-free.