Name: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz ramen or lo mein noodles; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional); 2 stalks green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking); Salt and pepper to taste

I’ve made these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles more times than I can count, and every time, I’m amazed by how fast they disappear from the dinner table. The noodles are perfectly saucy with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. The tender pieces of chicken soak up that sticky glaze, while the springy noodles hold on to every bit of sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food, yet comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

I love recipes that deliver bold flavors without needing a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles checks both boxes. It’s a go-to for those nights when I want something satisfying and crave-worthy, but don’t want to spend forever cooking. Whether I’m making it for myself, for guests, or as a quick weeknight dinner, it never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

These noodles are a one-pan wonder—easy, fast, and deeply flavorful. The sauce is thick and sticky, clinging to every strand of noodle and chunk of chicken. You’ll love the contrast of the tender noodles with the crispy edges of the chicken. And let’s be honest, that sticky garlic glaze? Absolutely addictive. It’s a better-than-takeout kind of dish you can whip up in less than 30 minutes.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

You can use almost any kind of noodles for this recipe, but I find that ramen or lo mein-style noodles work best. They absorb the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy. If you’re going for a slightly healthier version, soba or rice noodles are great too—just make sure not to overcook them. The key is to choose noodles with enough bite to stand up to the sticky sauce.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of chicken, boneless pork or shrimp make great alternatives. For a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh will soak up that sauce just as well. Want to skip soy sauce? Try coconut aminos. Need a gluten-free version? Use tamari and gluten-free noodles. Don’t have honey? Brown sugar works in a pinch. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is to whatever you’ve got in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Chicken breast or thighs – Tender chunks of chicken form the base of this dish. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breast works just as well.

Noodles – Ramen or lo mein noodles hold the sauce beautifully. Make sure they’re cooked al dente to prevent sogginess.

Garlic – The star of the flavor profile. Fresh garlic gives the sauce its deep, aromatic punch.

Soy sauce – A salty, umami-rich base for the sticky sauce.

Hoisin sauce – Adds a sweet and savory depth that rounds out the flavors.

Honey – Brings that signature sticky sweetness and balances the saltiness.

Sesame oil – Adds a nutty, toasty finish that enhances the overall taste.

Cornstarch – Used to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce for that glossy, sticky texture.

Chili flakes or sriracha – Optional, but perfect if you want a spicy kick.

Green onions – For freshness and a pop of color at the end.

Sesame seeds – Add a bit of crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with a bit of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps give it a light crust when seared and also thickens the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly. Add minced garlic and a splash of sesame oil. Cook for about 30 seconds, then stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and chili flakes or sriracha. Let it bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Boil the Noodles

While the sauce simmers, boil your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, followed by the noodles. Toss well to ensure everything is coated in the sticky glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while it’s hot and glossy. Add extra chili flakes if you like it spicier.

How Long to Prepare Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Prep Time:
Chopping the chicken, garlic, and green onions should take about 10–15 minutes. If your noodles require boiling, add another 5–7 minutes for that. You can save time by prepping ingredients while the noodles cook.

Cook Time:
Once you start cooking, it moves quickly. Searing the chicken takes around 5–6 minutes, and the sauce needs another 3–4 minutes to come together. Tossing everything together at the end takes just a couple of minutes. In total, cooking takes about 15 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Use high heat when searing the chicken to get those crisp golden edges.
Don’t overcook the noodles, especially if they’ll be going back into a hot pan. Slightly undercooked is best.
Fresh garlic makes a difference. Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe.
Add the sauce off direct high heat to avoid burning the sugars in the honey.
Toss quickly once combined to avoid soggy noodles.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using too much cornstarch can make the chicken gummy instead of crispy.
Letting the garlic burn—it becomes bitter very fast.
Skipping the rinse step after boiling noodles can make them clump together.
Adding all sauce at once—if you’re unsure, add gradually and taste.
Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it.

What to Serve With Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles?

1. Steamed Broccoli

Adds a light, fresh balance to the rich, sticky noodles.

2. Cucumber Salad

Crunchy and refreshing—perfect contrast in texture and temperature.

3. Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside, savory inside. They pair great with the noodles.

4. Pickled Vegetables

Adds tang and brightness that cuts through the sweet glaze.

5. Miso Soup

A comforting and light broth to enjoy alongside the bold flavors.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles reheat well, though you may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen them.

Freezer: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as noodles tend to break down and become mushy when thawed and reheated. However, you can freeze just the cooked chicken and sauce portion for up to 2 months, then make fresh noodles when ready to eat.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Microwave is fine for quick reheats, but be sure to cover the container and stir halfway through.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 850mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work well too.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance, but assemble and toss everything fresh for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only slightly, depending on how much chili you add. You can adjust to your taste or skip the spice entirely.

What’s the best substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can mix a bit of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey to mimic the flavor.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Just warm it in the sauce and then add the noodles. It won’t be as crispy but still delicious.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is the perfect quick-and-easy dinner recipe when you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, springy noodles, and that sweet-savory garlic glaze hits all the right notes. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and better than takeout. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation!