When it comes to quick and flavorful dinners, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles easily earn their spot at the top of the list. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a luscious garlic sauce that clings to every strand. It’s sweet, savory, slightly spicy if you choose, and absolutely satisfying.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving tips, nutritional info, and why this recipe should be your go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
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Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
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Bold Flavors – The sticky garlic sauce is sweet, salty, and perfectly balanced.
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Customizable – Add veggies, swap noodles, or adjust spice levels.
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Better Than Takeout – Homemade, fresh, and budget-friendly.
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Family Favorite – Both kids and adults love it.
Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
To make this recipe authentic and irresistible, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
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Chicken breast or thighs – Boneless, skinless; thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well.
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Soy sauce – For marinade and base flavor.
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Cornstarch – Helps crisp the chicken and thicken the sauce.
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Vegetable or sesame oil – For frying and flavor.
the Sticky Garlic Sauce
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Garlic – Freshly minced for bold aroma.
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Soy sauce (light & dark if available) – For salty umami flavor.
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Oyster sauce – Adds depth and sweetness.
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Brown sugar or honey – To create the sticky glaze.
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Rice vinegar or lime juice – Balances the richness.
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Chili flakes or sriracha (optional) – For a spicy kick.
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Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce to coat the noodles.
the Noodles
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Egg noodles, rice noodles, or spaghetti – Any type that holds sauce well.
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Salt – For boiling water.
Optional Add-Ins
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Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas for color and crunch.
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Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prep the Chicken
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Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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In a bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss chicken until coated.
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Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2: Cook the Noodles
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Boil noodles according to package instructions.
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Drain and set aside. Toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
3: Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce
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Heat oil in a wok or skillet.
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Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
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Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
4: Cook the Chicken
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Heat oil in the same wok.
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Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside.
5: Combine Everything
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Add cooked noodles to the wok.
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Pour in the sticky garlic sauce.
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Toss in the chicken and optional veggies.
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Mix until every noodle strand is coated.
6: Garnish & Serve
Top with sesame seeds, green onions, or extra chili flakes. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
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Use high heat – Stir-fry quickly for restaurant-style texture.
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Don’t overcook noodles – Keep them al dente to avoid mushiness.
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Balance flavors – Adjust sweetness, saltiness, and acidity to your preference.
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Double the sauce – If you like extra saucy noodles, make a larger batch.
Variations
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Spicy Garlic Chicken Noodles – Add more chili flakes, sriracha, or Thai chili.
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Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or extra veggies.
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Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
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Peanut Style – Add peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist.
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Egg Stir-Fry Addition – Scramble eggs into the noodles for extra protein.
serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables.
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Pair with Asian appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings.
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Serve family-style in a large bowl for gatherings.
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Add a squeeze of lime for freshness.
Nutritional Value (Approx. per Serving)
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Calories: 520 kcal
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Protein: 35 g
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Carbs: 55 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugar: 8 g
(Values vary depending on ingredients used)
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles lies in the perfect balance of garlic, sweetness, and savory umami. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, while the chicken adds hearty protein. It’s comfort food, yet light enough to enjoy anytime.
Storage & Meal Prep
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just toss it into the sauce at the end.
Q2: Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes, substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.
Q3: What noodles work best?
Egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat noodles, reduce sugar, and add more vegetables.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is the answer. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to your pantry and tastes, yet it never fails to impress. Whether for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures every time.