Name: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz rice noodles or lo mein noodles; 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 green onions, sliced; Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chili flakes, lime wedges

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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a crave-worthy, one-pan dish packed with sweet-savory garlic sauce, tender chicken, and slurpable noodles. It’s quick, bold in flavor, and better than takeout—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner when I want something fast, flavorful, and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand. The chicken is coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze that clings to every strand of noodle, and the balance of sweet, salty, and savory hits all the right notes. It’s versatile, incredibly satisfying, and easy to make in one pan—less cleanup, more flavor. Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
Soy sauce
Dark soy sauce (for color and depth, optional)
Oyster sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (optional, grated)
Rice noodles or lo mein noodles
Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
Green onions (sliced)
Sesame oil or vegetable oil
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chili flakes, lime wedges

Directions

I start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse and set them aside.
I toss the sliced chicken in cornstarch, salt, and pepper for a light coating.
In a hot pan or wok, I heat a bit of oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. I remove it and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté the garlic (and ginger, if using) until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
I stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly.
I return the chicken to the pan and toss it to coat in the sticky sauce.
I add the cooked noodles and green onions, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated and glossy.
I serve it hot with sesame seeds and chili flakes sprinkled on top if I want a little heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 as a main dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, and I switch up the noodles with soba, ramen, or even spaghetti if that’s what I have. I like tossing in quick-cooking veggies like bok choy, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. For a spicy version, I add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out. The microwave works too—I just stir halfway through. Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

FAQs

What kind of noodles work best?

I usually go for rice noodles or lo mein-style egg noodles. Udon, soba, or even spaghetti can work if that’s what I’ve got.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add chili flakes or sriracha. The base sauce is sweet and savory, so I control the heat level depending on my mood.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I’m using leftovers, I skip the cornstarch step and toss the chicken in during the final minutes just to heat it through.

What’s the purpose of cornstarch on the chicken?

Cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crisp texture and helps the sauce cling to it, making it extra sticky and flavorful.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use tofu or a mix of stir-fried veggies and swap out the oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom-based alternative.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are one of those dishes I come back to over and over again. They’re quick, packed with flavor, and easy to adapt to whatever’s in my pantry. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this is my go-to for a satisfying dinner that hits every craving in one bowl.