Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is the kind of dish that grabs your senses at first glance and keeps you coming back for more. Rich, glossy noodles coated in a sticky garlic-soy sauce cling to tender chunks of seared chicken, all garnished with a fresh sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that will make your weeknight dinners feel like takeout—only better and much quicker.

This dish is not just packed with flavor, but it also comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a cozy comfort meal or need a quick fix after a long day, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles delivers satisfaction without the hassle. It’s a go-to recipe for busy evenings, meal prepping, or when you simply want something seriously delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

• It’s quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• One-pan cooking means less cleanup
• Bold, garlicky, sweet-savory flavor that tastes just like your favorite takeout
• Easily customizable with veggies or different proteins
• Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles a breeze, here are the essential tools you’ll need:

• Large Non-stick Skillet or Wok: This is your go-to for stir-frying. Its wide surface helps sear the chicken properly and allows the sauce to coat the noodles evenly.
• Tongs or Chopsticks: These help you stir and toss the noodles without breaking them apart.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: You’ll need these to dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and prep your green onions.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together your sticky garlic sauce before adding it to the pan.

Each tool ensures that the dish comes together efficiently and evenly, with maximum flavor infused into every bite.

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Preparation Tips

Start by cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken—this helps it sear beautifully, locking in the juices. Always mix your sauce in advance so you’re not scrambling once the pan is hot. Use fresh garlic for a more pungent, aromatic flavor. Don’t overcook the noodles; you want them to hold their texture and not become mushy once tossed in the sauce. Finish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch.

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Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

• 8 oz (225g) fresh or dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as substitute)
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra aroma)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water or reserved noodle water (to loosen sauce if needed)

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into even, bite-sized cubes. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside for later.

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Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them lightly with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, then add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic (and ginger if using). Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

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Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir for about a minute until it begins to bubble and slightly thicken. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat well in the sauce.

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Step 6: Add the Noodles

Add the drained noodles to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Use tongs to gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and mix in sliced green onions. Plate the noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles at home!

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Notes

You can swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you’re looking for variety. For a veggie boost, throw in bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas during the stir-fry stage. This dish is very forgiving—adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or heat level according to your preference. Using fresh garlic and green onions adds a burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the noodles: They will turn mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Cook them just to al dente.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast—keep the heat medium-low when adding it to avoid a bitter taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook chicken in batches so it sears instead of steams.
• Skipping the sauce prep: Having the sauce ready before cooking makes the process smoother and prevents overcooking the garlic or chicken.

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Storage Instructions

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles store well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave. For freezing, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The noodles may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of noodles should I use?

Lo mein, yakisoba, or even spaghetti noodles work well. Fresh noodles give the best texture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it during the sauce step to avoid drying it out.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste to kick up the heat.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), hoisin, and noodles.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with tofu or more vegetables. Use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, but make sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I avoid sticky noodles?

Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil and rinse in cold water after boiling.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid watering down the sauce.

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Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is a fast, flexible, and flavor-packed recipe that can be tailored to any taste or dietary need. From quick weeknight dinners to meal-prep batches, it’s a dependable dish that never disappoints. Keep it simple or load it with extras—either way, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

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